Staffordshire University London to host esports conference

New research and insights from the world of esports will be explored at a conference to take place in tech capital of the world this Autumn.

Gaming chairs and pcs in technicolour

The three day conference will take place at Staffordshire University London as part of the University's 20 years of Games celebrations

Drawing on our rich history in games education and the recent surge of esports events in the UK, we are poised to deliver an exceptional conference experience.

Cameron Vanloo, lecturer and conference co--organiser

The Esports Research Network conference will take place at Staffordshire University London from Wednesday 30th October to Friday 1st November and is open to industry experts and academics alike. There will also be an Open Panel event on Tuesday 29th October where students can network with researchers attending the conference.

The event is a collaboration between the Esports Research Network, Staffordshire University and Manchester Metropolitan University and will form part of the 20 years of Games celebrations at Staffordshire University.

Dr Tom Brock, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Manchester Met and Board member for the Esports Research Network, said: ‘‘At a time when the industry faces several challenges, from sustainability and ethical practices to the intricacies of global collaboration, this event offers an opportunity to forge new, evidence-based pathways. ‘Where Worlds Collide’ is not just a theme; it’s a call to action for thinkers, creators, and leaders in the esports community to address pressing issues and shape a resilience and inclusive future for the industry.”

The inaugural iteration of the conference took place in 2022 at Jonkoping University, Sweden, in collaboration with Dreamhack, and with speakers from established esports organisations, such as ESL Faceit Group, Riot Games, Fnatic, Ninjas in Pyjamas and Esports Insider.

Staffordshire University Esports lecturer and conference co-organiser Cameron Vanloo said: “We are thrilled to host the Esports Research Network Conference at our specialist London campus at Here East which is centred on the gaming and computing sectors.

"Esports continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and this conference provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts to exchange ideas and insights. Drawing on our rich history in games education and the recent surge of esports events in the UK, we are poised to deliver an exceptional conference experience."

The conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, paper presentations, and interactive workshops, offering attendees a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and developments in esports research and practice.

Participants can expect to engage with leading experts, network with peers, and contribute to meaningful discussions that will shape the future of esports.

A call for submissions is open for:

  • Presentation Abstracts (up to 300 words) deadline Monday 20th May
  • Full Papers (for a chance to be featured in the Journal of Electronic Gaming and Esports) 1st October
  • Panels and Workshops (500-word rationale)
  • Poster Presentations (200-word abstract & design concept)

Submissions are welcomed via EasyChair. Early bird registration will open on Thursday 15th August on the Esports Research Network website. For more information on the conference, email ern2024conference@gmail.com

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