More than just gaming, Esports as a college program

BACK in the day, gaming is seen as a leisure activity that doesn’t seem to do anything but entertain the player. Because of its setup, many people assume that gaming has nothing more to offer but fun and amusement. 

From what was once thought to be just a simple hobby is now being turned into a career!

Here’s what you need to know about the E-Sports college program. 

The gaming course

With the partnership of Tier One Entertainment, the Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila was able to create a program that builds and enhances skills to be used within the Esports Industry. 

The four year E-sports is divided into two programs: “Game Design and Development” and “Esports Management.” 

Among those taking Bachelor of Science in Esports Management is 24-year-old Alain Gabriel Abella, who admitted that the E-sports program wasn’t his first choice.

“Esports Management was first announced during my 1st Year of taking up Culinary Arts. It was not my first choice in Tertiary Education, but as soon as it was public knowledge, it seemed the best choice.” Abella shared.  

Abella told republicasia that he grew up watching the Esports scene of the multiplayer online game League of Legends. Since it piqued his interests, he spent countless hours watching and playing the game as he learned more about the industry. 

While the idea of taking the course seems to be just about playing around, according to Abella, the curriculum offers more than just gaming. 

“Playing is indeed the first part of learning in the Esports Program, and it quickly branches out to the different departments of skill building. Broadcasting is a key compartment in the program.”  

Just like in physical sports, e-game tournaments are also meant to be broadcasted.

By taking the program, students learn to use various softwares for the livestream of the e-games. 

Students also have to understand hardware management to figure out the ins and outs of a broadcast station, which includes production. 

Aside from these, the legalities of Esports events are something that should not be taken lightly. 

League Operations teaches the crucial rule formation and tournament implementation. Through this, students are taught how to process documents, secure permits, and manage manpower; eventually giving the students the opportunity to be ‘League Operators’ themselves.

“Ano naman ang matutunan mo diyan?”

When it comes to the most common misconception about the Esports course, the phrase “ano naman matutunan mo diyan?” is something that curriculum takers like Abella often hears. 

But he has a ready response to those belittling his course.

“Esports is not just about gaming, it’s about making the game a spectacle that is worth watching and indulging. Production, Broadcast, League Operations, Business Fundamentals, Graphics Creation, and even Public Relations,” he said. 

“These core entities are necessary for any Esport, and can be learned and immersed in the Esports Program, specifically Esports Management,” he added. 

As someone who is taking the course, Abella can say with certainty that the program is structured like building blocks of the industry–each subject is related and relevant to each other. 

“The curriculum is designed to be a solid pathway to learn the skills needed to be part of the industry. The program is worth taking since it covers a broad array of subjects that can be the foundation of the skillset that an individual can specialize in.” He said. 

Abella also added how Esports rely on various departments to work, and much like the program, everything is connected. 

“Plan out and enter with an open mind as well as a strong hear.”

For students planning to pursue the course, Abella has one advice; and that is to plan out and enter within an open mind as well as a strong heart. 

Abella shared that he encountered many individuals who took the program but decided to quit midway. “It pains me to see people who either had a strong misconception about the Esports program, or just ran out of passion and dedication.”“I simply implore the young enthusiasts to not burn themselves trying to find their own path in the Esports Program.”