A new report from Dell and Intel reveals that UK students are increasingly in support of pursuing esports as a qualification, believing it would be as useful as a traditional school subject like maths or science.
Out of 700 students, 53% believe or strongly believe that esports is a useful skill, and 56% believe a qualification in esports could help them get into university. 78% of UK students, aged 11-17, now claiming to be gamers, say that esports has driven other passions such as content creation.
An esports qualification, according to the kids surveyed, could help with critical thinking, new skill acquisition, and ability to communicate. Over half of UK students believe an esports qualification would be as useful to them as a traditional subject like maths.
Esports also topped the list of preferred extra-curricular activities beating out traditional pursuits like dance, drama and art.
41% indicated they would opt to take an esports qualification if it were available, and many believe it would help them with critical thinking, new skill acquisition, and communication ability.
The research follows a wave of growth in the scholastic gaming sector in the UK, from schools in Scotland partnering with local colleges for esports curriculums to independent training provider Virtual Learning UK partnering with Belong Gaming Arenas to launch an esports BTEC.
The director of the report, Dr. Eliza Filby, stated: “For this generation, school doesn’t end at 3pm. There is a misconception that video games and esports have no real value for young people, when in fact through them key skills are developed that will prepare them for the inevitable metaverse and AI-driven future. While there are other things that the Alpha generation will need to thrive in the future, from engagement with the natural world to face-to-face communication, we need to understand that video games are one of those core experiences that will help prepare them for the 21st century.“