Competitive video gaming, also commonly known as esports, has become widespread. People sit glued to their seats hoping to watch experts play titles like League of Legends, Fortnite, or Overwatch. These competitions involve passion, collaboration, and tactics. In the last ten years, it has evolved from a hobby to a global market value of millions of dollars.
Now, it is making its way into schools and colleges, and many institutions now recognize its value. Thus, they now offer scholarships to talented faces, a shift that challenges how people see both fields. The best starter experience for newcomers to the scene is to get a mate and go for a few rounds of slots. Sharing your passions with a loved one will make it more likely that you have fun and succeed!
A Legitimate Career Path
Until recently, video gaming was considered idle time. Parents and teachers used to look down on it, thinking it was a waste of time and could interfere with studies or work. But times have changed, and today, if done properly, video gaming can be a real career.
Pros with this as their full-time jobs make millions through prizes and sponsorships, as well as through streaming and sponsorships. For instance, a 16-year-old Tr Tune called Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf scooped $3 million in 2019 from a Fortnite competition. Stories like his show how it is a viable profession now.
But success doesn’t always mean becoming a pro. The industry needs coaches, analysts, event organizers, marketers, and more. These roles need specialized knowledge, which is where education comes in.
Schools and Colleges
Colleges and universities are noticing the potential, and as the industry grows, so does the demand for professionals. Many now have varsity esports teams who compete in national and international tournaments.
They represent their schools just like traditional sports teams.
Some even build arenas for their students, with high-end PCs, professional lighting, and streaming setups. The goal is to give students the tools to excel in competitions and prepare for their careers.
Scholarships: A New Opportunity
Another refreshing trend is gaming scholarships, where instead of tuition fees, the student joins the school’s team. Institutes such as the University of California, Irvine (UCI) provide scholarships for talented gamers. They pay up to $6000 annually to the best performers.
Other schools, like Robert Morris University and the University of Utah, have similar options. This way, they reward learners while supporting their education. This helps them balance gaming with academics.
Benefits in Education
Esports in education offers several benefits.
- Skill Development
- Gaming builds critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are valuable skills in any career.
- Inclusion
- The field is open to everyone, regardless of gender, physical ability, or background, which makes it a welcoming activity that brings people together.
- Academic Growth
- Many scholarships need students to maintain good grades to motivate them to stay focused while pursuing their passions.
- Career Prep
- Students involved gain experience that can lead to careers in technology, business, and media. For example, managing and coordinating a group can teach leadership and organizational skills.
- Mental Health
- Gaming can reduce stress and provide a sense of achievement, so many courses also include resources to help manage pressure.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its growth, the new industry faces challenges, as some worry about the impact of it on health.
Long hours of screen time can lead to issues like eye strain, poor posture, and lack of exercise, so to address this, many programs promote healthy habits. They encourage regular breaks, physical activity, and proper nutrition.
Others question whether esports deserve the same praise as traditional. They argue that it doesn’t need physical skills like basketball or soccer. Supporters say that it demands mental focus, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking, which is challenging in their own way.
The Future
Esports and education are only beginning to merge. As the industry grows, more schools will likely embrace it. Funding will become more common, offering pupils new ways to fund their education.
In the future, we may see esports integrated into high school curriculums. Institutions could teach better strategies, and more of the business side of things as well. These lessons would prepare trainees for careers in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.