8 Steps to Strengthen Esports Recruitment in Higher Education

At Montgomery County Community College, we’ve seen this trend unfold firsthand. As an esports early adopter, our program has grown significantly over the years. Starting with 12 students when the program launched in spring 2020, we now have 170 participants in the program across our campuses. Our MCCC Mustangs eSports team recently won a fourth NJCAA esports title, making our program a top destination for community college recruits and esports fans in Pennsylvania and beyond.

For schools interested in growing their offering, here are eight steps to attract athletic talent and draw students into the program:

1. Invest in the latest tech: Developing a robust technology infrastructure is paramount to recruitment success. Student-athletes want to see top-of-the-line consoles, controllers, headsets and equipment that will help them reach their full potential. Gaming technology should be on its own LAN with a direct connection to high-speed internet to limit potentially disastrous interruptions during gameplay. Top-of-the-line computer systems should have 32-plus gigabytes of RAM, multiple terabytes of storage and the ability to support all the latest games.
2. Provide exciting and engaging viewership opportunities: Your technology investments should not stop at the gaming setups. Colleges need to make student-athletes feel like professionals by showcasing their talents for all to see through streaming services and in-person events. Establish a professional-looking streaming platform and give students opportunities to commentate on the performances. Invest in microphones, webcams, audio splitters and popular streaming platforms to elevate production values further. These streams will build buzz across campus and showcase your team’s talents to the public.

RELATED: What’s next for esports in higher education?

3. Create engaging gaming spaces: Beyond the technology, higher education institutions should create compelling physical spaces in which esports teams can practice and compete. These areas should be highly visible to the rest of the school and be arranged in ways that facilitate in-person viewing. The facilities should give student-athletes a space to showcase their skills and build awareness of the program across campus. Also, a simple but often overlooked aspect of building an esports team is buying jerseys for student-athletes to provide the team with a unified look.
4. Hire top tech talent: Optimizing and maintaining esports facilities and equipment will require sophisticated technology talent. Like any sport, it is important to hire coaches and support staff with knowledge of the equipment required for competitive gameplay. Serious programs should also consider hiring IT staff with a gaming background to further support the program as it grows.
5. Build your social presence: Esports recruits almost always ask about the school’s social media following. Student-athletes want to make sure their talents will be captured and showcased on social media. This is one of the most important ways for student-athletes to build their personal brands and set themselves up for a potential career in esports. They want confidence that the school they play for will help them gain public awareness, build a following and cultivate a reputation in the sport.

6. Provide support for athletes: Becoming a top esports student-athlete requires time and training. Schools can make the rest of their lives easier by offering support. This can include free tutoring sessions, flexible class scheduling, extra meal plans and mentoring opportunities — anything that makes it easier for student-athletes to compete at their best.
7. Promote inclusivity: Esports are the most inclusive sport and should be positioned that way to prospective student-athletes. By removing barriers to entry and creating an environment of inclusivity, schools can broaden their pool of potential talent. When constructed in ways that promote diversity and inclusion, educators can create esports programs that are built to last. Not only will the program provide a safe space for students to socialize, compete, learn and grow, it will create a foundation for students to come together, build community and create a culture of belonging that improves overall student well-being.
8. Highlight career pathways: With careers available in game design, the business of gaming, esports coaching and more, the opportunities following graduation are seemingly endless. To attract esports talent, colleges should do all they can to prepare and provide pathways to these careers for their student-athletes. This can even include building esports production, promotion and management courses into a school’s curriculum.

Technology Is the Foundation for Growth

Laying a solid technology foundation is essential for any higher-education institution looking to develop a leading esports program. Without next-generation technology, your athletes won’t be able to compete at the highest levels, engagement will lag and recruits are unlikely to seriously consider your program. Esports programs are a legitimate attraction, proven to boost enrollment, and are worth the financial investment — leading to lasting value and enrichment for both the college and its students.