Competitive video games, often stereotypically viewed as “antisocial” pastimes, are helping college students socialize through tournaments and competitions.
Colleges across the country are legitimizing competitive video games as a sport. Those specific games are called eSports because they’re multiplayer video games, which are usually played for a crowd in competitions. The National Collegiate eSports Association formed to unify eSport groups at college campuses.
Although Ohio University is not a member of the association, some students think becoming a member could give students a new outlet for socializing among other benefits.
Jacob Williamson, a senior studying astrophysics and applied mathematics, is the president of the Original Upholders of the Gaming Arts, a group that meets to play video games. He thinks the eSports association will help people take video games seriously.
“There’s still the stigma that video games are things that antisocial people do all the time,” Williamson said.
Games that are played competitively in the association include Counter Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends and Rocket League.
About 20 universities are currently a part of the association, with Miami University as one of the largest members of the NAC eSports with almost 19,000 students enrolled on their main campus.
Michael Antram, a freshman studying integrated media, said it’s different to play with strangers rather than friends because he hasn’t had the time to learn their habits and weaknesses.
“After you play someone for a while, you get to learn how they play and what they do," Antram said. “So, you can abuse their normal weaknesses. But with playing with someone you’ve never played against, you have to try and adapt and watch what they’re doing while they’re playing.”
Antram participates in local competitions such as the Youngstown Trials and the Pinnacle series to play "Super Smash Bros." He said opponents can tell when players are not confident in their abilities, so they should try not to get frustrated while playing.
It’s easier to become mad when competing against friends, Williamson said. At the end of the day, they don’t remain angry with each other.
People who play video games need to improve their reaction time, Antram said. Some pro gamers have the ability to make 10 actions per second, according to NBC News.
Williamson said competitive video games require “a surprising amount of strategy.”
Some private and public colleges are beginning to provide eSports scholarships based on merit. Williamson said he believes that is justified because schools award athletes money based on their playing ability.
Karl Henkel, an adjunct professor of game development, said having an eSports association that gives away scholarships may help attract more people to the school.
Williamson said he thinks the eSports association and other gaming groups like it can be a “launching point” for future opportunities — he knows old OUGA members that now work in the gaming industry.
