Careers in Esports

As 2024 unfolds, more people are recognizing and understanding esports. The amount of LAN events and competitions has reached new heights. However, a lingering question remains: What is esports beyond competition? And why should non-gamers care about this growing industry?

Esports Foundry recently released its 2023 Trends in Collegiate Esports report. Written by Chris Postell and Kris Narayan, the report features over 250 pages of analysis and 86 data sets, offering extensive insight into esports and its significance. In fact, it even addresses the lingering question.

First, participating in esports clubs and teams can significantly help with skill development across many areas. According to the report, “Skill development is a byproduct of esports programs, including active application of communications, broadcasting, marketing, business development, and other key skills valued by employers.”

Of course, esports also contribute to the development of mental health and cognitive skills. However, the examples mentioned above can lead to job opportunities and new prospects for the future. Whether as a coach, shoutcaster, production crew member, professional gamer, or manager, the opportunities are there and actively multiplying as time goes on.

The report also explained that academic integration is on the rise, with 33% of schools incorporating esports into their curriculum, offering certificates, degree programs, and even master's programs. Implementing esports programs in schools offers numerous benefits, particularly in promoting job-ready, goal-oriented, and academically driven students. Many colleges and universities not only require a minimum GPA but also have periodic grade reviews and discussions to ensure students are not struggling academically before an upcoming match or tournament. Many studies show that those who have lower stress levels tend to perform better in any kind of competition.

“It is estimated that academic and soft skill applications from esports are relevant to more than 70% of traditional colleges and degree programs. These range from more obvious disciplines such as game development, computer science, and digital media to less obvious professions such as psychology, sports management, sports medicine, business and marketing, and design,” the report concludes. “This data also suggests a mostly unexplored point - students within collegiate esports programs are among a pool of high performers that typically fall under highly desirable STEM disciplines. These students are valuable to universities and prospective local and regional employers who may be interested in involvement with esports programs if only to gain access to such students.”

Another way esports attract students is through the scholarship opportunities they offer. The growth of esports scholarships provided by schools indicates that the collegiate market is thriving. In fact, scholarships might be the only aspect of collegiate esports keeping pace with the overall growth. Of the schools surveyed, 62% reported that their esports program does offer tuition-based scholarships. Although many schools have limits on the number and amount of scholarships they can offer, this is expected to increase as esports continues to rise.

Esports is showing as more than just teams who compete, it’s becoming a significant educational and professional opportunity. As detailed in the 2023 Trends in Collegiate Esports report, the integration of esports into academic programs and the rise of scholarship opportunities spotlight how this industry is expanding its impact. From promoting soft skills and strengthening mental health to providing pathways to various career opportunities, esports is turning out to be a real game-changer in education. As more schools embrace esports and offer scholarships, the benefits are likely to grow, making this an attractive option for students and an area of interest for both schools and employers.

Read more in the 2023 Trends in Collegiate Esports Report and download previous reports today!