From Bedroom Video Gamer to Business Professional

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the world experienced an increase in use of technology due to the inability of in-person communication. While working adults became more acquainted with team meetings from home, the younger generation escalated their usage of video games. In fact, according to a 2023 Statista report, the United States

experienced a 45% increase in time spent playing video games from the pandemic to present day. Taking this statistic into consideration, education directors from various universities around the world are now encouraging esports as both a positive, stimulating activity and a course to offer in school.

What is esports?

According to Tom Dore, Education Director for the British Esports Association, esports is an organized competitive video gaming activity in which students compete against other students. While most of the school’s population is involved in common clubs/sports, such as football, orchestra, and theater, esports provides yet another creative outlet for students to be recognized. Unlike the stereotypical gamer gaming in their bedroom, eating snacks, and battling against a computer, students in esports participate in a team and gain significant character development skills.

What are the benefits and consequences of esports?

Participating in esports allows students to solidify the link between STEM, digital skills, and creative media. While engaging in a team activity, they will learn problem solving, decision making, communication, and technology skills, which all apply to the real-world work environment. The younger generations are already involved in video games as their indoor pass time activity, so there is more opportunity to establish esports as a traditional activity, transferring enjoyment to soft skills.

However, these character development aspects will only be successful when students play in moderation and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Esports does indeed bring important consequences to the table such as increased screen time and lack of physical activity. Therefore it should not be participated in for long periods without breaks. Like any other activity, students should aim to find a balance between extracurriculars, education, and social activities.

How are esports a part of school curriculums?

With over 32 universities in England now offering undergraduate programs in esports, students have a unique opportunity to combine their passion for gaming with formal education. These programs offer a diverse range of courses, including participation in esports tournaments. There, students can develop not only their gaming prowess but also build confidence and professional, transferable skills. Beyond gameplay, the curriculum emphasizes employment opportunities within the rapidly growing esports industry. Students are encouraged to approach esports organizations with a business mindset, taking on various business roles and cultivating leadership skills by motivating their teams and focusing on organization. Additionally, strategic and analytical skills are fostered as students select their in-game characters, analyze opponents' choices, and strategize how to defeat them, applying concepts from game theory to real-world situations. This educational path equips students with problem-solving abilities to handle unforeseen challenges, making them well-prepared for the dynamic esports ecosystem.

Moreover, these esports programs are not limited to those seeking a career in professional gaming. Any student can engage with esports and even train to become a coach. This means that the appeal of esports education extends far beyond just aspiring pro gamers. Graduates can leverage their analytical and strategic skills to work as analysts, providing valuable insights and guidance to teams and organizations within the industry.

Ultimately, this inclusivity ensures that students from various backgrounds and interests can participate in the exciting world of esports, contributing to the development of this ever-expanding field while also preparing themselves for a wide range of career opportunities. Eventually, the classic bedroom gamer can improve their soft skills by combining their interest in video game technology with passion to grow as a professional.