Wildly popular ESports programs teach students the tools of the video game trade
MIAMI -- The world of sports is bigger than you think. ESports is taking over South Florida with local schools offering new ways for students to take the video games they love and turn that into money and jobs.
From Atari to Nintendo to PlayStation, video games have evolved. At Florida Memorial University they're preparing the future of gaming professionals. They're teaching ESports, which is digital innovation where students compete using video games but also learn how to create the games too.
It's a program Craig Skilling, Director of ESports at FMU, created when he lost his job before the pandemic. Skilling has been able to take it to other universities like Saint Thomas University and Florida International University.
It's also being taught at Doral Academy. Sixth grader Joshua Martinez said he's learning about ESports, something he's been playing since he was five years old.
"Instead of being able to just only play the game, you get to create it yourself," said Martinez.
Students are taught to code and even animate their own material with the ultimate goal of publishing their own game.
"We want them to start here in the 6th grade and by the time they're graduating high school, say I've actually published an independent game," said STEM Department Chair Luis Santa-Cruz.
The Principal of Doral Academy, Carlos Ferralls, said the program has high interest.
"There are times where there are over 150 to 200 students trying out for a particular game," he said.
Several South Florida educational institutions are taking the passion for the games and turning it into a tangible reward.
"The sky is the limit. If you can make your own, publish your own game, and it's successful, you're a multi-millionaire if not a billionaire," said Santa Cruz.
Skilling said there's still a long way to go and believes equitable access for all students is necessary to continue growing the sport.
Some students are already making money through tournaments, walking away with thousands of dollars in prizes.
