Esports is an acronym for Electronic Sports – and it’s the latest trend that’s changing everything from high school to college and beyond. It’s the world of video games and virtual reality, a phenomenon that’s growing in popularity among Millennials and Generation Z, to the point where it’s catching on as a career path.
Students who compete in esports are often more interested in the skills and community than in the money they might earn. But there are plenty of tangible benefits to playing esports, including a pathway to STEM careers and scholarships.
The most obvious benefit of playing esports is that it’s a fun way to spend your spare time and it’s a great way to connect with people, whether it’s for the social connection or the competition. In fact, according to a Deloitte survey, most Generation Z respondents said gaming helped them stay connected during the pandemic and made it easier to get through tough times.
Many esports are multiplayer games, which means you’re usually partnered up with other players and competing against them. This helps you build teamwork and communication skills, and it also means that you’re likely to lose at least some of the time – which can help build resilience in the long run.
You can play esports on consoles, PCs, and even mobile devices, which is handy because you can always carry your games with you wherever you go! There are also a variety of ways to watch esports, from online platforms like Twitch and YouTube to live events at arenas and other locations.
One of the best things about esports is that it’s open to everyone, regardless of skill level. This means that you can start playing if you’re a complete beginner or you can go pro and become a professional in no time at all, provided you have the right equipment and commitment to improving your skills.
In some cases, you can make a real income as a professional player or team member, but that’s not always easy to achieve. In order to do that, you’ll need to develop your game, learn the nuances of strategy, and master the mechanics. In addition, you’ll need to be prepared for the rigors of professional life, including working long hours and the possibility of injury.
The downside to this is that there’s a lot of competition for the top places in the esports industry, and it can be hard to break into them. That’s why some esports companies have started to offer scholarships for talented students.
Despite these benefits, esports isn’t for everyone. You’ll need to decide if it’s something you can handle and if it’s what you’re looking for in a career.
Another downside is the cost of competition. The vast majority of esports are played over the internet and require dedicated regional servers to make them playable, which can be prohibitive for those living in remote areas. This is particularly true in Africa, where there isn’t enough infrastructure available to support the competition.
