Posted October 01, 2019
Tampa Bay and national experts alike came together under the University of South Florida Muma College of Business roof to discuss the culture, business and future of the esports gaming world, which has turned into a billion-dollar industry.
The leagues, professional players and business opportunities that now make up the still-growing industry were broken down by experts at the USF’s first esports conference. Here are some of the top takeaways from the experts.
Education needs to be done to show this goes beyond gaming.
“This isn’t Mario from the ’80s,” Troy Carnrite, partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, said. “I get it all the time — ‘Why would you watch people play games?’ Well, have you played a game recently? You’re problem-solving, using analytics skills, hand-eye coordination. And these teams have a training regimen on the physical end and to stay mentally sharp. Part of the education process is showing it’s not just people sitting around on the couch with Cheetos and Mountain Dew. This takes a lot of practice, focus and mental ability. If you don’t get it, I challenge your intelligence because it’s not that you may not get it. You don’t see the value of it.”