The Future of Gaming

If you don’t know much about Esports, you might want to jump on the bandwagon! Esports is short for “electronic sports” and is a form of competitive video gaming. They can be engaging to students who are not interested in, do not wish to play, or in some cases; cannot play a traditional sport. Esports embrace the team concept and require discipline, self-control, communication skills, and good sportsmanship.

“Esports is about more than just playing games – it can be used to help students grow their STEM interests and develop valuable life skills. Delane Parnell – Founder and CEO at PlayVS” (https:// stemtropolis.com/benefits-of-esports-in-schools/) Schools are beginning to see positive effects because of offering Esports. Gaming curriculums are being developed and often include material on healthy gaming such as eating right, taking breaks away from a computer or gaming console, getting enough sleep, and getting exercise.

A focus on STEM concepts has become important too. Critical thinking, problem solving, and math skills are important in many games. Working together as a team is emphasized.

The TA esports team competes as a member of the High School Esports League (HSEL). https:// www.highschoolesportsleague.com. We chose this league because the game choices appeal to a broader group of our students. HSEL runs competitive esports throughout the year. They also offer opportunities for students to compete to earn scholarships and compete at other competitions.

Esports team members are responsible for using their own computer or gaming console. Depending on Covid protocols, gaming may occur at school (in the renovated space that is home to our new gaming chairs!) or at home. One of the team’s goals is to get some gaming equipment so that

JB McAllister, Birdie Sun, Mary Baxter Hartzell, and Mary Collier Pope gaming in the new Upper School workroom. TA Team onstage to play Smash Ultimate at Dreamhack.

more students are able to participate.

The TA Esports teams had an incredible run during the 2020 – 2021 school year! TA sponsored teams in Rainbow Six: Siege, Madden 21, Minecraft: Survival Games, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Several of our teams were nationally ranked most of the year. The biggest success was the Rainbow Six Siege team. This group of skilled players finished 3rd in the nation in the Fall Major and 4th in the nation in the Spring Major! This was against over 200 teams from schools across the nation! A huge accomplishment for any team! This team earned TA our first ever esports trophy!

Added excitement in the fall semester was the arrival of over a dozen RESPAWN gaming chairs! Mrs. Scheiring created a video explaining why the team needed gaming chairs. The video was chosen as one of 12 from submissions across the nation. Team members helped unload the truck and assemble the new chairs. These chairs are now in the new esports room and will be enjoyed by team members and other students. Team members participated in a fund-raising

tournament for the American Heart Association. This offered a chance for students to create graphic overlays for Twitch, learn to live stream matches, and experience the stress of announcing a game play-by-play during a live stream. An overall amazing opportunity for students to develop leadership skills and learn and grow as individuals and as a team member.

In addition to growing closer as a team, competitors found mentors in players from The University of Alabama and formed friendships with players from schools across the nation. Tuscaloosa Academy now has three alumni playing esports at the college level!

Esports are inclusive and coed. Students in grades 9 – 12 are eligible to join and form teams with their friends. Seniors are captains and are welcoming to everyone and would love to answer any questions! Go Knights!

Mason Friend, Camdyn Cobern, and Haven Thompson being interviewed by the Tuscaloosa News. TA Esports Team preparing for the DreamHack Competition.