Nonsport narratives, fan production, and affective discourse in girls and women eSports fandom: An alternative construction of pro-gaming in China

Abstract

This article discusses the cultural practices of girls and women eSports fans and their significance. The paper argues that the cultural performances of girls and women eSports fans challenge the hegemonic masculinity of the eSports sphere by allowing fans to enter the world of eSports affectively. Girls and women eSports fans oppose the patriarchal competitive discourse of “noob is an original sin” from traditional eSports fans and try to open new discourse spaces from the perspectives of romance, homosociality, and cuteness. Through actively participating in tournament spectatorship, social media discussions, and production of fan products, girls and women fans have developed an affective narrative of “generating power with love.” Thus, girls and women girls and women eSports fans have partially transformed the traditional male-dominant eSports fandom and opened new affective spaces for cultural practices for eSports fans.