JMS MA graduate Alain DeSaix (Journalism and Media Studies), Benjamin Burroughs (Journalism and Media Studies), Brett Abarbanel (International Gaming Institute), Paul Rama (Weber State) published a peer-reviewed paper titled, "Creating Value in Esports: How Branding, Marketing, and Regional Identity Propel Esports in the journal Sage Business Cases." The work examines the factors that have propelled esports into the mainstream and have contributed to their financial success. Some of the aspects of esports that are reviewed are branding, gambling, city and regional ties, competitors' dual roles as influencers, and the broadcasting and live event aspects of esports.
