Dallas ISD does esports

More than just a pastime, esports can be a promising career path for students with the potential to earn a living. Dallas ISD’s aspiring young gamers will get their chance to turn passion into profession at the district’s first “Careers in Gaming Expo” at 5:30 p.m., Nov. 29 at New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell.

“This can definitely be a primary job, we want to show them this doesn’t have to be a side job, it can be a hobby or you can go 110 percent into it and still make a living. It’s not relatively brand new anymore,” Frank Rivera, New Tech teacher and head coach of the esports team said.

Students will have the opportunity to meet, play and pitch to industry professionals in a “Shark Tank” style competition. “Rapha,” a Team Liquid pro-player, will be in attendance as a judge. They’ll also get to network with representatives from colleges and universities that have strong esports teams such as Dallas College, University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University Guild Hall. Finally, students can also sign up to volunteer at the DELL Alienware Mobile Gaming Lounge and play inside the state-of-the-art Dell Alienware truck.

Rivera says schools and programs are looking for kids who are passionate about gaming because of their different levels of thinking. “Gamers are quick to think critically and get out of situations in a jam, that’s what people at these companies are looking for.”

He believes video games teach kids to communicate and lead a team. “When kids are put in situations where they can lead, they will absolutely run with it. They’ll create ways to improve the game, practice, and mindsets. When you’re part of a team, especially the age these kids are, they don’t want to let their teammates down.”