The DeSoto Independent School District is set to introduce an esports gaming club, marking a strategic leap into the world of immersive digital experiences.
The esports opportunity is set to launch in January 2024 and has more than 30 DeSoto High School Scholars participants.
The announcement comes at a time when the global gaming industry has surged to a market size exceeding $1.45 billion in 2022, affirming its status as one of the fastest-growing sectors in technology.
“Admittedly, I was a parent who didn’t allow video games in my home,” said Dr. Usamah Rodgers, DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools
Rogers is considered an expert in national college and career pathway design and development.
“However, as an educator, and as someone who studies trends in career and industry to shape and inform the decisions we make in our schools regarding what and how scholars are learning, it is clear and apparent that gamification is the way of the future, said Rogers.”
Once relegated to just the entertainment industry, gaming has transcended its traditional boundaries.
From enhancing hand-eye coordination for medical professionals to simulating real-world scenarios for military and engineering applications, gaming has proven its versatility in fostering crucial skill sets.
Recognizing the potential of gaming in skills development and its emergence as a viable career option, DeSoto ISD is pioneering the introduction of an esports gaming club.
As the esports gaming club takes shape, DeSoto ISD envisions a future where students not only enjoy the immersive experience of gaming but also cultivate the technical and creative skills essential for thriving in the digital landscape.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at noon on January 4, 2024, at DeSoto High School. For more information, contact DeSoto Development Corporation Marking and Outreach Lead Rhonda Faulkner at RFaulkner@DeSotoTexas.gov