Organizational Field of eSports in Brazil: An Institutional Analysis of the Phenomenon

Objective: this study analyzes the organizational field of eSports in Brazil from the perspective of institutional theory, focusing on its four components: actors, institutional logics, relational systems, and field boundaries. The objective is to understand how this field is structured and to contribute to a multidisciplinary reading of the eSports phenomenon. Theoretical approach: the research is based on institutional theory, particularly the concept of the organizational field, to interpret the structure of eSports in Brazil. It explores the relationships between actors and the institutional logics that influence the field’s legitimacy and functioning. Methods: this is a qualitative study that employs bibliographic and documentary analysis. Academic publications, legislative documents, and journalistic materials were analyzed, along with direct online observation, to understand the different components of the organizational field of eSports. Results: the results indicate that the main actors in the field include developers, professional players, teams, fans, content creators, hosts, commentators, and event organizers. Two primary relational systems were identified: one of cognitive-cultural origin and another of normative-regulatory nature. Additionally, the study highlights a tension between two central institutional logics: eSports as a product and eSports as a culture. Conclusions: the research contributes to understanding eSports as an organizational phenomenon, emphasizing the influence of institutional logics on its structure and governance. The originality of the study lies in the application of institutional theory to analyze an emerging and dynamic field, providing insights for academics and professionals interested in the management and regulation of eSports.