Esports and the metaverse

Abstract

This chapter reflects on the professionalisation of competitive electronic gaming both in traditional formats and within the immersive, fully digital realm of the Metaverse, and explores where and how blockchain technology underpins the Metaverse’s infrastructure, enabling new forms of identity, governance, incentives, and digital economies. Esports and multiplayer gaming platforms are blending Web3 tools with their traditional Web2 frameworks to create dynamic economies where digital assets like in-game currencies, avatar customisations, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) can be created, traded, and monetised. These developments are reshaping esports into highly immersive, interactive experiences where players influence gameplay innovations and fans engage through digital ownership and interaction. By incorporating blockchain, tokenomics, and institutional reform, the Metaverse and esports can foster robust and equitable digital economies. These advancements promise enhanced professionalism, secure marketplaces, and innovative fan engagement, setting the stage for a transformative era in competitive gaming.