From Arcade "Challengers" to Digital Athletes: A Narrative Review of the Evolving Esports Experience in Hong Kong

Abstract

Introduction: Esports has evolved from a niche subculture into a global digital industry. Hong Kong presents a unique case study where the "esports experience" is deeply rooted in the physical arcade culture of the 1980s before transitioning to online arenas. This narrative review explores the evolution of the player and spectator experience in Hong Kong, analyzing how historical arcade practices influenced modern digital athleticism. Methods: A narrative review was conducted by synthesizing historical archives, academic studies, government policy documents, and qualitative data on player perceptions in Hong Kong. The review traces the trajectory of esports development through three distinct eras: the Golden Era of Arcades (1980s–2000s), the Digital Transition and Legitimacy Turning Point (2012–2017), and the Modern Professional Era (2018–Present). Results: The "game centre" (locally known as Gei Pou) culture fostered a unique tangible user experience characterized by "queueing" (locally known as Gan Gei) and face-to-face "challenging" (locally known as Tiu Gei). This physical competitiveness laid the groundwork for the region’s fighting game expertise. The 2012 world championship victory by a Hong Kong player and the government’s 2017 policy recognition shifted the experience from rebellious leisure to professional pursuit. However, recent studies using the Theory of Planned Behavior indicate that while infrastructure (e.g., Cyberport) has improved, the user experience for aspiring "digital athletes" remains conflicted by social stigma and academic pressures. Conclusion: The evolution of esports in Hong Kong represents a shift from immersive physical spaces to digitally mediated professional environments. While the hardware and status of players have upgraded, the core spirit of "challenging" remains. Future developments in immersive media should address the psychological well-being of players to sustain this ecosystem.