82% of student esports players more likely to participate in other team sports, finds Ukie Digital Schoolhouse study

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UK games industry trade body Ukie has launched a study exploring how participating in esports can positively affect children and schools.
The research, titled ‘Esports: Engaging Education’, was based on results from the Digital Schoolhouse (DSH) Esports Tournament. Research was conducted by Staffordshire University, supported by Newman University, and was based on results from the Digital Schoolhouse Esports Tournament this year.
More than 2,000 students aged 12 to 18 from 20 schools across the UK took part, either as players or as part of the school’s event management team.
The survey found that 82% of players say they’re more likely to participate in other team sports as a result of taking part in the DSH esports tournament.
94% said that taking part in the tournament made them more interested in computers/computing, while 88% of students said it made them more interested in a career in games.
 

“With the skills gap we face in the UK, this study shows that esports can be an important bridge for introducing young people to important skills through games and interactive entertainment.”
Dr Jo Twist, Ukie

 
The study also saw improvements in skills such as teamwork (80%), communication (74%), improved confidence skills as well as stronger friendship bonds over the course of the tournament (67%).
Ukie CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE said: “The report on the Digital Schoolhouse Esports Tournament shows the meaningful impact games and esports can have on confidence levels, communication skills and interest in jobs of the future.
“With the skills gap we face in the UK, this study shows that esports can be an important bridge for introducing young people to important skills through games and interactive entertainment.”
The esports report was revealed at Ukie’s annual general meeting (AGM) at EGX in Birmingham this week.
Ukie also announced its latest board members at the AGM, including esports execs such as Veronique Lallier from Hi Rez Studios and Andy Payne OBE from the British Esports Association, among others.
Ukie listed its new members too, which include a variety of esports companies such as Dexerto, National Student Esports, Edge Esports, epic.LAN and more.
Finally, Ukie announced a ’30 Years of Play’ initiative, celebrating its 30th birthday with a year’s worth of activities to showcase the positives of and the culture within the games industry.
The full esports report can be found here.

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