Esports programs are growing in popularity, with schools across the country embracing this trend. The global esports market is projected to reach $4.8 billion by 2030. While esports programs are more common in colleges and universities, high schools and even middle schools are starting to launch their own programs.
Participating in esports can help students develop teamwork and leadership skills, and may even lead to scholarship opportunities at certain colleges and universities. Technology is essential for any scholastic esports program, and having a technology partner can help ensure a smooth transition into the esports arena.
Creating a successful esports program requires a modern digital infrastructure. In online gaming, even a few milliseconds of latency can impact the outcome of a competition. Using a dedicated wired connection and ensuring strong service-level agreements with providers can help minimize latency. As the esports program grows, the digital infrastructure should be able to scale easily without affecting other school operations.
One example of a successful esports program is at Cannon School in North Carolina. They have implemented a co-managed system where their service partner handles the network security, while the school’s internal IT team manages content filtering. With approximately 60 students participating in the program, Cannon School expects to see even more students joining in the coming years.
Securing the technology foundation for esports can be challenging for schools with limited IT resources. Working with a technology partner can provide the expertise needed for implementing and supporting an esports program. Managed network services can help monitor network performance and ensure competitions run smoothly.
For schools looking to launch an esports program, starting a conversation with a technology solutions partner is a good first step. This partner can evaluate the school’s current IT network services, determine what is required, and establish a realistic plan for the program. With a robust digital infrastructure in place, schools can offer students unique opportunities to compete and collaborate in the world of esports.