Gamers documented their gameplay for research – In competitive gaming, learning takes place within the community
Researchers at Tampere University and Åbo Akademi University studied competitive gaming and found that effective communication is the key to successful team play. Players learn what information to share, when to share it and how to communicate efficiently. They also make use of non-verbal forms of communication, referred to by the researchers as ‘callout competence’.
The study focused on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), which remains one of the most popular games in Finland according to the Finnish Player Barometer 2024.
The researchers used an innovative methodological approach, with the participants documenting their own gameplay.
“This method provided us with rich material illustrating the complex social interactions among young male CS:GO players in Finland,” says Matilda Ståhl, Postdoctoral Researcher at Tampere University.
The fieldwork was conducted by Ståhl between 2017 and 2018. The participants included seven young men aged 17–18 at the time, all enrolled in an esports programme at a vocational school in Finland.
The material has since been analysed in collaboration with Fredrik Rusk, Associate Professor at Åbo Akademi University, along with other researchers.
“We analysed the material from both sociological and educational perspectives, which is uncommon in game studies,” says Ståhl.
Learning from more experienced players
The study shows that learning in online games occurs within the player community and is often facilitated by more experienced players.
“We observed that a new player, the novice, is supported by the team and especially by the most experienced player, the expert,” says Ståhl.
The expert employs a range of pedagogical strategies to support the novice, including repeating and adapting instructions, defending the novice’s decisions when necessary, and offering encouragement to show that the novice is also an important part of the team.
“Towards the end of the study, the novice has gained more agency as an independent player and demonstrates skills that no other team member has,” notes Ståhl.
Player identity is constructed by showing off in-game skills
According to Ståhl, the young men participating in the study constructed their player identities in several ways, primarily by demonstrating their in-game skills through the use of specific tools and weapons.
“They also make use of cosmetic modifications, such as weapon ‘skins’, which change their appearance without affecting performance. These skins have real-world monetary value, ranging from a few cents to thousands of euros,” she says.
Young men used offensive language while playing
As in online gaming more generally, the study found that the young men used offensive language during gameplay.
“On the one hand, they used homophobic slurs, but on the other, they actively challenged racist remarks made by other players,” says Ståhl.
As established by previous research, this kind of language use creates a hostile environment for marginalised groups, often affecting anyone other than white, cisgender, heterosexual men. Consequently, those affected may avoid using the voice chat feature to prevent harassment.
“Given the importance of voice communication for participation and the development of callout competence, this shows that online games are not played on equal terms by all players,” notes Ståhl.
“There is a risk that novices who learn the game within a community may also be socialised into certain forms of behaviour and language alongside learning how to play,” she concludes.
Join the event: Hear Matilda Ståhl and Fredrik Rusk speak on Friday 12 June 2026 at 14 in Vapriikki.
