Kent City — It’s been five-plus years since Jeremy Smith launched an esports class as an option at Kent City High School. In that time, it’s become a highly sought-after extracurricular — a fact that delights the teacher and gaming enthusiast.
“With exploratories, kids get to choose, and it’s a full class almost every semester,” Smith said. “(Gaming) is something they enjoy anyway, and being able to do that in school is pretty awesome. … And we have this common language and feelings, and that’s pretty fun, because I’m a fellow gamer, so I get it.”
But what does one actually do in a high school esports class? What does a typical day or week look like?
Smith smiles, like he’s probably heard such questions before.
“Basically, we focus on a game that’s well-known, and we talk about it,” the teacher said. “Everything about it or related to it.”
They ask questions: What’s the game’s impact on society? What financial opportunities has it created? What technology is being used? What’s its impact on you as a gamer?
‘It’s like another sport in here: We play in teams, so there’s that team effort and just, like, working together a lot.’
— senior Julio Sanchez-Avila
They discuss big topics, like the fact that gaming has become a moneymaker similar in scope to, or in some cases surpassing, movies or television. They learn about the industry side of gaming and career options. They conduct research on a gaming topic and put together a presentation to work on their writing and public speaking skills.
Smith even incorporates health topics into class, encouraging healthy eating habits and outdoor activities in addition to gaming.
“We’re reading, we’re studying, we’re analyzing — all those things you’re doing in other classes, just here it’s all about something they really enjoy or want to do, so they’re more engaged,” he said.
On one particular day, the class did a deep dive on microtransactions, which are virtual transactions a person makes within a game that cost real money. They discussed the ethics of “pay to win” and shared reasons why gamers may be compelled to spend more money for certain features or advantages.
“Talking about some of these things helps us become better consumers,” Smith said, noting that about 75% of gaming profits come from such purchases. “Some of these microtransactions we just do automatically. You can easily spend $700, a thousand dollars — (We examine) are you thinking about that? Are you noticing why companies are pushing something?”
‘It’s a very connected thing’
Senior Julio Sanchez-Avila first enrolled in the esports class as a freshman, and enjoyed it so much that he re-enrolled this year. But his gaming habits have changed over the years, he said. He used to get home from school and “play Xbox until, like, midnight.”
Now, as a senior, “I’m older, and it’s like, life’s getting real,” he said. “I have more things to do: sports, homework and all that. So I set (Xbox) aside. I’ll make time for myself occasionally to play, like, an hour or two, and that’s more of how it’s been for me recently.”
In choosing to take the esports class again, Julio said he wanted to explore “more about what gaming really is. Like, why is it this huge thing nowadays? Why are some people always like, ‘I want to game all the time’? Why do we do it?”
Julio said he also appreciates the teamwork aspect of the class. At the end of every discussion or presentation, students get time to play a game of their choosing — sometimes solo, but often in teams with classmates. Smith even holds tournaments from time to time.
“It’s like another sport in here: We play in teams, so there’s that team effort and just, like, working together a lot,” Julio said. “Being able to work with someone else is good, because in life you’re always going to be working with other people. … You have to communicate well and all that. So basically, it’s like (building) a good basic life skill while playing with a bunch of people.”
Smith is working to dispel the notion that gaming is a solo, disconnected activity. Between his esports class and the high school’s after-school esports team, which competes in the Michigan High School Esports League, he’s been happy to help Kent City provide opportunities for students who might not compete in traditional sports or play a musical instrument.
“People make the mistake of thinking people just go in their basement and play video games alone. You can, but most people don’t. It’s a very connected thing,” he said. “As a teacher, you’re always looking for ways to connect with kids, and (gaming) is one of my things … so this is how I can connect. Something they love, something that I love — that shared passion is always great.”
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