Gaming, Esports, and Family Bonding

Gaming and esports have an extraordinary ability to create connections and strengthen relationships, even in families where gaming wasn’t always a focus. My wife’s journey with gaming is a testament to this transformation. As a child, she enjoyed video games like speed-running Super Mario Bros. Gaming seemed like a distraction, something unworthy of her limited time as she focused on building her career, starting a family, and serving others through charity organizations and ministry. However, she surprised everyone by giving our kids a run for their money in a family Brawlhalla session, finishing with a triumphant controller drop that we still laugh about today.

When I transitioned out of my 20-plus years in traditional sports into the esports industry, her view began to shift. Then after teaching for 10 years in higher education, I eventually became a professor at the first university-level institution dedicated to gaming and esports. Seeing how gaming wasn’t just about entertainment but also about education, teamwork, and skill development, she slowly became an advocate. What solidified her change of heart, though, was when she decided to help one of our sons pursue his passion for Rocket League.

It was her idea to approach Rocket League practice the same way we do with our other sons’ sports and music lessons, using consistent focus, structured goals, and encouragement. She motivated him to create a practice schedule and ensured he received the same level of support as his brothers. His goal is to reach platinum level in Rocket League.

Later, in order to reflect on his efforts, she suggested that we make his milestones a family celebration. Together, we started crafting a plan to honor his achievements of hitting different milestones and top goals/saves with small celebrations. Then a larger celebration as he reached platinum level, just as we would celebrate a big performance or a sports championship. This turned his journey into a shared family goal, with everyone rallying around his progress and cheering him on.

We also leveraged my connections in the esports world to enhance his journey. By arranging for him to play with professional players and Rocket League gold medalists, we created opportunities for him to experience high-level gameplay and even receive one-on-one coaching. This exposure will not only improve his skills but also deepen his understanding of teamwork, strategy, and the dedication required to excel in competitive gaming.

This experience has been transformative for all of us. What started as a solitary pursuit became a family effort, filled with shared pride and support. For my wife, gaming is no longer “wasted time” but an opportunity to build discipline, celebrate accomplishments, and create lasting memories as a family. Esports, in our home, has become more than just a competitive arena, it’s a tool for connection, growth, and unforgettable family moments.

Esports as a Platform for Family Growth

The concept of family bonding through esports isn’t just a personal story, it’s a growing phenomenon. Families around the world are finding new ways to connect through gaming. From casual weekend sessions to supporting children’s competitive aspirations, esports offers a unique platform for interaction that bridges generational gaps.

Games like Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, and Mario Kart are often the starting point, as their intuitive gameplay and light-hearted nature appeal to players of all ages. These titles create an accessible entry into the world of gaming for parents and children alike. For families with older kids, titles like Overwatch and Valorant provide opportunities to learn strategy and teamwork together.

More than just playing together, esports has the potential to teach life skills. Goal setting, time management, resilience, and communication are all essential to success in gaming, and they’re invaluable life lessons as well. By engaging with these games as a family, parents can help their children develop skills that extend far beyond the screen.

Over the years, I have met so many families who have embraced gaming as a way to connect and support their children rather than denying them opportunities in this space. Their stories have been inspiring and getting to know these families has been a true blessing. For example, I once met a family at a LAN event whose son found a way to build self-confidence through streaming after enduring bullying at school. I was fortunate enough to help guide their son in his streaming journey, even creating brand logos and streaming overlays for him. Another remarkable story is that of Chris Spikoski, the father of Sceptic, who became famous for defeating TFue and was nicknamed Baby Ninja after dyeing his hair blue like Tyler Blevins. Chris even co-founded the Coalition of Parents in Esports (COPE), a non-profit charity, alongside Shae Williams and Dave Herzog, to further support families and individuals in the esports community.?

Nick Eh 30's Dad Quit His Job to Become his Manager

After Nick Eh 30 hit 1 million YouTube subscribers and saw his career take off even more, I met him and his parents at TimtheTatMan's party in 2019. They were beaming with pride, and I joked that at any moment they might pull out his baby photos. His parents instilled in him their entrepreneurial values and spoke about Nick's early aspirations to help people and become a doctor. Nick excelled academically, earning straight A's in high school, and attended university to pursue medicine. However, as a family, their journey took a significant turn. Burnt out from his demanding studies, Nick turned to YouTube as a creative outlet.

When he reached 30,000 subscribers in 2017, Nick proposed taking a year off from school to focus on building his brand and streaming. His father, initially resistant, eventually gave in and, as "Dad Eh 30," even built Nick a streaming room. With Fortnite going free-to-play in September 2017, Nick committed to a grueling schedule: streaming daily at 5 a.m. for five hours, editing videos, and then hosting another stream for viewers in Europe and Australia. By June 2018, Nick had surpassed 1 million subscribers, and his growing business was more than he could manage alone.

Nick turned to his dad for help understanding how to manage the hundreds of sponsorship requests emails and other business responsibilities. His father, a full-time police officer, to help Nick, requested six months of unpaid leave but was denied. Ultimately, he made the bold decision to resign and become Nick's full-time manager and personal security. Meanwhile, "Mom Eh 30" took charge of bookkeeping and made sure Nick stayed well-fed, often delivering meals to him live on stream. Together, they turned Nick's passion into a thriving family-run enterprise.

Breaking the Stigma Around Gaming

For many families, gaming still carries a stigma of being an isolating or unproductive activity. Stories like ours can help reshape this narrative. When gaming is approached with intentionality, it becomes a medium for growth and connection. Parents who take an active role in their children’s gaming pursuits can foster an environment where play is balanced with responsibility.

It’s also important to recognize the broader benefits of gaming. Esports scholarships and professional opportunities continue to rise, giving young players a pathway to pursue their passion in meaningful ways. However, it’s estimated that $4 to $5 million in esports scholarships go unused each year at U.S. universities and colleges. This is often because many talented players go unrecognized, as simply excelling at a game is not always enough to catch the attention of recruiters. For families, understanding this potential can help shift perceptions of gaming from a pastime to a legitimate pursuit.

How to Start Your Family Esports Journey

If you’re curious about incorporating gaming and esports into your family life, here are some tips to get started:

1. Find a Game Everyone Enjoys: Explore different genres and titles until you find one that resonates with your family. Cooperative games often work best for building teamwork. My wife actually played "It Takes Two" with me for a second session because she actually enjoyed connecting with me.
2. Set Goals Together: Whether it’s improving in a specific game or reaching a new rank, setting shared goals can make the experience more rewarding.
3. Balance Gaming with Other Activities: Ensure gaming doesn’t overshadow other priorities. Establish clear boundaries and encourage a mix of interests.
4. Celebrate Achievements: Recognize milestones, no matter how small. This can be as simple as a family dinner or a shout-out during game night.
5. Stay Involved: Even if you’re not a gamer, show interest in what your children are playing. Ask questions, watch them play, and offer encouragement.
6. Resources:?Great books and websites you should review: Common Sense Media , Savvy Cyber Kids , Entertainment Software Association , Bark , 100 Jobs in Esports by Connor Alne , and more.

Conclusion

Gaming and esports offer families a powerful way to bond and grow together. Whether it’s cheering on a competitive player, collaborating on a shared goal, or simply enjoying each other’s company during game nights, gaming has the potential to create lasting memories. As the stigma around gaming continues to fade, more families will discover the unique ways esports can bring them closer together.