Do esports students do more than play games?
The Rise of Esports Education
Do esports students do more than – As video game culture continues to evolve, the perception of esports as a legitimate field of study is gaining traction. What once seemed like a niche hobby is now being formalized through academic programs, offering students a pathway to merge passion with professional development. Central Bedfordshire College recently concluded its inaugural year of the Level 3 Pearson BTEC in esports, marking a pivotal moment in the UK’s educational landscape. This initiative highlights how institutions are recognizing the growing demand for a broader skill set beyond mere gameplay.
Skills Beyond the Screen
The curriculum at Central Bedfordshire College goes beyond competitive play, integrating a variety of academic modules designed to prepare students for diverse career opportunities. Subjects such as psychology, nutrition, and fitness are included to help learners understand the mental and physical demands of high-level gaming. These courses aim to equip students with the tools needed to thrive in both esports and other industries. Hugo Cousin, a 25-year-old lead lecturer, explained that the program’s goal is to transform gaming enthusiasm into practical experience and a viable career.
“The purpose of this course is not to take people who want to do gaming and just do gaming, it’s to take people who’ve got an interest in gaming and esports and turn that into practical work experience and a practical career,” Cousin said.
Students engage in hands-on projects, such as organizing esports events and managing tournament logistics. Responsibilities range from video production and broadcasting to marketing strategies, providing a well-rounded experience. Additionally, they collaborate on designing team jerseys, which blends creativity with technical skills. Cousin emphasized the importance of these activities: “Overall, the esports course teaches a lot of communication, teamwork, and social skills. It’s also quite technology focused… they’re learning how to use video editing software, programming languages, recording software—those kinds of technical skills can be quite useful for various types of careers.”
From Hobbies to Careers
For many young players, esports education serves as a bridge between casual gaming and professional aspirations. Take Alfie Humphrey, a 16-year-old who initially planned to pursue a traditional sports course. Upon discovering the esports program, he shifted his focus, noting the academic depth of the curriculum. “I learned a lot about psychology, I think that’s my favorite part,” he shared. The teenager aims to continue studying esports at the university level to deepen his understanding of the industry and refine his skills.
Alfie’s experience reflects a growing trend among students who view esports as a multifaceted discipline. The program not only hones gameplay but also introduces concepts like exercise enhancing performance and managing anxiety in competitive settings. These elements underscore the educational value of esports, demonstrating how it fosters resilience and adaptability. Cousin added that the course helps students “develop themselves, develop the skills, and create economic or social values by using this as the vehicle.”
Industry Growth and Formalization
A 2023 report by Ukie, the UK video game industry trade association, revealed that the country hosts Europe’s largest community of student esports participants. British Esports, which launched its education programs in 2020, now collaborates with over 200 schools and colleges. More than 18,000 students are currently enrolled in Level 2 and Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Esports, with many progressing to university-level studies. Dr. Lucy Zhu, a senior lecturer at the University of Northampton, noted that the majority of applicants for their degree programs come from a BTEC background. She explained that the industry’s rapid “professionalisation” since 2015 has created a need for structured talent development.
“We’re definitely not training them to be professional players, I don’t think any esports degree in this country does that,” Zhu stated.
At the University of Northampton, students explore a range of disciplines, including coaching, business management, and digital marketing. Zhu highlighted the multidisciplinary approach: “More and more esports institutions are now offering this education from a multidisciplinary approach… because there are just so many different career directions.” This shift reflects the industry’s expansion and the recognition that esports careers extend far beyond the gaming arena.
Success Stories and Advocacy
Real-world success stories further illustrate the potential of esports education. In 2022, Alanis, a Rocket League player from Luton, won gold for Team England at the Commonwealth Esports Championships. Since then, she has competed for major organizations and emerged as an advocate for the importance of structured learning in the field. Alanis emphasized that while not all esports participants will earn a living solely through competition, the value of education remains crucial.
“Most people who enter esports won’t make a full-time living from competition alone, [but] that doesn’t mean young people shouldn’t pursue that goal. However, I think it’s important to have a broader understanding of the industry,” Alanis said.
Her perspective aligns with the broader goal of esports programs: to provide students with a foundation for success in any direction they choose. Whether they aspire to compete professionally or pursue careers in event management, content creation, or game design, these courses offer the flexibility to adapt. The combination of technical training and soft skills ensures graduates are well-prepared for a dynamic job market.
A New Era for Esports
As esports education expands, it is reshaping how young people engage with the industry. The integration of academic rigor into gaming programs not only elevates the perceived value of the field but also opens doors to unconventional career paths. For instance, students who once viewed gaming as a leisure activity are now learning how to leverage it as a platform for innovation and growth. This transformation is evident in the curriculum, which emphasizes strategic thinking, leadership, and technological proficiency.
Central Bedfordshire College’s program, along with similar initiatives, is part of a larger movement toward formalizing esports as a sector. With over 18,000 students enrolled in BTEC courses and 100 universities offering degree programs, the educational pipeline is growing. This expansion is driven by the need to cultivate a diverse workforce capable of supporting the industry’s future. As Zhu noted, the focus is on creating “economic values or social values” through comprehensive training, ensuring students are not just players but contributors to the broader ecosystem.
The success of these programs also depends on the balance between academic learning and practical experience. Students like Alfie Humphrey and Alanis are at the forefront of this change, demonstrating how education can complement their competitive ambitions. As the demand for esports professionals increases, institutions are playing a vital role in shaping the next generation of talent. The result is a more sustainable and versatile industry, where passion and skill converge to create opportunities for all participants.
Looking Ahead
The future of esports education seems promising, with more colleges and universities likely to adopt similar models. As the industry continues to professionalize, the emphasis on multidisciplinary learning will become even more critical. Students are not only preparing for careers in gaming but also for roles that require adaptability and innovation. This approach ensures that esports is no longer seen as a fleeting trend but as a legitimate and evolving field of study. The combination of technical expertise, academic knowledge, and real-world application is setting a new standard for how young people can engage with their passions and turn them into meaningful opportunities.
