Let's Get Esporty

Do you like video games? How about a little competition? If so, you might enjoy playing esports. Here are some reasons to consider esports, even if you are not a gamer or a competitive seeker.

• Fosters an inclusive environment, free from most physical restrictions, for students who may not be interested in or are unable to participate in traditional sports. This provides students with new opportunities to be part of a collaborative, competitive team environment.

• Helps cultivate self-confidence and build collaboration and teamwork skills, preparing students to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

• Creates opportunities for participants and non-players to learn STEAM skills that can prepare them for a post-academic career in media production, audio technology, programming, strategy, broadcasting, and more. Learned skills may lead to choices in related STEAM careers, such as data scientists, engineers, coders, team and technical management, producers—and more.

• Produces scholarship opportunities for students, as colleges and universities are now building varsity esports programs and recruiting directly from high schools.

Imagine that your school was just gifted a lot of money that, based on the donor, has been earmarked for esports equipment. Do a bit of research and consider how your school should spend the money. What games do you suggest? You can use this chart: https://escharts.com/top-games. Also, make a list of pros and cons of getting esports equipment.