The intersection between esports and education is a place where innovation and excitement flourish. Course Instructor Paul Richards takes us inside the world of esports in order to understand the new challenges and opportunities that are helping to change modern education. From a perspective of acceptance and encouragement, parents and educators have the chance to find common ground that can help students excel in a sport that they are passionate about. Competitive video gaming today already holds the power to create heroes. Richards examines why athletes who are admired for their determination and excellence are no different whether they are playing on a field or in a computer lab. The tremendous growth in esports is being fueled by the internet, live streaming, and global economic demand. The need for a strong educational system that can support positive student development in esports is imperative.

This book reviews the history of video gaming and sports to uncover how esports have evolved from a Teenage pass time to the international stage. Richards brings to light opportunities for technology-related career paths that students and educators are finding in the growing Esports industry. Richards explains in plain English how modern esports games require players to manage multiple economies, respond with split-second reaction times, and communicate with groups of players like a team of navy seals.

Richards draws on his experience with Broadcast Clubs in education to explain collaboration and career path opportunities for students. An inside view of a recent esports tournament which included a student-run broadcast team gives educators real-world examples of non-gaming yet tech-related roles that can get be used to get students involved. Richards teams up with the Center for Educational Innovation Esports program along with a host of other schools to provide diverse perspectives on what is working in esports and education today. As educators continue to embrace the esports movement students will benefit from learning opportunities that are fueled by passion, excitement, and opportunity.

Parents of video gamers will enjoy a recurring theme discussed in this book outlining strategies to create common ground between children, parents, and educators. These strategies apply whether kids are playing Fortnite or League of Legends. Richards outlines the history of video game studies to help illustrate the fundamental research parents and educators should understand in terms of video game literacy. Simple strategies can greatly increase the educational value kids can garner from their video gaming experiences. Perhaps sitting down and playing video games with your child isn’t such a bad idea after all? Getting the most educational value from video games requires a full understanding of the social development issues facing kids who simply play too many video games. This book addresses topics of interest from concerned parents and provides strategies for parents who want to curb their children’s video gaming addictions. Engaging students and preparing them for their interactions in the online world is perhaps the best way of shepherding the youth toward a positive future. This book serves as a wonderful guide and shareable reference for students, parents and educators alike.