NORMAN, Okla. — The University of Oklahoma’s Esports and Co-Curricular Innovation Department has launched a groundbreaking research committee to explore key narratives and trends in the rapidly growing field of esports in higher education. This initiative, led by Mike “Moog” Aguilar, program director and founder, and Joshua “Thumper” Riesenberg, competition manager, graduate assistant, and lead of the ECCI Research Committee, seeks to deepen understanding of gaming culture and its impact on students and communities.
Q&A with Mike Aguilar and Joshua Riesenberg
Q: What inspired you to establish the OU ECCI Research Committee, and how did the idea come to fruition?
Mike Aguilar: Esports has been breaking stereotypes as it grows into a $2 billion global industry supported by more than 400 colleges and universities. Now is the time to standardize practices and advance the field through research. As an R1 research university with a leading esports program, OU is uniquely positioned to lead this charge.
Q: Why is now the right time for OU to launch such an ambitious esports research initiative? What gap in the field are you hoping to fill?
Aguilar: Esports is gaining traction in education, and more institutions are investing in its development. By launching this committee, we aim to address foundational research gaps and establish OU as a leader in this space. After eight years of building ECCI, it’s time to mature the field alongside other innovative institutions.
Q: What sets the OU ECCI Research Committee apart from other collegiate esports research initiatives?
Aguilar: This is the first of its kind. While other research exists, it’s often conducted by individuals in unrelated fields or focuses narrowly on specific projects. Our committee is the first to bring together a multidisciplinary team to comprehensively address esports research at the university level.
Q: Can you tell us more about the committee’s first research project, Exploring the Relationship Between Athletic Coping Skills and Sense of Belonging in Collegiate Esports Athletes?
Joshua Riesenberg: This study aims to identify coping skills that enhance a sense of belonging in esports programs. Using a 97-item survey, we’re analyzing factors like personality traits, coping mechanisms, and demographics to develop strategies that improve retention, engagement and performance.
Q: How does collaboration between faculty, students and industry experts contribute to the project’s success?
Riesenberg: Collaboration is key. Since esports research is still emerging, we’re drawing from expertise in related fields and combining it with insights from students and industry professionals. This team approach gives us a 360-degree view of the issues we’re studying.
Q: What are the committee’s goals and expected milestones?
Riesenberg: We aim to involve undergraduates in meaningful research, publish actionable findings and collaborate with other stakeholders to guide future studies. Within 16 months, we hope to release two peer-reviewed articles, two white papers and two case studies.
Discover how the OU ECCI Research Committee is shaping the future of esports and gaming culture. Visit ou.edu/esports/programs/ecci-research-committee to learn more and join the conversation.
