Exploring gamification in team sports: a scoping review and research agenda

Birnstiel S, Morschheuser B (2024)

Publication Status: Accepted

Publication Type: Conference contribution, Conference Contribution

Future Publication Type: Conference contribution

Publication year: 2024

Event location: Ruka, Finnland FI

Abstract

While team sports play a pivotal role in societies around the world, we recognize a concerningly high dropout rate among young people in organized sports clubs in recent years. Research indicates that a central reason is the declining enjoyment of conducting team sports over time. In parallel, digital games have become one of the most popular leisure activities globally. Thus, gamifying team sports, i.e. the integration of design elements of digital games into team sports, is considered a promising way to re-boost the motivation of individuals in sports. However, while digital games and team sports are closely intertwined phenomena, we lack a structured understanding of how aspects of gaming can be utilized to benefit team sports and what avenues future research in this area should pursue. Therefore, in this paper, we present the results of a scoping review examining the emerging field of hybrid forms that combine digital games and team sports into gamified team sports. This paper highlights the significant potential of merging digital games into team sports to promote athlete engagement and motivation. Further, the findings reveal a need for further research and innovative approaches to unlock the full spectrum of benefits this fusion of gaming and team sports offers. Therefore, we provide a research agenda that can serve as an anchoring point for future research.

Authors with CRIS profile

Sandra Birnstiel Assistant Professorship of Information Systems (Gamification) - endowed by adidas Benedikt Morschheuser Assistant Professorship of Information Systems (Gamification) - endowed by adidas

How to cite

APA:

Birnstiel, S., & Morschheuser, B. (2024). Exploring gamification in team sports: a scoping review and research agenda. In Proceedings of the 8th International GamiFIN Conference. Ruka, Finnland, FI.

MLA:

Birnstiel, Sandra, and Benedikt Morschheuser. "Exploring gamification in team sports: a scoping review and research agenda." Proceedings of the 8th International GamiFIN Conference, Ruka, Finnland 2024.

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