What does it take for esports to evolve from entertainment to a legitimate career path supported by education and science?
In this conversation, Dr. Shellie Boudreau and Prof. Seth Jenny demystify the stigma surrounding esports, make clear the physicality involved, and map out how academic and institutional support for esports education is on the frontier of a massively growing industry. They explore the growth of eSports as a competitive field, its recognition as a sport, and the future career pathways for players and students. This conversation draws upon Seth’s research and the Rutledge Handbook of Esports that he and other colleagues recently published. They cover health concerns, science-backed advice on the importance of taking meaningful breaks during esports training, the role of coaches, and skills developed through gaming. The discussion also touches on the evolution of games and the future of esports, emphasizing how players develop their communication abilities and strategic planning, both highly valued and transferable skills in the industry. The eSports Handbook serves as a valuable resource.
Who is Seth Jenny?
Seth E. Jenny, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor teaching esports courses within the Department of Exercise Science at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (SRU), USA. He serves as a founding board member of the "Esports Research Network", Associate Editor of the "Journal of Electronic Gaming and Esports," Deputy Editor of the "International Journal of Esports," and faculty advisor to the SRU Esports Club.
As an active scholar and researcher, Dr. Jenny has provided 100+ professional presentations and published 50+ peer-reviewed journal articles in the performance and health implications of esports, motion-based video gaming, instructional technology, and distance running. He is the Senior Editor of the Routledge Handbook of Esports and the lead author of the Human Kinetics textbook Technology for Physical Educators, Health Educators, and Coaches.
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Takeaways
- Esports is gaining mainstream recognition but still faces misconceptions.
- Recognition as a sport could lead to more government support and safeguarding.
- There are significant skills and physicalities involved in eSports.
- Short breaks, such as a 10-min walk, can enhance gaming performance.
- Communication skills are developed through team-based gaming.
- Institutional support for esports needs consistency across universities.
- Former professional players are finding new pathways through education.
- The future of esports education is promising, with various career opportunities.
- Coaches play a crucial role in player development.
Chapters
00:00:00 The Social Side of Gaming
00:05:45 Common Misconceptions About Esports
00:11:45 Differences Between Esports and Recreational Gaming
00:17:32 The Decline of Traditional Baseball
00:23:29 The Evolution of Esports Degree Programs
00:30:00 Growth of Esports Degree Programs
00:35:36 Transferable Skills from Esports to the Job Market
00:41:27 The Role and Journey of an Esports Coach
00:47:48 Challenges in Publishing and Missing Chapters
00:53:45 Skill Development in Gaming
00:59:49 Evolution of Game Mechanics and DLCs
01:06:14 Microtransactions and Digital Assets in Gaming
Find Professor Seth Jenny, PhD
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Find Shellie Boudreau, PhD
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What is NobleBlocks?
NobleBlocks is a decentralized platform that leverages blockchain technology to democratize scientific knowledge.
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