ESL, University Of York Announce Esports Content Production Module
Published: May 4, 2018
This week, ESL and the University of York announced the launch of a new program aimed at esports content production. The university’s Department of Theatre, Film and Television will collaborate with the world’s largest esports organization to bring a new aspect of the esports industry to classrooms.
Translating esports action into new media
Starting in this fall, the module will teach students how to translate esports action into captivating content for fans. Students enrolled in the department will be able to register for the module, which will be offered as a cross-program for the final year’s specialization.
Combining the know-how from traditional sports broadcast, interactive technology, and elements from video games, graduates will learn how to create engaging and insightful live esports stories.
Digital Creativity Labs, the university’s 18 million research initiative focusing on the crossing between interactive media and digital games, will be the program’s knowledge base.
Creating job opportunities
“Esports are growing rapidly, and highly skilled jobs will need to be filled with graduates who not only know specialized production techniques, but understand the sports ecosystem inside and out,” said Digital Creativity Lab module convener and lead of a research group on esports Florian Block.
“We are thrilled to be working closely with ESL on this module. We believe that by combining the academic rigor of a Russell Group university with the experience of industry pioneers, we are in a unique position to prepare our students for a wide range of attractive career paths.”
With over 300 million esports fans and a growing demand for professionals in the segment of esports content production, the module will create graduates ready to tackle the industry.
“This module marks an important step towards the professionalization of the esports industry, providing a formal career path for much-needed talent,” said ESL UK COO Rob Black. “By linking the module with the University of York’s other excellent existing programs, we can foster talent responsibly, equipping students with the skills they need to access amazing jobs in esports and beyond.”
York going all-in on esports
The launch of the esports content production module is not the first time the university crossed paths with ESL.
Last June, the two announced a new teaching and research partnership focused on the competitive gaming industry. The collaboration included the aforementioned Digital Creativity Labs initiative, which saw the birth of biggest games research lab in the world. Aimed at teaching, research, and careers inside the esports industry, the university made clear there’s great interest and potential in the field.
“Esports has massive potential to outgrow conventional sports, and our collaboration with ESL provides us with an exceptional opportunity to pioneer highly relevant, impact-driven research in this area,” said Digital Creativity Labs Director Peter Cowling back in 2017.
With the UK boasting well over 3 million esports enthusiasts, it’s a natural development for universities to stay on top of the field. As the industry’s projections keep pointing at continuous growth, there surely won’t be any lack of opportunities in the future.
Editorial credit: JR James Archive/ Flickr.com / CC BY-NC 2.0
Since: September 12, 2015
