eSports: A new window on neurocognitive expertise?

Mark J. Campbell, Adam J. Toth, Aidan P. Moran, Magdalena Kowal, Chris Exton

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Understanding the neurological changes that take place as expertise develops is a central topic in both cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Here, we argue that video games, despite previous misconceptions, are an excellent model environment from which one can examine the development of neurocognitive expertise. Of particular relevance we argue is the area of esports, which encompass video/computer games played within the medium of cyberspace competitively and increasingly professionally. The massive scale of participation, controlled environments, structured skill ratings, pervasive social nature, and large repositories of data, together make esports potentially a very fruitful area for scientific research to increase our understanding of a new era of cognitive athletes. This chapter reviews the progress and prospects for esports research with a particular focus on the effects of gaming on neurocognition. We also outline some exciting new avenues and techniques from which we hope to further elucidate the benefits of esports on the brain.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProgress in Brain Research
EditorsSamuele Marcora, Mustafa Sarkar
PublisherElsevier B.V.
Pages161-174
Number of pages14
ISBN (Print)9780444641878
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018

Publication series

NameProgress in Brain Research
Volume240
ISSN (Print)0079-6123
ISSN (Electronic)1875-7855

Keywords

  • AVGs
  • Cognitive enhancement
  • Cognitive training
  • Esports
  • FPS
  • MOBA
  • Neurocognition

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