Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Interactive Ritual Chain in Esports Live Streaming: A Case Study of Bullet Screen Interaction During the 2025 Fearless Contract Toronto Masters

Zixuan QiuBeijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This study uses Collins' Interactive Ritual Chain Theory as a framework, combined with digital media research, audiovisual analysis and cross-cultural communication theory, to analyze the interactive ritual phenomenon of bullet comments in the 2025 Toronto Masters live broadcast of "Fearless Contract". This study collects Chinese and English bullet screen data from Bilibili and Twitch, and uses text analysis, in-depth interviews, symbol analysis and participatory observation to explore how the live broadcast of the event constructs a virtual carnival space for global players, how players complete collective emotional accumulation and release through bullet screen, and the influence of platform algorithm and cross-cultural differences on ritual solidarity. The study reveals that the bullet-screen interaction in esports live streaming not only inherits the four core elements of the traditional interactive ritual chain theory, but also expands the boundaries of "physical presence" within the theory. It further demonstrates new interactive characteristics such as "mediatic mediation," "cross-culturality," and "spatiotemporal extension," offering a fresh research perspective for understanding collective carnival rituals in the digital age.

Keywords: Interactive Ritual Chain Theory; Bullet Screen Ritual; Esports Live Broadcast; Digital Age
Published: December 31, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.HT31023
Volume: CHR Vol.78
pp. 82-90
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