Esports in Australia and New Zealand High School Teams
The expanding popularity of eSports has not left high school students behind. From simple enjoyment to making a little money on the side while learning, this group of scholars is experiencing a major positive shift in gaming perspectives and experiences. The novice conditions in which they are learning are proof that education, entertainment, and earning big can coexist in perfect harmony.
The expansion of eSports companies into Australia and New Zealand has contributed a lot to the increased interest in digital opportunities among high school students. High School Esports League (HSEL) is among the companies that have made headlines in 2020 for their commitment to developing esports in both countries. The company raised the international bar after seeking expansion outside of North America, where the high school program is domiciled.
Australia and New Zealand High School Esports League
In the new program, High School Esports League of Australia and New Zealand (HSELANZ), the high school students have the opportunity to engage in clearly-defined competitions. The competitions involve gaming against other organized high school student teams in online games. The renowned organization has further raised interest in computerized games by increasing gaming options. Doing so has attracted a dynamic audience and willing competitors specialized in different fields. The four predominant choices include Call of Duty, Clash Royale, Fortnite, and Modern Warfare.
Similar to offline sports, eSports entice individuals and organizations using handsome payments. To companies, earnings come from the fees they charge for participation. In the case of HSEL, for example, each high school student is required to pay an annual fee of AU$ 120 or NZ$129. On the contrary, the students’ main income stream is dependent on their winnings. The best eSports Teams of 2020 for Australian players, for example, are likely to win in the yearly local and international eSports tournaments, some worth millions in prize money. The winning team is rewarded with an enviable prize token alongside tickets to the summer season.
Benefits of Esport Tournaments To High School Students
In comparison, high school students participating in the competitions are better off than the reluctant lot. Esports is the modern reincarnation of extracurricular activities. For this reason, participants are better poised to make significant progress in both their core educational schemes and gaming activities. Companies involved in eSports collaborate with the learning institutions to ensure that the students get the best quality studying environment.
Introducing the Australian and New Zealand students to an updated US curriculum is prioritized in the eSports arena. The new learning environment for gamers demands them to prioritize their academic success above video games. The high school students are encouraged to ensure that they perform as expected in their academics, instead of shifting their attention from the educational programs.
Implementation Process of High School Esports in Australia
HSEL’s Gaming Concepts exemplifies this idea. In North America, the program seeks to demonstrate that the students attend school and get good grades. However, it does not discourage students from participating in the eSports forums. Instead, it strives to establish a balance between core studies and gaming. Students with a passion for the games are also advised to benefit mentally from gaming activities. They are guided towards the perception that gaming programs are sources of invaluable knowledge in life skills, such as maintaining healthy lifestyles and personal management. Such a balance is also changing the attitudes of parents who first presumed that the high school eSports program would only be a distraction to the learning curriculum.
In another aspect, eSports’ success among high school students in the two countries is creating a rare opportunity in the world of entertainment. The professional video game competitions are preparing students for their adult lives as productive members of society. This is by training them to exercise professionalism in their interests and hobbies. Practicing at an early age is a chance for them to prove their worth in the future through productive gaming careers. Better still, working together in gaming groups is enhancing their teamwork abilities, thinking under pressure, and sharpening their social skills besides the accelerated academic performances.
The future is bright for Australian eSports teams of 2020 alongside those of New Zealand. The high school students who are active in this relatively new space are likely to have more formal and informal professional opportunities in the expanding digital economy. Similarly, more organizations are expected to pursue this opportunity in Australia and New Zealand in the foreseeable future.
