7 Dec 2022
Esports: Implementation (s2e4)
The actual practice of a fully funded esports program will include a curriculum for different classes, not just CTE courses. This episode will cover getting started for those with many limitations.
Funding will be an essential aspect as your esports program grows. This is how we started the program in a limited environment. First, without administrative support, there is no esports program district-wide. However, any program that benefits students will ultimately benefit the school district. Thanks to one school principal who submitted a proposal for an esports budget, we have accomplished one year of competitions. District funding will be necessary for the following. Teachers are already passionate about gaming; there has to be a stipend for them. Currently, we have a yearly stipend of $1,000 at our district for Esports Coaches who do not get paid through other after-school programs. Next is the staff that will manage the program. In our case, I am the district’s Esports Coordinator. We are lucky enough to receive a stipend for a Shoutcaster or commentator for live streaming. Security will be necessary, as well as custodial staff. This is very important. Although this is a low-impact program, consider a nurse. Finally, equipment that will be used is needed for the tournaments to be successful.
At the school level, consider having fundraising available for the esports club. They will need to eat at the tournaments, after all. More than that, they need equipment, club shirts, etc. In the U.S., two websites to promote at your school districts are mrg.fyi/PledgeCents and mrg.fyi/DonorsChoose. This will help individual teachers or esports coaches to have more funding sources.
Next is the hardware and software. The school district should purchase enough equipment to hold a tournament in the school district. To support diversity and inclusion, a great starting game that will support elementary to high school is the main Esports game Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Therefore, the hardware proposed in this case will be the Nintendo Switch. Approximately 5 Nintendos with five games and ten pro controllers should allow for a good tournament. Game setup and rules need to be considered and set up. In many cases, network security prevents video game access for online play. This setup allows for in-person matches, which do not require online gaming.
Another is the bracket management system. There are many, but the two I will recommend because they are free are Start.GG and Challonge. Challonge is spelled like challenge, but with an o instead of the first e.
Finally, purchasing access to streaming services on twitch and youtube will not be necessary, but a service like streamyard can help.
One final thought. Most tests are computer-based. Typing skills are necessary. The game I will recommend for Esports Tournaments is NitroType. It is a racing game that requires typing. It is web-based, but most school district networks allow this online gaming.
