Traditional sports have always been an integral part of education in the United States. Almost every school in the US has some kind of sports team, whether it’s basketball, baseball, or football. However, while traditional sports have enjoyed decades of attention, Esports have been stealing the limelight. .
In fact, since 2018, Esports programs have exploded in popularity. According to the National Education Association (NEA), over 8,600 high schools adopted a program between 2018 and 2021, and over 1,200 colleges did the same.
But many questions still exist. Are these Esports programs a valuable addition to the school’s curriculum? Are there benefits from students engaging in in competitive gaming similar to the cognitive and social skills gained from playing on a gridiron or basketball court? The short answer is yes, but the reality is a bit more complicated than that.
Overall, the benefits of Esports can’t be overstated, and there is a net positive outcome from the proliferation of these programs. Yes, students are playing video games, but those games are helping them in multiple ways.
While it’s easy to conflate Esports with regular video gaming, there are some significant differences. First, organized Esports are team-based, meaning individuals work together to compete against other teams. So, rather than playing solo or just for fun, students are pushing themselves to improve to beat the competition and developing various skills along the way.
Esports are not just popular in the US. As of 2022, over 500 million people globally watched esports competitions, and demand is only increasing. Competitive gaming clubs are in over 100 countries , including nations like the US, South Korea, the UK, and China.
The market has gotten so large that Esports tournaments are now a major source of revenue in the US and abroad. Esports have become a billion-dollar industry, with many gamers turning their passion for playing, streaming, or commentating into a professional career.
At first glance, there may seem to be little overlap between Esports and traditional sports in a school setting. Games like basketball, baseball, and football are physically demanding and require students to exercise and train. Also, many of the matchesare played outside in a field.
However, there are several elements where sports and Esports are similar, and even a few ways Esports are more beneficial. For example:
While Esports programs can help students cognitively and emotionally, they can also contribute to academic success. Let’s break down some of the most compelling benefits of Esports and why they can be so valuable for students and educators.
While there are only a handful of scientific studies regarding Esports and cognitive development, current results look promising. According to the National Institute of Health, children who play video games regularly perform better on cognitive tests than those who don’t play at all.
Although this study only looked at the impact of video games as a whole, the results would be greater with organized Esports. With the discipline and organized nature of k12 Esports programs, educators will see students develop both hard and soft skills.
What’s important to note is that, as with anything, moderation is critical. Yes, gaming and Esports can lead to better cognitive development, but gaming without purpose, too much screen time, or a bad diet can negatively impact students, both in and out of competition. It’s imperative for students and educators to balance Esports with non-gaming activities, including physical fitness and a healthy diet.
Esports can also be a fantastic gateway to STEM education programs. Gamification is a reliable method of engaging students in complex topics and problems, so Esports can be a great way to engage students in tech or STEM curricula. Some video games can demonstrate statistics and probability, while others can help students understand mathematics and engineering (e.g., Minecraft).
Team sports can offer students substantial social growth in a few ways. First, kids learn how to interact with each other and collaborate. These social interactions make it easier to foster discussions and conversations outside of the game arena.
Second, students can become more emotionally mature and stable. Part of learning how to play Esports is getting comfortable with the idea of losing. Over time, students learn how to accept and learn from their losses within the game. Those attributes can carry over into other aspects of life, such as tackling negative interpersonal interactions or poor grades.
Finally, Esports can give students a self-esteem boost. As they develop their skills and aid their team, kids will feel better about themselves and gain confidence. Overall, success in Esports can translate to success in students’ academic and professional careers.
Since the Esports industry ismassive, and connections to pathways in STEM are plentiful, career opportunities are relatively abundant. If students can show their prowess in the game, they can sign lucrative contracts to compete professionally. On average, players can earn up to six figures, especially if they win larger competitions or are part of large organizations or teams.
However, Esports offers a wide range of career options outside of playing the game. Students may learn skills that can help them pursue opportunities like:
Outside of jobs within the Esports community, students can learn various professional skills that can translate to other careers. These skills can include:
Understanding the value of Esports in education is only the first step. Incorporating a comprehensive Esports program into the curriculum can be challenging, especially for schools with tight budgets. However, just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Some of the best techniques you can utilize include:
As the Esports industry continues to grow, demand for educational programs will also increase. With a strong curriculum and a focus on academics, educators and school districts can harness the positive benefits of Esports to improve student engagement, develop soft and hards skills, and chanel students’ passion for gaming into college and career opoortunities.
Peter oversees the creation and integration of the marketing department’s content, assets, ads, campaigns, and outreach. He has been with Mastery Coding from the very start and is here to use his marketing skills to make sure your school gets the positive attention and support it deserves.