Degrees, Universities, Skills Needed for Professional Esports

Hi everyone.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience or guidance on studying esports at university or college?

Does anyone have any views on the types of course available and which university would be considered the best for this type of study?

Many thanks

Richard Montgomery

If you want to go the professional route with esports, or anything related to playing video games, it's going to be much less about a degree or any classes you take, and more about your skill, reflexes, strategic thinking, teamwork, and popularity within the games and gaming community.

If you do want to study some specific areas, that may help increase your knowledge in the esports gaming industry, focus on:

• Game Design and Development programs teach you how to create video games, including game mechanics and the principles that make games fun and competitive.
• In the field of esports, principles of traditional sports management, such as team management, event organization, and sponsorship, are applicable.
• A degree in Computer Science equips you with technical skills that are valuable in the gaming industry, such as programming, software development, and understanding game performance.
• For those interested in the business side of esports, a Business Degree with a focus on Marketing provides knowledge in branding, promotion, and financial management in the gaming industry.
• Communications and Media Studies are important for professional gamers, as you will frequently engage with fans and media. Strong communication skills are crucial for managing your personal brand and interacting with the community.
• Psychology also plays a role in game development, helping to develop strategies and improve performance. Sports psychology, in particular, is helpful for maintaining focus and managing competition pressures.

As for specific universities:

• University of California, Irvine (UCI) has an esports program and grants scholarships to gamers. UCI boasts a dedicated esports arena and provides resources to students pursuing a career in the field.
• Staffordshire University in the UK offers a BA (Hons) degree in esports, focusing on the business and culture aspects of the industry. Students learn about team creation, branding, and event management.
• Full Sail University in Florida provides a bachelor's degree in Sports Marketing and Media, which can be directly applied to esports. Full Sail is also home to the active collegiate esports organization, the Full Sail Armada.
• Harrisburg University in Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive esports program and field varsity teams that compete across various games.

I'm sure more programs and universities will get added over the years, especially as the metaverse matures and esports comes to the metaverse.

Hope that helps!