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Game Slang: "dive". Screenshot from Sina Weibo (https://weibo.com/6399645614/JDUV29H05), taken by the author, 19.01.2021.
Source publication
This paper is a participant-observer case study of the Overwatch League (OWL) 2021 Chinese streaming. Within the contemporary dynamic and diversified mediascape of China, esports streaming has become increasingly popular (Taylor, 2018; Wohn & Freeman, 2020). Esports streaming allows spectators to watch esports players’ intense competitions in real...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... slogan of the series is "kan liansai xue danci" , which could be translated as "learn English vocabulary by watching OWL". Figure 3 shows an episode of Tuo nide fu, wherein "dive", an English-language slang term from OW is compared to a Chinese slang item, "fang gou" (free the dog). "Dive" and "fang gou" co-exist in the Chinese OW context and OWL streaming. ...
Citations
The landscape of online gaming has witnessed significant shifts in gender representation and dynamics, particularly in competitive games like Overwatch. This paper explores these dynamics through a case study of the professional gamer Geguri, a notable figure in the Overwatch League. The objective is to analyze how Geguri's presence and performance have influenced perceptions of gender in the gaming community, and to examine broader implications for female gamers in esports. Geguri, known for her exceptional skills as a tank player, has become a symbol of breaking gender stereotypes within the predominantly male-dominated world of professional gaming. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of game statistics with qualitative insights from interviews and fan interactions. By assessing Geguri's impact on team performance, public perception, and community discourse, the research aims to highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by female gamers in a competitive environment. Key findings reveal that Geguri's success has contributed to a shift in the narrative around gender in gaming. Her achievements challenge prevailing stereotypes and provide a role model for aspiring female players. However, the study also uncovers ongoing challenges, including instances of discrimination and the need for greater support systems within the industry. The analysis indicates that while individual success stories like Geguri's can inspire change, systemic issues persist that require continued advocacy and reform. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing gender inclusivity in esports, including fostering supportive communities, implementing equitable practices in team management, and promoting diverse role models. By examining Geguri's influence, this study underscores the importance of addressing gender dynamics to create a more inclusive and equitable gaming environment.
Gender representation in online gaming has become a significant topic of discussion as the industry evolves and diversifies. This abstract examines gender representation within the online multiplayer game Overwatch, focusing on the impact of female players and characters on the gaming community. A particular emphasis is placed on the role of Geguri, a prominent South Korean player known for her groundbreaking achievements in Overwatch, as a case study to explore broader themes of gender and representation in gaming. Overwatch, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is known for its diverse roster of characters, which includes a range of female heroes with unique abilities and backgrounds. Despite this representation in-game, the actual participation of female gamers and their portrayal in esports remains a critical issue. Geguri, whose real name is Kim Se-yeon, is a notable figure in this context. As one of the first high-profile female players in the competitive Overwatch scene, her success challenges traditional gender norms and highlights the evolving role of women in gaming. The study explores how Geguri's presence in the professional Overwatch league has influenced perceptions of female gamers and contributed to the discourse on gender representation. It examines the impact of her achievements on both in-game representation and the broader esports environment, considering how her visibility affects attitudes towards female players and the opportunities available to them. It underscores the ongoing challenges and progress in achieving gender equality in gaming spaces, highlighting the importance of diverse representation in shaping the future of the industry.
This is an extended abstract published at the 2023 DiGRA International Conference. The content has later been derived into a journal article, please read https://www.micjournal.org/article_182467.html for more information.
The fanbase of the Overwatch series and its esports competition, Overwatch League, has witnessed numerous enthusiasts, who are dedicated to fan localization of diversified social media releases from English sources into the Chinese context. The implementation of such fan activities has significantly enhanced the dissemination of information across various language contexts, thereby fostering extensive interactions within global fan communities. Through frameworks of practice-led research and netnography, this article examines Chinese fan localizers’ incentives and procedures in contributing to the English-Chinese localization of social media content. It also sheds light on potential localization issues concerning including authenticity of the information, localization quality, and fan localizers’ subjectivity. From an academic standpoint, this article explores the significant transformation of audiovisual works by extending academic cognition into new media forms, technical tools, user behaviors, and relationships with communication and translation. It illustrates the multifaceted nature of game localization and highlights the potential integration of social media fandom to generate localized content related to video games. Furthermore, it delves deeper into the intricate interplay between game localization, audiovisual translation, and game communities.
