A Model of the Threats that Disreputable Behavior Present to Esports Sponsors

Both esports sponsors and academia are not aware of how disreputable behavior in the esports scene can negatively affect their brands. Hence, this research aimed at identifying which types of disreputable behavior in competitive gaming present the biggest threats to esports sponsors. In this quantit...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Abreu Freitas, Bruno Duarte, Contreras, Ruth S. (Ruth Sofhía), Pereira Correia, Pedro Álvaro
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Institución:UVic-UCC
Repositorio:RiUVic. Repositori institucional de la UVic-UCC
OAI Identifier:oai:dspace.uvic.cat:10854/8642
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10854/8642
https://doi.org/10.7903/cmr.20779
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Esports
Patrocini esportiu
Màrqueting
Descripción
Sumario:Both esports sponsors and academia are not aware of how disreputable behavior in the esports scene can negatively affect their brands. Hence, this research aimed at identifying which types of disreputable behavior in competitive gaming present the biggest threats to esports sponsors. In this quantitative and exploratory research, a non-probability, purposive, and heterogeneous sampling method was employed to gather a sample of 1,592 esports fans who filled a closed-ended online survey. Results showed that illegal and unregulated gambling was a high-risk threat to esports sponsors; toxic behavior, match-fixing, and cheating were labeled as medium-risk threats; and sexism, cyberattacks, and doping were found to be low-risk threats. Besides being one of the first studies on esports sponsorships, which serves as a basis for future research in this market, the findings contribute to the sustainability of the esports industry and its sponsors. Managerial implications are also discussed.