In March 2023, the International Olympic Committee announced a new global Olympic Esports Series. The finals are a live, in-person event in Singapore. With this kind of international focus, it’s time academics realize esports is more than just gaming.
Professors teaching across disciplines are finding themselves working with more esports students around the globe. From communications to math to business, instructors need to rethink their curriculum to meet the needs of this booming new field.
According to the National Association of Collegiate eSports, known as NACE, more than 170 schools with 5,000+ student-athletes participate in varsity esports programs in the U.S.
Those student-athletes are often preparing for careers in the esports field, including esports management, event planning, sales, design, and leadership.
The Babb Group’s Professor Services interviewed Mikeal Pecot and Donnie Lewis, esports coaches at Central Penn College in Summerdale, PA. Central Penn’s Rocket League team won the NACE Starleague championships this year after an undefeated season. The coaches share what students need from professors, coursework, and their educational experience.
Esports Skills
Like every other profession, esports majors must acquire specific skills. Pecot says he likes players to come with prior skill development. He says, “That way we just have to mold them to fit an esports playing style so they can be successful.” Lewis adds that communication is essential as an athlete and beyond. “Our players have to understand how to problem solve in real-time, while accurately conveying this issue to their teammates. Understanding how to effectively communicate and work together as a team is what will build a strong foundation and allow our players to be successful in their competitions as well as life beyond esports!”
Courses for Esports Skill Development
Many institutions are now offering courses specific to esports degrees and programs. Still, GenEds and other courses also contribute to the skills needed to be successful in this growing field. “GenEds Support esports because everything we do is based around problem-solving, math, and science. Without these we have no foundation for anything that we do,” says Lewis. Pecot adds, “Now there are class areas the student-athlete can focus on which will develop other skills like marketing and media where they can learn about strategic game marketing or how business and Esports affiliate with one another.” Lewis also recommends group work in class as it forces students to participate in new ways and to use effective team communication.
Supporting Student-Athletes
Esports players and students need support from professors and instructors in the same way as other student-athletes. Lewis notes there is still a stigma that esports is “just kids playing video games,” but it’s so much more. He says, “Our athletes put in just as much practice time, study hall time, and have just as many classes as all of our other traditional athletes.” Pecot says instructors can learn more about esports, the amount of work that goes into playing, and show up for players as they would any other sport by wearing a team jersey and watching a live stream.
Student-athletes also need coaches who demonstrate leadership, organization, and care. Pecot says students need someone to look up to and trust and manage all the details of running a team. It’s also essential to prioritize student well-being. Pecot says, “This means their grades are up and they are making it to practices and games. I consistently check on our players to make sure they are still thriving for excellence in everything they do.”
Interested in working with esports teams and students? Talk to a Professor Services mentor and position yourself and your CV for working in this new field.
Angela