From Doom to Fortnite: The 30 Year Shift from Hardware Wars to Platform Worlds
For most of video game history, your machine determined your world. Today, your account increasingly defines it.
Understanding Game-Based Learning in Esports Education: A Study in Structure and Impact
This proposed study will examine the integration of game-based learning (GBL) within a fully esports-focused higher education environment, with the goal of better understanding of how GBL strategies influence engagement, development, and classroom culture in a specialized institution. Conducted at the College of Esports,, this research will explore how GBL functions in a context where all students are studying esports-related disciplines. This contrasts with most existing studies, based in traditional academic institutions or primary/secondary schools, which also offer esports education amongst their other courses and programs.
The wild X-Men FPS you were never meant to play
In 1997, a game was released that let you step into the shoes of a Magneto-built cyborg and wipe out an army of mutant clones. It was loud, bloody, confusing, and brutal.
Who Wins When You Watch? Understanding the Attention Economy in Gaming, Social Media, and Esports
This opinion piece is a joint effort written by Jordan Whitaker and Bubba Gaeddert, combining their experience across education, coaching, research, esports, and event management.
"I Did the Dishes Though": Mental Health Conversations in the Thunderbolts* Film
Thunderbolts may be the best MCU movie since Endgame. It delivers comedy, action, and sharp dialogue. But it might also be the most emotionally truthful Marvel Studios film yet.
The final post-credit scene says more about #mentalhealth and #neurodiversity than any other superhero moment. I don't typically write about movies, but this scene had me thinking night and day about the issues below.
Your Brain Adapts to You: Understanding ADHD and Neuroplasticity
I want to explore a question that may not get asked enough. We often talk about ADHD in terms of traits, symptoms, or diagnostic criteria. But I started thinking about how we adapt to ADHD over time. How do our coping strategies, social roles, and personal routines shape who we become? Could these adaptations reshape the brain itself?
New Survey Reveals Surprising Reasons Parents Are Less Worried About Kids Playing Video Games
Gaming experts and mental health professionals alike have taken note of the evolution of the perception of esports.
As Bubba Gaeddert, head of events and senior lecturer at the College of Esports in London, UK, and president and co-founder of the Videogames and Esports Foundation, affirms, “Esports has been growing fast over the last decade, and we are seeing a real shift in how parents view gaming. It is no longer just entertainment. Parents are realizing that gaming can be a legitimate path to college, scholarships, and careers.”
Supporting Young Gamers: How Parents Can Help Kids Balance Esports and Wellbeing
Do you ever wish the $187 billion video games industry, which is bigger than movies and music combined, could have been something you were a part of as a kid? Many young gamers dream of turning their passion into a professional career, whether through competition, streaming, or content creation. While esports offers exciting opportunities, the intense demands can lead to burnout before players reach their full potential. Just as in traditional sports, young competitors often sacrifice balance, health, and personal growth in pursuit of success. Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their child navigates esports in a healthy and sustainable way.
Exploring Fun and Meaning in Video Games
Video games are no longer just a form of entertainment, they are powerful tools that influence how we think, connect, and grow. From action-packed gameplay to thought-provoking narratives, the world of gaming is a unique intersection of creativity, engagement, and personal development. Two key concepts that define the impact of games on players are hedonic and eudaimonic experiences. These frameworks provide a lens through which we can better understand how games affect us and what makes them such a compelling medium for entertainment and growth.
Rethinking Neurodivergence: Advocating for Awareness, Inclusivity, and Proactive Change
As an adult diagnosed with impulsivity Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), I have spent years navigating the challenges and revelations that come with understanding my neurodivergence. The journey to diagnosis was one of self-discovery, clarity, and relief. It helped me make sense of habits and struggles I had carried for years, and it inspired me to dive deeply into learning about ADHD and its broader implications. My experiences, paired with a career in gaming and education, have illuminated the pervasive gaps in how society and systems understand neurodivergence.
Gaming, Esports, and Family Bonding
Gaming and esports have an extraordinary ability to create connections and strengthen relationships, even in families where gaming wasn’t always a focus. My wife’s journey with gaming is a testament to this transformation. As a child, she enjoyed video games like speed-running Super Mario Bros. Gaming seemed like a distraction, something unworthy of her limited time as she focused on building her career, starting a family, and serving others through charity organizations and ministry. However, she surprised everyone by giving our kids a run for their money in a family Brawlhalla session, finishing with a triumphant controller drop that we still laugh about today.
A Brief History of Competitive Gaming: From Arcades to Arenas
Competitive gaming, or esports as it is now widely known, has become a global phenomenon. With arenas packed with fans and millions tuning in online, it’s easy to forget that this billion-dollar industry has humble beginnings rooted in arcades, basements, and niche gatherings. Let’s take a journey through the pivotal moments and lesser-known milestones that brought competitive gaming from its grassroots origins to the professional spectacle we see today.
From the Midwest to London: A Leap of Faith, Family, and Esports
Moving to London with my family has been one of the most transformative experiences of our lives, a journey marked by resilience, faith, and a deep sense of purpose.
Esports in the Olympics and the Esports World Cup: A New Era of Competitive Gaming
As esports continues to evolve, it is essential for stakeholders to address ongoing challenges, such as issues of representation and harassment that plague the gaming community.
The Curious Case of Manufactured Outrage: How Rockstar Games Played the Media
Did you know that Rockstar Games Used Right-Wing Outrage To Trick You All Into Buying Grand Theft Auto in 1997?
Esports Clubs and Olympic Shooting Clubs: Dispelling Myths and Recognizing Shared Values
Esports will debut in the 2025 Olympics, highlighting the need to address stigmas compared to Olympic shooting clubs.
Esports faces unfounded stigmas about physical activity and violence, despite evidence from Dr. Rachel Kowert showing no link between video games and real-world aggression.
The Role of Esports in Modern Education: A Guide for Digital Parents
As esports continues to grow in popularity, it’s essential for parents to understand its impact on their children.
A Recap of InfoComm 2024: An Esports Expert’s Perspective
Attending InfoComm Show 2024 in Las Vegas as the esports expert for rAVe [PUBS] was an exhilarating experience. The sheer size and scope of the event were beyond my expectations, with thousands of attendees and hundreds of booths showcasing the latest advancements in AV technology.
A Night to Remember: An Evening at the Sphere
Last night, I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend “An Evening at the Sphere” in Las Vegas, sponsored by AVI.
Sneak Peek: InfoComm 2024 — A Game Changer for Esports
As a video games and esports enthusiast, expert, and industry veteran, I couldn’t be more excited about InfoComm 2024 in Las Vegas!

