This is a summary of the book titled “Changing the Game: Discover How Esports and Gaming are Redefining Business, Careers, Education, and the Future” written by Lucy Chow and published by River Grove Books, 2022.

For decades, video gaming has been burdened by the stereotype of the reclusive, underachieving gamer—a perception that has long obscured the profound social and financial benefits that gaming can offer. In this book, the author together with 38 contributing experts, sets out to dismantle these misconceptions, offering a comprehensive introduction to the world of esports and gaming for those unfamiliar with its scope and impact.

Today, gaming is no longer a fringe activity but a central pillar of the social, cultural, and economic mainstream. With three billion players worldwide, video games have become a global phenomenon, connecting people across continents and cultures. The rise of esports—competitive gaming at a professional level—has been particularly striking. Esports tournaments now rival traditional sporting events in terms of viewership and excitement. In 2018, for example, a League of Legends tournament drew more viewers than the Super Bowl, underscoring the immense popularity and reach of these digital competitions. The esports experience is multifaceted, encompassing not only playing but also watching professionals, or streamers, perform on platforms like Twitch, which attracts an estimated 30 million viewers daily.

Despite its growing popularity, gaming has often been dismissed by mainstream media as trivial or even dangerous, largely due to concerns about violent content. However, Chow and her contributors argue that most video games are suitable for a wide range of ages and that gaming itself is becoming increasingly mainstream. The industry is reshaping the future of work, education, and investment opportunities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization even endorsed active video gaming as beneficial for physical, mental, and emotional health. The US Food and Drug Administration approved a video game as a prescription treatment for children with ADHD, and recent research suggests that virtual reality games may help diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Participation in esports fosters valuable life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and persistence. Multiplayer competitions satisfy the human desire to gather, play, and support favorite teams. Yet, a survey of high school students in Australia and New Zealand revealed that while most celebrated gaming achievements with friends, very few shared these moments with parents or teachers, highlighting a generational gap in understanding gaming’s value. Competitive gaming, according to experts like Professor Ingo Froböse of the German Sports University Cologne, demands as much from its participants as traditional sports do from athletes, with similar physical and mental exertion. Esports also help players develop critical thinking, memory, eye-hand coordination, and problem-solving abilities.

Educational institutions have recognized the potential of gaming and esports. Universities now offer more than $16 million in esports scholarships, and high schools and colleges have established esports teams to encourage students to explore related academic and career opportunities. Some universities even offer degrees in esports management, and the field encompasses a wide range of career paths, from game design and programming to event management and streaming. The industry is vast and diverse, with researcher Nico Besombes identifying 88 different types of esports jobs. Esports is also a borderless activity, uniting people from different backgrounds and cultures.

The book also addresses gender dynamics in gaming. Traditionally, video game development has been male-dominated, and female characters have often been marginalized or objectified. While tournaments do not ban female players, hostile treatment by male competitors has limited female participation. Initiatives like the GIRLGAMER Esports Festival have sought to create more inclusive environments, and organizations such as Galaxy Race have assembled all-female teams, helping to shift the industry’s culture. Encouraging girls to play video games from a young age can have a significant impact; studies show that girls who game are 30% more likely to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The rise of casual and mobile games has brought more women into gaming, and women now make up 40% of gamers, participating in events like TwitchCon and the Overwatch League Grand Finals.

Gaming is inherently social. More than 60% of gamers play with others, either in person or online, and research indicates that gaming does not harm sociability. In fact, it can help alleviate loneliness, foster new friendships, and sustain existing ones. The stereotype of the antisocial gamer has been debunked by studies showing that gamers and non-gamers enjoy similar levels of social support. Online gaming, with its sense of anonymity, can even help players overcome social inhibitions. Gaming builds both deep and broad social connections, exposing players to new experiences and perspectives.

Esports has also attracted significant investment from major sports leagues, gaming companies, and global corporations. Brands like Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Mercedes sponsor esports events, and even companies with no direct link to gaming see value in associating with the industry. Sponsorships are crucial to the esports business model, supporting everything from tournaments to gaming cafes. The industry is now a multibillion-dollar enterprise, with elite players, large prize pools, and a dedicated fan base.

Looking ahead, machine learning and artificial intelligence are poised to drive further growth in esports, while advances in smartphone technology are making mobile gaming more competitive. Esports is also exploring new frontiers with virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality, offering immersive experiences that blend the digital and physical worlds. Games like Tree Tap Adventure, which combines AR features with real-world environmental action, exemplify the innovative potential of gaming.

This book reveals how gaming and esports are reshaping business, careers, education, and society at large. Far from being a trivial pastime, gaming is a dynamic, inclusive, and transformative force that connects people, fosters skills, and opens new opportunities for the future.