Chances are if you have a tween or teen, they spend a lot of time gaming. It also means they are probably familiar with eSports.
Parenting in the digital age presents its own special challenges. Trying to keep up with the latest devices, jargon and social media channels can be overwhelming. Organized, multi-player video game competitions, or eSports, are a perfect example.
The world of competitive gaming is exploding, and while at first glance, it might sound like a convenient adolescent excuse to spend more time playing video games, eSports is real and here to stay, with opportunities for college scholarships and even employment.
What are eSports?
There are plenty of parallels between eSports and traditional sports. In eSports, competitors from different leagues or teams face off in popular video games like League of Legends or Madden NFL. At the highest levels, these gamers are watched and followed by millions of fans all over the world at live events, through television broadcasts or by streaming online through services like Twitch, which allow viewers to watch in real time.
Colleges and universities offer varsity eSports teams, including Grandview, and many offer scholarships to these eAthletes. Traditional sports leagues like the NHL and NBA have launched tournaments and leagues, too, and eSports at the Olympics is on the horizon.
While you may be thinking eSports is a youthful indulgence filled with more pitfalls than benefits, keep in mind eSports can also be a positive outlet to engage kids in new ways. If your child is interested in participating in an eSport, there are businesses and organizations in Des Moines where they can join in.
Here’s where kids can participate in eSports in the Des Moines area:
Des Moines Parks & Recreation – E-Sports Programming
Des Moines Parks and Recreation launched their inaugural season of E-sports with GGLeagues last fall. This partnership allows them to offer a safe and fun way for children and adults ages 8 and up to compete virtually with friends their own age all over the state of Iowa from the confines of their own home. GGLeagues’ referees organize, officiate, and monitor the game sessions to ensure proper conduct and sportsmanship.
Des Moines Gaming Club
Des Moines Gaming Club opened this summer at their new location at 423 SW 8th Street. They offer an opportunity for local gamers to gather in one spot for all their competitive needs. It is a community where everyone can enjoy competitive gaming, casual gaming, watch professional gaming, and experience many other eSport/video game related events.
West Des Moines Parks & Recreation – The RecPlex’s Esports Center
The Esports Center features 30 state-of-the-art, water-cooled computers, six gaming consoles, and lounge seating, along with LED lighting and a premier sound system. This space serves as a hub for the elite gamer, as well as those just learning the sport. Gamers can play Esports during drop-in hours for individual gaming, or groups or organizations can rent the Esports Center by the hour. West Des Moines Parks & Recreation also offers an Intro to Esports program for kids in grades 2-8.
YMCA of Des Moines – Esports Rocket League
Kids can level up their game with the Y. They recently announced their first ever Virtual Esports League, which is a video game competition for individuals and teams. Each week the teams will have one hour of meaningful curriculum that will teach them that there is more to video games than just gaming. The remaining time will be scheduled game play where kids ages 10-14 will compete with other kids within the YMCA league.
Local Libraries
Like everything else, starting at your local library is a great economical way for kids to try out eSports. Some Des Moines area libraries offer devices, like tablets and Nintendo Switches for kids to use and others host gaming competitions. Be sure to check your local library’s website for offerings and current schedules.
If you would like more guidance and information on eSports, Common Sense Media has put together the Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Esports.
