Introduction

Esports is a rapidly growing industry with a global audience of millions. Commentating is an essential component of esports， providing the audience with play-by-play analysis and expert insights that enhance their viewing experience. In recent years， there has been a significant increase in research on esports commentating， particularly in the realm of language use and communication strategies. This literature review aims to examine the current state of research on esports commentating and identify key areas for future exploration.

The Importance of Commentating

Commentating serves as a bridge between the players and the audience， offering an interpretation of the game's events and helping to create a sense of excitement and engagement. Commentators must possess expert knowledge of the game and be able to communicate insights to the audience in a clear， concise， and engaging manner. Effective commentating can also play a role in increasing the popularity and success of a game， as the audience's experience can directly impact their willingness to tune in and watch future events.

Language Use in Commentating

Language use is a crucial aspect of commentating， as the words chosen by commentators can convey information， set the tone， and enhance the overall experience for the audience. Researchers have examined language use in esports commentating， identifying various strategies such as using metaphor and hyperbole to create excitement and engagement. Additionally， researchers have also investigated the use of humor， sarcasm， and irony in commentating， with mixed results. Some studies suggest that these techniques can enhance the viewing experience， while others argue that they can be distracting and off-putting.

Communication Strategies

Effective communication is a fundamental aspect of commentating， as commentators must be able to convey complex information to the audience in real-time. Researchers have explored various communication strategies used by commentators， such as segmentation and sequencing， which involves breaking down complex actions into smaller， more manageable components. Additionally， research has also focused on the role of nonverbal communication in commentating， such as the use of facial expressions and body language to convey meaning and create a sense of rapport with the audience.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the growing interest in esports commentating， there are still significant challenges to be overcome. One major challenge is the issue of standardization， as there is a lack of consensus on what constitutes effective commentating and how it should be assessed and evaluated. Additionally， the global nature of esports creates unique challenges for commentating， such as the need for multilingual commentators and the need to bridge cultural differences. However， these challenges also present opportunities for further research and exploration， as researchers can develop new strategies and techniques for effective commentating in a rapidly evolving industry.

Conclusion

Esports commentating is a critical component of the esports industry， providing audiences with expert analysis and insights that enhance their viewing experience. Research on esports commentating has made significant strides in recent years but still has areas for improvement and exploration. By further examining language use， communication strategies， and overcoming challenges， researchers can continue to improve and elevate the role of commentating in esports， ultimately contributing to the success and growth of the industry.