Boise State University Esports certificate currently in development.

The following is a preview of one of the 1-credit courses offered.

Detailed Game Analysis (CID 497)

An in-depth consideration of a specific esports game that provides a research-based approach for gaining expertise. Topics include a coverage analysis, a market analysis, competition within leagues and tournaments. Game-specific study addresses composition, builds, strategy, core and secondary skills. Identification of key skills and development of practice strategies and routines for high-end skill acquisition.

Design Document

Follow the link above for details about the course from a Quest-Based Learning perspective.

Storyline

This is a 1 credit course in which students will focus on a single esports game performing a number of analysis on skills, strategy, and markets. For this course students will be applying as a game analyst for a fictitious Infinity University who is interested in expanding their esports program to include the game that each student is focusing on. For each report students can choose to write an article, stream, edited video, or podcast on the given topic of the report.

Learning Outcomes

1) Identify and explain the major skills and strategies of an esports game.
2) Explain how an esports game is marketed, covered, and played.
3) Create a practice routine for an esports game.

Modules

Introduction - Cover Letter
Module 1 - Game Overview
Module 2 - Position Analysis
Module 3 - Metagame Analysis
Module 4 - Market Analysis
Module 5 - Practice Routine

Assignment Requirements

For each assignment in this course you have a number of options as the format you wish to use. The basic requirements of content remain the same but because of the diversity within esports we want each assignment to produce a meaningful piece of content that can further your involvement within esports. Each of the 5 assignments can take any of the following forms:

Written Article - (Approx 1000 words)

Articles are commonly found on gaming websites and writers are generally paid on a per article basis. Large numbers of professional players also write articles as a way to suppliment their income. There are also professional commentators and strategists that write articles as well. Written articles provide readers to quick access important information about metagame shifts, patch updates, as well as guides for new players. Most articles include pictures so consider adding some if you choose to write an article.

Edited Video - (3-7+ min)

Videos that give detailed information are incredibly popular on youtube as a reference when new players get into a game or when new information or characters are released. Edited videos take considerable time to edit but a good video can reach thousands of viewers relatively easily. While edited videos will often times have a continuous voice over, what is visible on the screen is quite dynamic and exciting. Edited videos are known for short clips and appealing visuals. Most computers have some form of innate video editing software like iMovie or Windows Movie Maker. Video can also be captured with free tools like Screencastify. If you choose to create an edited video you can simply provide a link to the video on a public site like YouTube or directly from your Google Drive.

Stream - (20+ minutes)

Streamers will frequently give a deep dive into a particular topic on their stream. While streaming is a major source of income for a number of professional and ex-professional players, top streamers tend to not necessarily be at the top of their particular field as far as play skill. The art of streaming is more of live marketing role focused on giving viewers what they want. Streams are a single continuous shot that frequently include video of the streamer and possibly even some background music. Streams are frequently more improvisational but for this assignment they still need to include the required elements of each assignment. Free streaming tools such as OBS and Streamlabs OBS are readily available for streaming on Twitch or other platforms.

Podcast - (30-60 min)

Podcasts have grown in popularity due to the ease of production and dissemination of audio using smart phone technology. They are also popular with commuters and exercisers, as well as anyone doing household chores. Podcasts are entirely audio recordings that cover a particular topic. The best podcasts focus on a specific aspect of a single game (such as competitive play) though they will occasionally branch out and cover tangental topics. The best podcasts usually include more than one person and range from a continuous recording to highly edited and curated interviews. Podcasts can be easily recorded and edited using Audacity or other audio editing tools.

Other Media Creation - (???)

New media methods are always being tested and tried to breakthrough in the market. If you have an alternate media product you're interested in creating, feel free to shoot me an email. We can work out length and product expectations.