Esports is expected to generate more than $1 billion in revenue by 2020, along nearly 400 million spectators by the end of this year alone. This growth has expanded opportunities in fields from broadcasting and event planning to accounting, legal and marketing. The growth of eSports has even created entirely new career categories, including eSports Management.
ESports Managers have become key members of eSports teams. As described by Ubisoft Entertainment, the eSports Manager takes part in developing, implementing, executing and reporting on competitive strategy and tactics. The role works closely with internal cross-functional business teams, brand, development/studio and marketing teams as well as external partners and vendors to ensure the success of the program. Esports Managers also help with events, program marketing, and supporting community growth and activity.
To gain the skills needed to be successful in this emerging career field, aspiring eSports Managers now have the option to earn an Esports Management degree at a school known for its game design and interactive media programs—Becker College. Just months ago, the school became the very first college in the U.S. to offer an official eSports Management degree.
Launched by Becker College’s School of Design and Technology, the new Bachelor of Science (BS) in eSports Management joins the Masters in Fine Arts (MFA) in Interactive Media, which also debuts this fall. Becker College developed the BS in eSports Management in response to the growing economic and professional opportunities generated by the competitive gaming industry. Offered through the college’s Business Department, the school says that the four-year degree “will equip students with the knowledge and experience needed to excel in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the sports and entertainment industries” and will focus on providing students with “practical, hands-on learning and an entrepreneurial outlook.”
The eSports Management curriculum emphasizes the business side of the industry. Students in the program be “immersed in the culture and climate of esports, and will gain skills in planning and strategy, event management and promotion, business development, game technology, marketing, and finance.’ Students will also “explore the dominant game genres that make up the industry.” Fortnite, League of Legends, and Overwatch are just a few.
In a Becker College news release about the program launch, Alan Ritacco, Dean of the School of Design and Technology, said “the rapid growth of eSports brings with it new jobs and demands from the industry. That translates to tremendous career opportunities for our students. With a spirited college community that gets video games, adding eSports Management is a perfect fit.”
Marco Mereu, CEO of Estarz and an advisory board member of the School of Design and Technology added, “it’s great to see a school like Becker College leading the field in establishing its new Esports Management degree. Much as they did with their game design program, Becker will enable students to be prepared for the fast-moving and growing industry of eSports.”
In addition to being the only college in the U.S. to offer an eSports Management degree, Becker College is the only college in Massachusetts to offer varsity eSports scholarships. Enrollment for first-year management students begins in the Fall of 2019.
Sources
“Becker College Announces First-in-Nation Esports Management Degree.” Becker College, Becker College, 21 June 2018. Web. 15 Sep. 2018.
Ubisoft.com, Ubisoft Entertainment, 2018. Web. 15 Sep. 2018.