Computer games - what are they even good for? As it turns out, an awful lot: resilience, teamwork, hand-eye co-ordination, sportsmanship, and more.
Dundee and Angus College is flying the flag for virtual valiance with what it says is Scotland's first ever Esports Summer Camp. Esports, short for electronic sports, has become a billion-dollar global industry which sees professional gamers go head-to-head for huge cash prizes.
The college says the camp, open for kids aged between eight and 11 for a week during the summer holidays, aims to promote competitive gaming as a career prospect for budding joystick junkies. During the course, kids will both hone their skills in some of the most popular competitive games and learn more about the esports industry - and how to transfer their skills out of the game and into the real world.
Laura Louch, sector development leader at D&A College, said: “Some parents might think their children already have a lot of screen time, but there’s much more to Esports than sitting at a screen.
"Being part of an esports team and competing in esports events can be great for children.
"Playing games competitively teaches similar, transferable skills as playing other sports.
Would you let your child become a 'professional gamer'? Share your views in the comments.
"Children develop grit and resilience as they work on improving their skills and competing against others.
"They also learn to create and follow strategies, communicate with teammates, and develop strong hand-eye coordination.
"Importantly, they also learn about good sportsmanship and being mindful of their emotions, which can help students to manage stress in their daily lives.
"Indeed, as well as teaching them how to play games safely online, we’ll also encourage health and wellbeing as part of our broader Esports ethos.”
College staff have prepared state-of-the-art gaming kit and brought in top coaches and players to put would-be pro gamers on the route to stardom.
Participants will create a team in Rocket League - a hugely popular esports game that blends football with rocket-powered cars - before taking part in a tournament, with prizes up for grabs.
Some of the most popular esports games like Rocket League, DOTA 2, FIFA and Street Fighter see thousands of people tune in online to watch matches unfold.
Dundee is mulling over whether to build an esports arena of its own where thousands could watch gamers duke it out live.
The Esports Summer Camp costs £30 per child, and runs each morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm from July 18 for one week. To book, email Laura at l.louch@dundeeandangus.ac.uk.
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