As technology becomes further ingrained in all areas of our personal and professional lives, the eSports arena continues to boom. eSports isn’t only about gaming — it’s a competitive and strategic activity requiring impeccable coordination, advanced critical thinking, teamwork, and astute problem-solving.
Not only does eSports offer an accessible alternative for those unable to engage in high-impact athletics due to health concerns or disabilities, but it fosters an inclusive opportunity for young people from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with and compete against each other.
Amongst Gen Zers, competitive gaming is a cultural crux. Across the country, universities are catching on to this compelling phenomenon. With competitive gaming projected as a significant recruiting tool for the next ten years, forward-thinking colleges are creating eSports communities through state-of-the-art facilities, university teams, and even scholarship opportunities — supporting students’ passion for pressing play while cultivating an environment where gamers can thrive.
Read on and discover the top five benefits of attending a university that offers eSports.
Level 1: Cultivating community
One key social benefit of competitive gaming is its ability to foster community and student camaraderie. Whether through intercollegiate tournaments, casual game nights, or online discussions, eSports bring diverse groups of students together through a shared interest.
For students who may struggle to find their niche in more traditional sports and extracurriculars, eSports can provide a space where they feel valued and connected. The collaborative nature of gaming, which often requires team-based strategies, encourages teamwork and communication skills that translate to real-world friendships.
Level 2: Promoting perseverance
In addition to interpersonal advantages, eSports provide palpable emotional benefits. The competitive nature of gaming builds resilience, teaching students how to handle pressure, cope with failure, and bounce back after setbacks.
Participation in eSports also promotes focus and confidence. Competitive gaming requires quick thinking, strategy development, and split-second decision-making. The sense of accomplishment that comes with improving one’s gaming skills nurtures self-esteem, particularly for students who may not feel as confident in other areas of campus life.
Level 3: Enhancing academic success
As the eSports industry continues to take center stage in modern culture, universities that invest in these programs are not just preparing students for success in gaming — they’re equipping them for success throughout their studies and into their careers
As students venture toward their degrees, eSports offers a holistic approach to academic development, investing in valuable skills extending beyond the virtual realm. The structured environment of a university eSports program encourages self-discipline, time management, collaboration, communication, and a healthy work-life balance. These skills are essential not only in the gaming world but also in academic and professional pursuits.
At UB, competitive gaming isn’t just an engaging athletic opportunity. With an accessible, state-of-the-art eSports Lounge on campus, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and customize your degree with a concentration in eSports. Learn more about beginning your career journey in competitive gaming today!
Level 4: Increasing inclusion
One invaluable asset of collegiate eSports is its capacity to promote gender diversity, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields like STEM. As more universities recognize the value of eSports, they are actively working to make competitive gaming a more inclusive space for women and nonbinary students.
Programs providing scholarships and mentorship opportunities specifically for underrepresented genders help break down the barriers that have historically marginalized women and non-cisgender individuals from both the gaming world and STEM fields.
Level 5: Inviting new opportunities
Many universities with eSports programs are not just offering gaming as an extracurricular activity — they are integrating it into academic curricula.
Schools are creating career-ready degree tracks focused on gaming technology, design, and computer science, allowing students to apply their enthusiasm for eSports to real-world professional paths of the future. This integration can be especially beneficial for students interested in STEM fields, as it gives them a unique and cutting-edge way to engage with technology and problem-solving.
Moreover, the eSports industry provides a wealth of career prospects. From game development and software engineering to event organizing and professional streaming, studying eSports opens doors to vast opportunities.
Unlocking gateways to exciting opportunities
eSports is more than a mere pastime for students — it’s a legitimate avenue for academic growth, personal development, and professional possibilities. By saying “yes” to a school with competitive gaming, you gain access to a thriving community, build essential life skills, and explore new academic and professional pathways. As universities continue to recognize the potential of eSports, students can expect even more exciting and innovative opportunities to emerge on future horizons.
As an institute invested in preparing scholars for excellence in an increasingly interconnected world, UB is proud to offer both an ESports club and an academic window— providing the opportunity to earn a concentration in this emerging field through our BS in Sport Management program. At UB, you can do more than game on — you can level up on your quest from classroom to career.