เว็บไซต์เดิมพันออนไลน์ UFA ไทย brings together students who share a common interest in video games and helps them create connections with others on campus, especially if they weren’t part of traditional sports. It also can be a way to learn about new games and develop strategies for success in them.

Many institutions have started esports programs, clubs and teams to entice students and put butts in seats. Others see it as a way to make money and bolster tuition dollars.

In interviews, esports program administrators and players emphasized that competition was only one part of the goal. Students want to get involved with their community and prepare for a post-graduation career, too.

Hitting the Books and the Controller: Exploring College eSports Programs

Participants tended to favor student life-based esports programs over varsity or major-specific ones, which often come with higher expectations and have more limited participation. Esports are not only about playing; they’re also about learning how to broadcast, do graphic overlays, stream online, and manage an eSports team.

In addition to providing a fun and social outlet, esports can also help students build skills that they can apply in other areas of their lives, like public speaking or improv. Grey Peterson, founder of a college esports program in the Pacific Northwest, has seen this firsthand. He says his esports players have gained transferable skills that have helped them in their careers, such as leadership and organizational abilities, as well as in-person teamwork. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it was harder for them to build and maintain these connections, because esports lounges were closed and many students stayed home.