AIR DATE AUGUST 19, 2021
Title: The World of E-Sports
In this episode of Emily Tells All, we learn more about the next evolution of the video gaming industry, E-Sports.
Guests and Locations
Full Sail The Fortress, Esports Strategist, Bennett Newsome
Orlando Magic NBA 2K League Team at Orlando Magic, General Manager and Head Coach of Magic Gaming – Jonah Edwards
The Evolution of Video Gaming and Esports
The esports industry is booming all around the globe. Many projections estimate that competitive video gaming will surpass $1B in revenue in 2021. And for 2022, it’s estimated to steadily grow by 15% to become a $1.8B industry. However, some experts say those projects are major underestimations.
From viewership to live events and merch, there is so much growth opportunity for esports. We sat down with Bennett Newsome and Jonah Edwards to plug into the evolution of video gaming. Bennett is an Esports Strategist at Full Sail University, and Jonah is the GM and Head Coach of Magic Gaming in Orlando.
Teams, Tournaments, and The Fortress
There’s a striking difference between the esports we know today and the gaming tournaments that have been around since the ‘80s. It’s taken an evolutionary turn from informal gaming competitions to formal tournaments to professional, organized leagues that are backed by sponsors.
Anyone can start off as a solo player and work their way up to joining a team. There are plenty of competitions for solo gamers, but tournaments are more team-focused.
Bennett Newsome explains, “Just like any team sport, you work together, especially in a video game that’s competitive, you have to communicate, you have to be able to know where your teammates are going to be and anticipate what’s going to happen to be successful. And so, the team aspect is huge.”
More and more people are discovering the world of esports, and anyone can participate. Full Sail University Orlando Fortress is the largest esports arena on any college campus in the nation- home to the Armada collegiate esports team. You can get involved by scheduling a tour of the campus or attending one of the many esports events that are held each year.
Orlando Magic Gaming
“Orange County, and Florida in general, is kind of like an esports hub around the country. There are a few areas that have a ton of esports programs and things going on, and Orange County is certainly one of them,” states Jonah Edwards. Many kids and young adults are sometimes unreachable, and egaming can be a way to connect with that market.
Along with Full Sail’s esports arena, several high schools in Orange County have their own esports program. Even LAN centers have started to pop up in the area, giving kids a way to play. In the early ages of video gaming, sitting down for hours to game was seen as unhealthy. But the perception has evolved. Now it’s all about understanding the balance between focusing on the game and getting enough physical activity.
While Jonah is the head coach at Magic Gaming, he says there is no set path to follow. “But my best advice to anyone is to initially take yourself seriously, understand that this can be a professional thing. And if you take yourself seriously and you value your own time, I think that’s going to be the best lesson.”
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the gaming community in Orange County. Whether it’s The Fortress or a local LAN group, go get your foot in the door.
