FRANKLIN, Ind. (WTHR) — Franklin College announced it is planning to launch an esports program for the 2020-2021 academic year.
Esports is organized competitive video gaming — frequently multiplayer — that is growing in popularity at colleges and universities across the country.
According to a press release, the program will start with up to 24 players in its first year, then add players in subsequent years.
Larry Stoffel, Franklin's chief information officer and director of information technology services, said the esports program will have many of the same experiences as traditional sports teams, including building cameraderie with teammates, developing strategies and practicing sportsmanship.
Acting Vice President of admissions and Financial Aid Andy Hendricks said the program could potential add "significant value" to Franklin's campus and student experience.
"The development of an esports program here at Franklin College is already creating quite the buzz on campus," Hendricks said. "The popularity of it and the industry born from it are undeniable."
More than 100 colleges are involved in esports at the tournament level.
Franklin-based Harena Data and GYO Score partnered with Franklin College to maintain the program. Chief Creative Officer Bill Dever said benefits of the program could include higher recruitment, a more in-depth digital literacy and increased hireability in graduates.
