News & Media

The rapid rise of Esports is reshaping education, offering a myriad of benefits for schools, students, and even employers. As highlighted in an article from Forbes, the integration of Esports into college communities holds immense potential for student engagement, academic success, and future career readiness.

One of the key advantages of esports in education is increased student engagement. With approximately 70% of college students expressing interest in participating in Esports-related activities, colleges have a unique opportunity to tap into this growing demand and provide students with meaningful opportunities for involvement. 

Beyond engagement, esports contribute to academic development by fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Structured Esports competitions and courses in colleges offer more than just recreational activities. By integrating Esports into the curriculum, colleges can create innovative learning experiences that prepare students for success in an increasingly digital world. For example, Temple University Japan’s Esports Certification Program is just one example of a program that allows students to study the business, marketing, and management side of esports, providing a well-rounded education for those interested in pursuing a career in this field. This trend is further reflected in global academic offerings, such as AESF’s partnership with Shinhan University in Korea to introduce a major in esports management, and Guangzhou Sport University in China, to offer an esports education course. 

In addition, esports plays a significant role in social interaction and community building on college campuses. By participating in Esports programs, students can connect with like-minded peers, form lasting friendships, and develop important social skills. Esports programs contribute to the creation of inclusive and supportive campus environments where students feel valued and empowered.

Esports also presents leadership opportunities enabling them to take on roles such as team captains, coaches, and event organizers. These leadership experiences help students develop essential skills such as communication, decision-making, and time management, which are highly sought after by employers in various industries.

Most importantly, esports programs enhance career readiness by preparing students for future career opportunities. The gaming industry offers a wide range of career paths, including game design, marketing, event management, and Esports journalism. By participating in Esports programs, students gain hands-on experience and insights into the industry, enhancing their employability and career prospects.

As the Esports industry continues to grow, colleges have a unique opportunity to embrace this trend and unlock new possibilities for student learning and development, and equip them with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

_References

• _{Forbes Tech Council. (2020, February 6). Why the rise of esports is good for schools, students, and even employers. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2020/02/06/why-the-rise-of-esports-is-good-for-schools-students-and-even-employers/?sh=618b474b6f50}
• _{Temple University Japan Campus. (n.d.). Esports at Temple University Japan. https://www.tuj.ac.jp/ug/esports}
• _{Intel. (n.d.). Esports: Transforming education through gaming. https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/education/transforming-education/educational-gaming/esports.html}
• _{World Economic Forum. (2023, March). How esports can teach valuable skills for the future. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/03/esports-on-educational-curriculums-teach-skills/}