Kids used to goof off by playing video games instead of doing their homework. Today, Junior might want to hone those gaming skills—some colleges are now trying to recruit “athletes” in what are euphemistically called “e-sports.”
More than 60 colleges have joined something called the National Association of Collegiate Esports. It seems video games have become so collaborative and creative that they, along with every other human endeavor, are now worthy of university nurturing. The director of e-sports at Robert Morris University in Chicago told Fortune last year: “Video games have evolved into nuanced, technical activities. That’s no different than if you have a basketball team of super-skilled point guards. It’s relatable in any way—minus the physical exertion.”
Last month, Ashland University in Oregon became the first college in the country to offer scholarships—up to $4,000—to students who excel at the popular interactive teen video game Fortnite. The point of the game is to amass weapons such as assault rifles, shotguns, and rocket launchers, then shoot and kill opponents until you’re the last one standing.
Of course, these institutions aren’t stupid enough to think video-gaming is a sport. Why are they doing it then? Our guess: to snag tuition-paying students. A year at Ashland University will cost you around $30,000. If the school can entice a few gamers to fork over $26,000, even if it’s for just a year, that works out nicely for everybody but the gamers’ parents.
Whatever else comes of e-athletics, please, let’s not create any new sports. That debate belongs with ping-pong, NASCAR, and bowling. ♦
