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In a groundbreaking move, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila (LPU) College of Technology has embraced the booming esports industry by introducing a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Esports. This was brought to light by Pinoy Game Store via its Twitter page which translated and subtitled a news segment on this. The segment prominently featured students playing the immensely popular MOBA game Dota 2.
The BS Esports program at LPU-Manila is designed to offer students a comprehensive understanding of the esports ecosystem. The curriculum encompasses courses in esports production and management, as well as game design and development, providing students with a well-rounded education that covers both the technical and strategic aspects of the gaming industry.
University’s Emphasis on Growing Esports Economy
One of the noteworthy features of the program is the establishment of an esports lab and arena within the university. This dedicated space is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities to facilitate hands-on learning experiences for students pursuing the BS Esports degree. The esports lab and arena aim to provide an immersive environment where students can gain practical insights into the dynamics of esports events, from production to management.
In an interview that was later subtitled and shared by Pinoy Game Store, Dr Arlene Caballero, dean of the College of Technology at LPU-Manila, emphasized the significance of the esports ecosystem and the need for professionals to support the industry from behind the scenes.
"When you see the Esports ecosystem, it is central to the player but as you can see, there is a lot of people working at the backend, especially in events. Esports is a growing industry. We believe that as a university we should cater this gap, there’s really a need to work on the backend,” she remarked.
The introduction of the BS Esports program at LPU-Manila reflects the institution's commitment to staying at the forefront of educational innovation and meeting the evolving demands of the job market. With esports gaining mainstream recognition and becoming a lucrative industry, educational initiatives like this are crucial in nurturing the next generation of professionals who will drive the growth of esports in the Philippines and beyond.
The inclusion of Dota 2 in the curriculum further underlines the university's responsiveness to the preferences and trends within the esports community.
Likewise, last year, the University of Tokyo, also known as Todai, announced a range of courses focused on the Metaverse. The courses were directed towards a wide audience ranging from junior high school students to those already in the workforce who are looking to expand or grasp the fundamentals of the Metaverse.
