Ukie reveals results of ‘Esports: Engaging Education’ study

27 September 2018

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UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie) shared the results of its study on the benefits of participating in esports tournaments in education at Ukie AGM.

Ukie launched its new study Esports: Engaging Education and shared publicly the results. The study took place during the final of the Digital School House esports tournament at the London Games Festival. The research was conducted by Staffordshire University in collaboration with Newman University.

Over 2,000 students were interviewed for the study. Aged from 12 to 18, the students came from 20 different schools in the UK and attended the event as players or part of the school’s event management, social media, press, and community team.

Ukie highlighted three key findings:

  • 82% of players said they were more likely to participate in other team sports, as a result of taking part in the Digital Schoolhouse esports tournament.
  • 94% said that taking part in the tournament made them more interested in computers/computing subjects.
  • 88% of students said that taking part in the tournament made them more interested in a career in the video games industry.

Students at the event showed interest in possible careers in the esports and video game industry. The benefits go beyond a career choice, students showed improvement in their social skills like confidence, teamwork, and communication.

Dr. Jo Twist OBE, CEO at Ukie said: “Today’s report on the Digital Schoolhouse Esports Tournament shows the meaningful impact games and esports can have on confidence levels, communication skills and interest in jobs of the future. With the skills gap we face in the UK, this study shows that esports can be an important bridge for introducing young people to important skills through games and interactive entertainment.”

Esports Insider says: Now more than ever it is possible to pursue a career in esports, the industry needs more than players. Some organisations are hiring in-house nurses, cooks, sports psychologist, and many other professionals. It’s important for young people to see that a future in esports is not only possible but a reality.