Esports isn’t just growing in colleges, but at the high school level too. The Morning Journal discussed this possibility this morning, concerning Salem High School. They don’t have an esports scene yet, but it’s possible.

A Growth Industry

Online gaming is major news these days. A billion-dollar industry where regular video game players can make big money and become internet superstars. Not just anyone is going to make it big; it takes dedication, hard work and a strong support system.

More than 150 colleges offer competitive esports scenes, including Ohio’s own Kent State University Salem, Mount Union and the University of Akron. Esports in Ohio’s high school level is intense too, with 157 schools offering a varsity or club for esports.

Superintendent Sean Kirkland and Curriculum Director Jamie Kemats recently attended a session on esports at the Ohio School Boards Association conference. There, they presented information to the board on the nature of esports.

According to a survey they sent to their students, 37% of 710 residents were interested in playing. Thirty-nine females, 233 males were interested. More than half of those were willing to practice three times per week. Now that tells me kids don’t know what it takes to go pro yet. That’s where the school comes in.

Learn Life Lessons with High School Esports

Sure, high school kids who get into esports can have an easier time transitioning into an esports scene at the college level. Having that new potential outlet for a scholarship or grant is fantastic to boot. But this system is about more than just playing video games.

Kemats pointed out that there are many benefits to an esports system at their high school. Increased student engagement, teamwork building, communication improvement is just part of the benefits. Students would learn about strategy, problem-solving and improving their social skills.

They would, of course, must meet the same academic restrictions as other sports because fair is fair. That means a certain GPA, maintaining credits and abiding by a code of conduct. I’m sure that would extend into their in-game time as well. That means no trash talking to your team for missing a shot.

One thing the Morning Journal pointed out is that 81% of students who participate in esports never participated in extracurricular activities at their schools, which is a colossal number. So, schools that invest time into an esports scene could have their students engaging more with their fellow students.

It could develop into new friendships, new teammates and all around improve the social health of a school. It’s not a fix-all, but it could certainly improve things. People who might not have ever interacted before could become teammates, colleagues and even friends.

Some so many students feel like their school doesn’t care about them or offer things that interest them. Having esports could get some of those students coming back, paying attention and working hard. It may even affect their grades since you must keep a certain GPA.

Still Work to Be Done

It isn’t a done deal yet. There’s still work to be done. But, success here could mean success for more schools in Ohio or even America as a whole. They still must figure out funding and sponsorships. Then there’s equipment costs, game licenses and finding space to play.

Then there’s the matter of figuring out which games to run and registering with eSports Ohio (which is not governed by the Ohio High School Athletic Association). It’s just such a beautiful thing to be able to discuss. When I was in high school, I never dreamed of stuff like this becoming possible. The future is now, friends. More schools than ever are embracing esports to teach and to interact with their students.

It doesn’t just have to be for kids who want to be esports stars either. It could lead to programming degrees, communications degrees and so much more. There’s more to esports than just playing games. Schools that pick up on that will be on the real cutting edge.