Giocare a commentare. Il nuovo giornalismo eSportivo tra questioni di genere

Abstract

The research investigates the phenomenon of eSports by deepening its complex nature related to the production and fruition of a journalistic media ecosystem originated by video games. The essay focuses on the professional commentary activity of eSports tournaments, with attention to the identities that convey this para-ludic communication and their social influence on the audience. Focusing on Twitch.tv – place of creation and fruition of eSports related content – I will explore the case of Indiana “Froskurinn” Black, technical commentator of eSports leagues. “Froskurinn” is one of the few women in the world of eSports journalism. Openly homosexual, her figure conveys a message that impacts the traditionally male-dominated gaming industry. Through an analysis of the contents produced by the commentator, it will be possible to highlight the existence of a new community, audience and culture of female journalists and gamers that distances itself from the original traditional malestream core.