Scotland is upping its game and gearing up to host the first ever Esports in Education Conference later this month on 24 March.
Delivered in partnership with the College Development Network (CDN) and the British Esports Association, the virtual event will bring together key speakers from across the education sector, as well as industry and the national body for esports to explore the exciting opportunities emerging from this lucrative field.
The global esports market currently draws an audience of half a billion, bringing in revenues that topped US$1bn in 2020 alone; while the UK’s esports business saw an average annual increase of 8.5% between 2016 and 2019, representing just under 8% of the international market, according to a report commissioned by Ukie. The study also notes that in 2019, the UK esports industry supported over 1,200 jobs, and produced £111.5m in Gross Value Added (GVA). Clearly esports is becoming one of the nation’s – and the world’s – fastest-growing sectors.
The inaugural conference will provide information to support the future development of esports in Scotland, facilitating discussion across schools, colleges and universities alike.
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The event schedule includes conversation on the development of esports in the curriculum; information about esports qualifications, industry and career options; women in esports; cybersecurity and research. Additionally, Jim Metcalfe, chief executive of CDN, will present the Scottish College Cup 2020 winners with their awards. Last year, the video game competition saw students from eight Scottish colleges contend for the title of best student Rocket League team, with Edinburgh College taking the crown.
Mark McCready, Scotland representative at the British Esports Association, commented: “It’s an exciting opportunity to develop the first Esports in Education Conference to cover all sectors of the Scottish education system. We’re privileged to have some of the leading stakeholders and institutions participate in the discussion and show how dynamic the esports industry is on a national scale. Being education-focused, we hope that this will provide a greater scope of the esports industry and the benefits of engaging young people in their passions.”
Click here to find out more and book your place to attend the event.