A Stage Theory Model of Professional Video Game Players: The Sociocultural Dimensions of the Development of Expertise

• In Event: Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Instructional Technology SIG: Sociocultural and Motivational Factors in Game-Based Learning

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to illuminate the manner in which professional game players develop over time. In our analysis, we used activity theory to provide a theoretical framework to illuminate various components of professional game players’ activities. Then, we analyzed interviews with professional gamers, team directors, and psychological counselors of professional game players in South Korea. Results of our analysis demonstrated that professional players of Star Craft go through the following stages: Enjoying, Struggling, Achieving, Slumping, and Recovering. Although each stage has its own activity system components, the stages are categorized by two main characteristics according to the similarities of the conditions; one is the ‘intrinsic stage’ and the other is the ‘extrinsic stage.’

Authors

• Michael K. Thomas, St. John's University

• Sahoon H. Kim, Indiana University