ERN Conference 2026
Bridging Gaming Heritage and Esports Futures: Transformations, Traditions, and Tomorrow
Japan stands as one of the world’s most influential pioneers in gaming culture, having shaped the global industry through iconic companies such as Konami, SEGA, and Nintendo, and by fostering a vibrant arcade and console gaming tradition that continues to inspire generations worldwide. This deep-rooted gaming heritage provides a powerful foundation for the ongoing expansion of esports within the country.
In recent years, Japan has entered a dynamic new phase in its gaming story - one where esports are gaining recognition as both a professional pursuit and a cultural movement. Milestones such as the relaxation of prize money regulations in 2018, the establishment of professional leagues, and the increasing acceptance of esports as a legitimate career path reflect a rapidly evolving ecosystem. These developments highlight Japan’s proactive steps toward building a sustainable esports future while drawing on its unparalleled gaming legacy.
The Japanese context provides an extraordinary opportunity to study how a nation with a globally admired gaming culture is shaping its own distinctive approach to esports. Unlike markets that developed primarily around PC gaming, Japan’s strong console and arcade heritage has given rise to unique community structures, player pathways, and fan experiences. Observing this transition offers valuable lessons on how different cultural traditions and technological innovations can intersect to create new models for esports growth.
The University of Tsukuba, with its expertise in sports sciences and cutting-edge research environment, provides the ideal setting for this academic exploration. Hosting the ERN Conference in Japan not only acknowledges the country’s central role in the history of gaming but also celebrates its emergence as a growing force in esports. This moment represents an opportunity for international researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to learn from Japan’s journey and contribute to shaping the global future of competitive gaming.
Furthermore, Japan’s situation raises important questions about the relationship between gaming industry leadership and esports success. The country's experience demonstrates that excellence in game development and gaming culture doesn't automatically translate to esports dominance. This disconnect provides fertile ground for research into the specific factors that contribute to successful esports ecosystem development, making it a particularly valuable location for academic discourse on the future of esports.
This unique position of Japan - as a gaming powerhouse but an emerging force in esports - makes it an especially interesting venue for the ERN Conference 2026. It offers participants the opportunity to examine both successful gaming industry development and the challenges of esports market evolution, providing valuable insights for researchers studying market development, cultural adaptation, and the future of competitive gaming.
The timing of the conference aligns with Japan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the global esports landscape, making it an opportune moment to gather international researchers and industry experts to discuss these developments and their implications for the broader esports ecosystem. This convergence of established gaming excellence and emerging esports development makes Japan an ideal location for exploring the complexities and future directions of the global esports phenomenon.
The Conference Theme is “Bridging Gaming Heritage and Esports Futures: Transformations, Traditions, and Tomorrow”. This year’s theme explores intercultural perspectives on esports and video gaming, with a particular focus on the relationship between Asia and other regions. We invite critical and creative reflections on how esports and video gaming serve as a bridge between Asia and the wider world through social, technological, cultural, and economic innovation and progress.
