Georgia University launches eSports programs

"The skills developed by esports-interested students are the very skills most needed for success in the 21st century economy, including collaborative soft skills and computer coding," said David Cheshier, director of the Georgia State Creative Media Industries Institute. 

"We see this initiative as building essential links to emerging creative careers in animation, 3-D and immersive world creation, and other media industries."

Georgia State is organizing practice suites, a venue for tournament play, and offering a small number of scholarships to supplement HOPE Scholarships for those qualifying for NACE tournament play. GEL plans to provide scholarships to students winning statewide events.

"We're excited to welcome Georgia State University to NACE," said Michael Brooks, NACE executive director. "Georgia State represents our second institution in as many weeks to join out of the state of Georgia. I'm certain their leadership in esports will serve as the model of varsity esports in the southeast for decades to come."

"This gives its students the chance to earn both scholarships and internships, as well as compete with varsity college teams around the state. Georgia State clearly recognizes its students' interest in esports. We have no doubt this means even more smart, talented students applying to the university," said Andrew Greenberg, president of the Georgia Game Developers Association.

Georgia State will offer fall orientation sessions and competitions that will fill team slots with the most talented players. The university will start this fall by connecting students to League of Legends and Smite competitions, but students playing on other platforms are also encouraged to join.

In 2016, more than 90 million viewers watched esports tournament finals. The tournaments are often televised, in much the same way as physical sports are, and streamed online, with competitors reaching for millions in prizes at some tournaments.

"Esports are both the most rapidly growing field of sports and also one of the best ways to get students interested in technology," Greenberg said.