Andrew Haworth, Director of Production and Operations at BLAST and Commissioner for BLAST Premier
No matter how old you are or where you live in the world, it is highly likely you will know someone who has played video games in some shape or form.
Whether it is played as a hobby or at a competitive level, the gaming industry finds itself in its strongest position to date. Statistics show there are more than 3 billion gamers worldwide today and that number is expected to grow with the industry forecasted to be worth $321 billion by 2026.
In recent years, questions have regularly been asked on how gaming can shape people’s lives for the better but today we are witnessing a period where the interactive power of gaming is being leveraged for learning and education.
In the UAE, a country where the industry is booming, schools and universities are now introducing gaming or esports (professional gaming) courses or topics as part of their curriculum to help prepare themselves when they enter the real-world.
You maybe asking yourself why? To answer this question, we must realise that video games have evolved significantly in the last 10 or 20 years. For instance, technology has advanced at such a rapid pace that these innovative tools are now at our fingertips – whether it be mobile phones, iPads, or personal computers – opening more opportunities than ever before.
If we look closely into the world of education, we see more schools are incorporating some form of games to help create a fun and engaging learning experience – all of which can provide a new approach that keeps students motivated.
More importantly, there are many attributes that gamers can gain that can help them in their everyday lives going forward.
For example, there are many games that need players to work together to complete a stage or compete against each other. This requires communication skills – talking and listening which can not only help establish better relationships but also make them more confident in whatever they do.
Furthermore, it also helps improve problem-solving skills, enabling people to develop critical thinking skills and think outside the box. These valuable qualities can be applied to real-life situations while also enhancing their decision-making.
Creativity is also key and students can be original when playing. Today, there are a number of games that require players to create and design their own characters or costumes and by doing so, students develop their imagination and come up with innovative solutions to problems.
From communication to teamwork to decision-making to problem-solving – these are just some of the key skills that gaming offers which can help equip students in whichever career they choose to take in the future.
As a leading global esports tournament organiser, we know this because players who have regularly competed in BLAST’s tournaments around the world, have regularly commented on how these core skills have shaped their lives for the better – both at a professional level and in their personal everyday lives.
At BLAST, we are not only committed to helping grow the esports market in all corners of the world but also showcase the benefits of this growing industry – and the educational aspects are a key part.
This is why we will be once again engaging with local schools and universities in the UAE when our flagship BLAST Premier World Final 2023 returns to Abu Dhabi on 16th and 17th December to give students across the country an opportunity to not only experience a tier-one esports tournament on their own doorstep but also engage with parents and young kids of the advantages of gaming. The event is in partnership with ADGaming which is helping the gaming ecosystem grow in the emirate and beyond.
Last year for the 2022 edition – the first time the World Final was held in Abu Dhabi, we invited school children to experience a behind-the-scenes tour while hosting three student workshop panels. University students also undertook work experience placements where they walked away with plenty of great memories and crucial knowledge that will help them in their future.
These educational activities and initiatives are important if we want to inspire the younger generation and propel the growth of gaming and esports around the world and it is encouraging to hear that gaming is now being considered as a key educational tool.
It is imperative this continues with every passing year because gaming can certainly open opportunities for people to thrive and succeed in the real-world whether they take the decision to become a professional player or not.
