Esports theology – the perspective of media and communication. My study for „Studia Theologica Varsaviensia”.

Esports in the light of the documents of the Catholic Church on the media

The concept of esports does not appear directly in the contemporary teaching of the Catholic Church on media and communication. However, there are three important problem categories which indirectly concern esports as a media and communication phenomenon in the theological perspective. Firstly, it is the problem of person and community in the virtual world. Secondly, the issue of evangelization taking into account modern digital technologies. Thirdly, the issue of moral responsibility of the users of virtual reality.

Esports in the perspective of theology of contemporary video games

While it is difficult to pinpoint how the term esports theology is used in the literature, the search yielded a number of publications on the theological interpretation of videogames that are relevant to the subject under consideration here. Two major categories of problems can be identified in this regard, i.e. efforts to systematize the theology of video games and undertaking a theological critique of their content.

Esports theology – 3 topics for discussion

The above analysis of the Catholic Church’s media documents on virtual reality and contemporary studies on the theology of video games allows for a preliminary interpretation of esports as a communication phenomenon in a theological perspective. Such an attempt has neither yet been sufficiently made by the Magisterium nor in theological research. The interpretation of the issue leads to three basic conclusions:

1. The possibility of direct and communal participation in esports gameplay

First, it is important to identify an important difference between team-based esports and individual participation in computer games. As far as the latter is concerned, there is a risk of too deep immersion in the reality of a given virtual game. A slightly different anthropological and cultural situation occurs in the case of team play. Players often interact with each other through a microphone and a headset. Their activity requires them to collaborate with each other, exchange ideas during the game, determine the division of roles, tactics, and strategies.

2. The question of religious and moral evaluation of the content of esports games

Second, an important question arises about the religious character of esports, taking into account the aspect of moral responsibility for the use of virtual entertainment. It is difficult for a Christian to accept uncritically the universe of some computer games, which directly undermine the main truths of faith. Moreover, in such situations s/he is required to stand in an apologetic stance. But there is also a more implicit moral issue of consent to the depiction in computer games of scenes of excessive physical and psychological violence, including sexual violence.

3. The theological and pastoral tasks in this regard

And third, it is essential to point out the theological and pastoral tasks in the field of esports. There is a lack of studies. On the theological interpretation of specific virtual productions and the search for the theophoric quality mentioned above. However, video games are increasingly dominating the world of communication for children and adolescents. Which means that video games should be taken into account in all pedagogical activities. Including religious instruction and catechesis. I invite you to read the whole study in „Studia Theologica Varsaviensia”.