During the isolation parents and kids have become frustrated with continually coming up with activities to do. Online entertainment has become a lifesaver in many respects and in some cases has included added benefits of education and social connection. At a time where you feel isolated from the world, it’s the internet that is bringing us all together.
It would be an easy solution to plop a kid in front of a TV but the lack of interaction is a real concern. Online gaming keeps kids brains active and entertains at the same time. There are studies that show that gaming can provide connectivity with other people and also stimulation of the areas of the brain that control mental acuity, agility, memory, attention span and the ability to multitask.
A Brisbane based XP Esports is dedicated to the growth of the Esports industry in Queensland and host leagues and regularly major events across multiple game genres.
The team have created a response to the quarantine measures with a first-ever High School League running for 5 weeks and using the popular Esports title “Rocket League”. The games take place every Monday at 4:30pm until the 1st of June.
In the event, 16 teams will battle it out as North Queensland and South East Queensland. The teams play remotely connecting online and are supervised by a teacher.
Teams play 2 matches a night in a best of 3 formats and it is broadcast to the masses via Twitch.
The technology provider for the XP Esports High School League is “Computer Alliance” The IT retailer will be sponsoring Prize Packs for Winners and Runners Up. Also, as the tournament’s main sponsor, they will be offering a special technology pack to all 16 teams, as a way of getting gamers ready to play.
This is only the first round as well, it’s hoped that the team can expand into other popular Esports games and well as into other states. This could be the new “State of Origin”. As it grows there’ll also be more support for students and teachers.
It is recognised by the organisers that balance is a key part of the program. So there is a genuine focus on studies and reading as well as play. Esports is a rapidly growing form of entertainment bringing in billions of dollars worldwide and packing out stadiums in ways that are unusually reserved for traditional sports. This is a fantastic initiative to use this new form of entertainment to connect and grow as a young community in a time of crisis.
