Here is an exclusive coverage of Importance of Esports Education for Emerging Gamers by Mr.Koneru Lakshman Havish, (Vice President, KL Deemed to be University)
Ever since digitalization, technology has impacted every aspect of industries and esports is no exception to it. In esports, teams compete in organized video game tournaments, primarily online. Thus, to compete against an opposing team and win a game, several players work together. It calls for perseverance, skill development, practice, and team spirit. Hence, for the players to be successful, they must work together as a team, solve problems quickly, respond quickly, and communicate effectively.
College esports have become incredibly popular in recent years. It has now become more than just common practice for people to play video games in their rooms. In addition, the greatest esports programs provide student-athletes substantial financial aid prospects and are located in institutions with a good academic standing, first-rate facilities, and state-of-the-art technology. Experts concur that esports offers a variety of advantages that are expanding along with this dynamic industry. Thus, students can learn and develop through esports in addition to engaging in competitions, the chance to make money from a favorite hobby and joining fantastic gaming communities around the world.
People may first have doubts about esports being offered as a university-based activity. However, research on the effects of game-based learning and engagement in extracurricular activities, in general, has demonstrated that these activities have several cognitive, behavioral, and social advantages. Moreover, positive impact on students’ self-esteem, enhanced academic achievement, and heightened concentration are just a few of the essential benefits. Schools and universities can capitalize on students’ enthusiasm and interest in video games while extending it through the creation of extracurricular esports teams and leagues that the school supports.
Current Scenario of Esports Education
Esports is currently one of the fastest-growing industries, competing with and overshadowing other forms of traditional entertainment like movies and music. India is undoubtedly one of the largest emerging markets for esports. It is a nation that everyone is talking about since it is witnessed as the emerging global center for gaming and esports. The number of tournaments and the prize money available to competitors has increased dramatically, with mobile esports games playing a significant role in the trends. Thus, it is crucial to comprehend some of the driving forces behind this budding large and powerful entertainment industry.
Benefits of Esports Education
Lucrative Career Paths
Incredible gaming abilities have many professional uses. Young people get essential knowledge about designing and promoting new items by thoroughly studying the ins and outs of some of the most well-known games. Moreover, esports is a launching platform for some of the most exciting occupations in the booming gaming industry, from QA engineers and graphic artists to aspiring designers, players, influencers, and engineers. Beyond competition, there are more and more career prospects in esports, including broadcasting, marketing, graphic design, multimedia production, hospitality, coaching, and sports administration.
New Programs and Degrees
Certain colleges and universities have developed new educational initiatives, degrees, and continuing education courses in entrepreneurship, esports management, and video game design, due to esports. Some universities provide students with a basic understanding of the sports industry, the academic field of sports administration, and computer game design through programs like the BSc and BSc (Hons) in Animation and Gaming, as well as the BCA, and other certification courses. These courses help students become career-ready to pursue their passion for gaming. As a result, more schools and universities will likely launch new courses, programs, and degrees as esports programs grow.
Develop Better Social and Behavioral Skills
Students participating in teams improve their social and behavioral abilities, benefiting them in all facets of their lives. Esports teams will help them to learn to handle challenges, communicate efficiently, have efficient teamwork, and offer bonding opportunities. Students with these abilities perform better in class, become better learners and problem solvers, and get along with other students more easily.
Hone Skills for Learning
Esports provide gamers with valuable skills that aid them in a wider learning process. Essential skills include problem-solving through analysis, time management, communication, and teamwork. Additionally, playing video games can help sharpen focus and attention and increase memory and visual perception. All of these acquired skills enable students to perform better in the educational world.
Way Forward!
Colleges and universities are witnessing an increase in esports, which presents an opportunity to create academic and extracurricular competitive gaming programs. Esports and related areas are starting to be covered in educational programs. Moreover, departments of engineering, business, communications, and computer design have started to offer esports and gaming courses. Thus, institutions should carefully examine if an esports program is a good fit for their campus culture and to remain competitive.