Nowadays, it is well-known that youngsters are more familiar with the functioning of video games and the use of technological devices than taking some outdoor activities. The time, as well as the interests of younger populations, are changing rapidly as they are always looking to stay within trending things. Consequently, Esports have become mega-popular throughout all the continents. A lot of students enjoy playing games like League of Legends or Counter-Strike, for example, during their off-class time and have some fun. As university and college staff generally noticed how interested they are in this niche, the first eSport program started in 2014 in Chicago. Since that time, over 175 different educational institutions have implemented such programs into their system and now it has become a well-popularized one among the understudies. But what factors should be considered while making such a move? Let’s find out through our guide from below!

Appropriate Equipment

Esports enthusiasts are treated the same way as usual sports athletes like footballers or basketball players. As they need a certain level of equipment to show their maximum capacity and whole talent, the same goes with esports lovers too. If you want to start such a program at your college, one of the first things you must think about is securing the right equipment. As technology is advancing every day, there are always new versions of keyboards, mouse pads, and headsets that are specifically designed only for gamers. Having all the latest pieces of equipment, including PCs and their specifications like RAM, graphic card, and processor, you will allow understudies to show everything they have got. Another thing to consider while taking the equipment for the Esports program is monitors. In order for the students to have smooth functioning of the games they play without lagging and similar issues, you should take monitors with bigger fresh rates. It’s expressed in hertz and usually, the ones that students will enjoy are 144 Hz. However, you can take ones of 120 and even 60 Hz, depending on the PC requirements of the game’s students are about to perform.

Financial Motivation & Scholarships

Scholarships are very common in educational institutions and they represent a big motivational factor for many understudies to continue educating themselves, especially for the ones with financial problems. So, to start a program like this, you should include a scholarship that can help students remain at your educational institution. Financial aid is always welcome and students will surely love it. Also, it will motivate them to continue improving which will result in better performances by them, on and off the classes. Just to mention that the Chinese Super League, which is known as one of the best in the Esports industry, had donated over $1M for gaming students in 2020! Video games are a big trend in this country, let it become the same in yours too.

Include Diversity

Have you ever been thinking about what’s the best custom writing service to use? Is it hard to choose only one that stands out? Well, it’s completely understandable. This same issue can be visible in Esports gaming too. How? The answer is lack of diversity. Even though you can find dozens of writing services online, it seems all of them are offering the same. This situation can result in a lack of interest by the people over time. To avoid something similar happening to your program, try to include as many details as possible. For instance, you can install plenty of famous games, like FIFA, PES, LoL, CS, Fortnite, Minecraft, etc. Secondly, you should allow students to practice in different environments. With this in mind, having multiple classrooms specially designed for certain genres of games can help the students a lot. Why don’t you make one classroom for competitive games that require individual skills and another one that implies teamwork? 

Students’ Qualifications

Educational programs should contain a certain level of credibility. What’s the point in creating one without it? None, right? Well, if you want your program to be recognized and highly appreciable among the understudies, you should include some qualifications for the students that want to apply. Don’t be deceived by thinking that these are just video games. It’s not a childish thing by any means. Many professional Esport players earn millions of dollars by playing some particular games. So, stating rules and qualifications will make students think twice before applying for your program. If you don’t know where to start, useful information can always be found at GlobeNewswire. By reading such texts, it will be much clearer what to pay attention to. For example, you should try following the steps of NCAA and CSL that have implemented ITC (intent to compete) requirements for the students that must be signed before starting with the program. 

Marketing & Recruitment Staff

Today, marketing plays a significant role in many industries, including Esports. It allows professional teams to get a bigger audience and support that will surely help and motivate them to compete better. But what about the understudies? Your program will need marketing experts in the beginning to establish the right foundation of your organization that will only continue to grow afterward. Ask yourself how much energy and willingness other educational institutions sacrifice to reach success with their Esports program. You should do the same, or even better to be able to stay on the competitive level. The personnel that understands the way gamers live and their daily habits will help your program become top-rated. Also, you should know that many teams are offering summer camps where understudies can train. Although they are more focused on high school participants, you can find some that will make an offer to the ones from your college. 

Conclusion

The implementation of Esports in higher education is much more present today and it continues growing. Starting an educational program related to it is challenging and can have some bumps on the road. However, that’s how it should be so you can realize how you can benefit from making such a move. Hopefully, your program will become irresistible to understudies, and with our tips, you shouldn’t have doubts about it!