Collegiate and Amateur Esports on the Rise
Collegiate and amateur esports have been experiencing a surge in popularity in North America. Despite recent setbacks in professional leagues like the Overwatch League and restructuring in League of Legends esports, the amateur scene and initiatives for aspiring professionals have been flourishing.
PlayVS: Leading the Way
As the largest amateur esports and competitive gaming network in North America, PlayVS has been at the forefront of this growth. With over 5,000 schools and nearly 10,000 teams participating in PlayVS leagues and tournaments annually, the company has built a strong partner ecosystem to support its endeavors.
Building a Community
PlayVS is not just about competition; it’s also about community building. The company serves as the official high school esports partner of NFHS Network and the Special Olympics, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the esports space.
Positive Impacts of Esports
According to PlayVS CEO Jon Chapman, participating in organized esports can help young individuals develop essential skills like teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. The company’s debut PlayVS Esports Impact Survey revealed that esports can foster a sense of community among students and enhance their school experience.
Introducing PlayVS Collective
To further support the positive impact of esports, PlayVS has launched PlayVS Collective, a partner marketplace focused on providing educational and community-building opportunities in the gaming space. The initiative aims to create a network of trusted companies devoted to enriching the next generation through gaming.
Expanding Partnerships
PlayVS’s extensive operations have led to partnerships with major publishers like Nintendo of America, Activision Blizzard, and Epic Games, as well as other service providers in the industry. By fostering these relationships, PlayVS aims to promote participation in the amateur ecosystem and nurture a healthier competitive gaming environment.
Empowering Students
The newly launched PlayVS Collective offers a wide range of resources, including curriculum materials, equipment, and technology, to help schools establish and maintain esports programs. This initiative serves as a one-stop shop for schools looking to engage students in gaming in a constructive and educational manner.
Driving Inclusion and Diversity
PlayVS is dedicated to fostering inclusion and diversity within the esports industry. Through the PlayVS Collective and other initiatives, the company aims to encourage more girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM fields by leveraging their interest in gaming as a gateway to technological and scientific pursuits.
Shaping the Future of Esports
While competition is inherent in esports, PlayVS is focused on collaboration and unity within the industry. By providing students and schools with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, PlayVS is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse esports landscape.