ART3255 - Intro to Esports Careers
Course Description
"Are you curious about what esports and video games career paths are available within the industry? This course, SOCs 150, is designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the exciting and ever-evolving roles, jobs, and opportunities that the world of esports and video games has to offer. Whether you dream of designing captivating characters for Riot Games, “shoutcasting” for your favorite esports team for a championship event or working internationally at some of the most dynamic esports organizations in Asia, such as South Korea, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to be better prepared to make informed decisions.
Based on lectures, discussions, case studies, and readings, you will examine the current state of the esports and video games industry. Topics covered will include overviews of the developer, publisher, and professional ecosystems (largely AAA), the changing demands of a post COVID-19 environment, emerging use of artificial intelligence in games, and the shifting landscape of the “esports winter” in reshaping expectations within the industry. Throughout the semester, you will hear from industry professionals (From EA Sports, Activision-Blizzard, and Nvidia), providing valuable insights into their career journeys and the skills required to succeed in their respective roles.
By the end of the program, students will complete the following coursework: SOCS 150 Street Science will engage students in exercises to develop portfolios, enhance teamwork and communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of working in the esports and video games industries. Finally, students will have a better understanding of the various career paths, as well as the skills needed to pursue the desired caree; COM 201 Introduction to Communication will develop skills for communication related to Esports careers; SOCS 289 Esports Internship will engage in a 150 hour internship with video game veterans, companies, and mentors over the summer term in one of three different facets in the operations of an esports company: business, marketing, and public relations. "