The Three “C’s” of eSports Team Success

Esports teams can fall short of victory for many reasons related to group dynamics—successful teams like Invictus Gaming, Fnatic, and Cloud9 excel in three areas.

Cohesion:  Successful teams exhibit high task cohesion (focused on achieving a common goal) and social cohesion (strong relationships and bonds). Low cohesion can lead to poor communication, finger-pointing, and a lack of trust during critical moments in a match. Strong leadership is crucial for esports team cohesion. A good leader keeps everyone focused, motivates players, and fosters a positive team environment. Weak or conflicting leadership can create confusion and hinder performance. Factors outside the game itself can also play a role.  For example, teams playing remotely can experience lower cohesion compared to those who practice and compete together in person.

Communication: Esports are fast-paced, demanding clear and concise communication.  Without it, teams struggle to coordinate strategies, make split-second decisions, and adapt to the flow of the game.

Composition:  The best teams have players who complement each other's strengths and weaknesses.  If the team lacks a well-rounded skillset or struggles to mesh individual playing styles, it can be difficult to achieve peak performance.

By focusing on building strong group dynamics that address these areas, esports teams can increase their chances of achieving victory.