$20,000 and the cost of a coach is all it will take to get the Mandan School District into the world of eSports for their students. Mike Bitz, Superintendent of the Mandan School District, sees the cost as very low when you compare it against buses, travel expenses, equipment, etc. that makes up a traditional sport.
eSports is the 21st century version of a chess club. Students are already playing these games at home and the gaming industry has transformed, thanks to the internet, to be less singular and more team based.
For example, the game League of Legends involves a skirmish between two teams. Each team is comprised of several different types of characters. Some are stealthy, some take a lot of damage, some heal other players and a well rounded team works together. They communicate and call plays the same way that a football or basketball team would…but an eSports team faces off on the internet. Their field can be anywhere and they can compete against teams anywhere. Mandan won’t need to drive all the way to Hillsboro for a match up, they simply log on from their home school computer lab and away they go.
More than 150 students indicated they would be interested when the program launches in Mandan this Fall. It’s a “no-cut” sport so anyone interested is welcome to come and participate. There will be regularly scheduled practices and matches – just like any other sport.
There is even potential for scholarships. Several colleges in North Dakota offer competitive gaming scholarships, so these high school students gain the opportunity to have part of their education paid for as they hone skills in League of Legends or Rocket League.
Like it or not, competitive gaming can be a team sport and this is a smart idea. 14 schools are launching a program in fall of 2019 – but don’t be surprised to see a lot more by 2020!
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
KFGO Podcast –
Fargo Opens “Arcade Bar” in Downtown
KFGO Podcast –
Drunk Bees, Yep, It’s a Thing!
KFGO Podcast –
Fargo Public Library Starts Board Game Checkout
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