In this article I want to explore how competencies developed in Esports can translate into valuable workplace skills, aligned with SFIA Version 9 technical competencies.
The Rise of Esports and Skill Development
Esports, or competitive video gaming, has surged in popularity, with millions participating in organised competitions. Beyond entertainment, esports cultivates a range of skills that are highly transferable to professional environments:
- Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving: Players devise tactics, adapt to opponents’ strategies, and make swift decisions under pressure.
- Team Collaboration: Many esports titles require coordinated team efforts, fostering communication and teamwork.
- Leadership and Mentorship: Experienced players often take on leadership roles, guiding teams and mentoring newcomers.
- Resilience and Adaptability: The dynamic nature of gaming scenarios teaches players to handle setbacks and adapt strategies accordingly.
SFIA Version 9 Technical Competencies Reflected in Esports
The Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) Version 9 outlines specific technical competencies that align with skills honed through esports. Here’s a (not so) tongue in cheek example of 4 SFIA Technical skills that could be developed by an Esportsperson.
- User Experience Design (HCEV): Producing design concepts and prototypes for user interactions with and experiences of a product, system, or service.
- User Experience Evaluation (USEV): Evaluating qualitative and quantitative user experience data to inform design improvements.
- Animation Development (ADEV): Designing and developing animated and interactive systems such as games and simulations.
- Programming/Software Development (PROG): Developing software components to deliver value to stakeholders.
What it’s important to remember is that any of the 147 SFIA V9 skills may be applicable depending on how the Esport player has developed their interests. Esports is simply a domain of expertise like Finance or Pharmaceuticals or Logistics, and like all of these, Esports has a whole industry built around it with roles like Product Manager, Developer, Software Engineer etc. Domains (and Attributes in general) are an interesting topic and something I’ll come back to in a subsequent post.
It’s also worth remembering that Esports and Gaming as an industry surpasses both Music and Film combined! This article from Mediacat reveals a recent report from Dentsu (a global player in media and PR and linked to some of the world’s biggest game makers) “the industry’s value is worth more than that of music and movies combined; specifically, gaming has a market value of $184 billion USD, while the global box office and the music industry are worth $33.9 billion USD and $28.6 billion USD, respectively”. So that’s a whole lot of “traditional” digital roles and skills employed in the industry without an Esportsperson looking to move away from the industry to find the right sort of job.
Empirical Evidence of Transferable Skills
Don’t take my word for it, a quick Google will show you that more than a few studies have highlighted the positive impact of gaming on career-related skills. For example research indicates that gaming can help individuals develop valuable workplace skills, including problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence. This excellent article from the University of Houston highlights this and just as a side note, it does it in a friendly and accessible way!
The UK’s Pioneering Role in Esports
The United Kingdom has emerged as a significant player in the global Esports arena, contributing to the industry’s growth through various initiatives:
- Guild Esports: Co-owned by former professional footballer David Beckham, Guild Esports is a London-based organisation that competes in multiple titles, including Fortnite and Rocket League. Launched globally in June 2020, Guild Esports became the first Esports firm to be publicly traded in the UK.
- British Esports Federation: Established in 2016, the British Esports Federation serves as the national body for Esports in the UK. It focuses on developing grassroots Esports and providing infrastructure to nurture future talent.
- Gfinity: Founded in 2012, Gfinity is an international Esports company based in London. It has developed and delivered Esports experiences for game publishers, sports rights holders, and media companies, partnering with organisations such as Formula One and the Premier League.
- Major Esports Events: London’s O2 Arena hosted the League of Legends World Championship finals, attracting 20,000 fans and millions of online viewers. This event highlighted the UK’s capacity to host large-scale Esports tournaments, showcasing exceptional talent and community engagement.
Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits of Esports in developing transferable skills are notable, it’s essential to address certain challenges to fully harness their potential:
- Perception Bias: Despite the growing recognition of Esports, some still view gaming negatively, associating it with sedentary behaviour or lack of productivity. Overcoming these stereotypes is crucial for broader acceptance of Esports-derived skills. Highlighting the cognitive and social benefits of gaming can shift these perceptions. Research indicates that gaming can enhance problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and adaptability skills highly valued in the workplace.
- Balance and Well-being: Excessive gaming (just like excessive software development stints) can lead to negative outcomes, such as physical inactivity or social isolation. Encouraging moderation ensures that gaming contributes positively without leading to adverse effects. Promoting structured gaming schedules and integrating physical activities can mitigate potential downsides. Studies have shown that when played in moderation, video games can improve cognitive functions and mental health.
- Career Aspirations and Technological Evolution: The rise of technology has introduced unconventional career paths, such as Esports athletes and content creators, leading to concerns among parents about their children’s aspirations. Educating both parents and children about the viability and skill development potential in these modern careers can bridge the understanding gap. Acknowledging the valuable soft and hard skills acquired through gaming, such as creativity and digital literacy, can validate these career choices.
My Final Thoughts
Esports serves as a valuable arena for developing skills that are directly applicable to the professional world. By recognising and harnessing these competencies, individuals and organisations can foster a workforce adept in strategic thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. In a world where there is a significant digital skills shortage Esports enthusiasts may well provide one of the left-field solutions.
About the Author: Steven Houghton-Burnett
Steven Houghton-Burnett is an accredited SkillsTX Partner, specializing in SFIA-based skills management and workforce transformation in the UK. With a strong background in digital skills assessment, competency frameworks, and workforce planning, Steven helps organizations optimize their talent strategies using SkillsTX Talent eXperience Skills Intelligence.
