As the world of esports continues to grow, colleges and universities are beginning to take notice of the potential benefits of incorporating esports programs into their curriculum. From increasing enrollment to providing students with valuable skills, esports programs have the potential to have a positive impact on higher education institutions.
One of the most significant benefits of esports programs is the potential to increase enrollment. According to a report by Inside Higher Ed, colleges and universities with esports programs have seen an increase in enrollment, particularly among male students. The report states that “colleges are finding that offering esports programs can help them attract and retain students who might not otherwise be interested in attending college.” This is also supported by a recent study by EdTech Magazine, which found that colleges and universities that have implemented esports programs have seen an increase in enrollment and retention.
But it’s not just about the enrollment numbers, esports programs can also provide students with valuable skills that are in high demand in the workforce. Esports requires a combination of teamwork, communication, strategy, and critical thinking. These skills are transferable to many different industries, including game development, streaming, and marketing. According to a report by AV Network, “esports programs offer students the opportunity to develop and enhance skills that are in high demand in today’s job market, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These skills are not only important for success in the esports industry but also for a wide range of other industries.”
Furthermore, esports programs can also provide a pathway for students to pursue careers in the rapidly growing esports industry. According to Fortune Business Insights “The global eSports market is projected to grow from $1.44 billion in 2022 to $5.48 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 21.0% in forecast period, 2022-2029. (https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/esports-market-106820). As the industry continues to grow, so will the demand for professionals with expertise in areas such as game development, streaming, and marketing. This is supported by another recent study by SportsEngine, which found that “colleges and universities that offer esports programs are providing students with a pathway to careers in the rapidly growing esports industry.”
Another benefit of esports programs is the opportunity to foster a sense of community and belonging on campus. According to a report by the Higher Education Video Game Alliance, “esports can be an effective way to create a sense of community and belonging for students who may not otherwise find it in traditional student groups.” This is especially important for non-traditional students who may not have the same opportunities to participate in traditional sports or extracurricular activities.
In addition, many colleges and universities are beginning to offer scholarships for esports programs, providing students with the opportunity to earn money to pay for their education while also participating in their passion for esports. This is a great way to attract and retain students who may not have the financial means to attend college otherwise.
Furthermore, esports is a way to keep students engaged and motivated to stay in school. Esports program provides students with an opportunity to experience the same level of competitive excitement and camaraderie as traditional sports, while also providing a pathway to careers in the esports industry.
However, it is important to note that implementing an esports program is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of funding for esports programs. Many colleges and universities struggle to secure funding for their esports programs, which can limit their ability to provide students with the resources and support they need to be successful. Additionally, it can be difficult for schools to build the infrastructure and support systems needed to sustain an esports program in the long term.
In conclusion, higher education institutions should consider implementing esports programs to improve enrollment and retention. Esports programs can provide students with a unique opportunity to develop valuable skills, pursue careers in the esports industry, and improve the college experience especially for non-traditional students.
Shane Hudson
AV Practice Director