Isolated students in regional Queensland will be plugged into the immersive world of esports through a million-dollar inclusion program.
QUT will develop and host an inclusive esports program for high school students outside South-East Queensland, with a $1.19 million Federal grant allowing a series of esports events to be held in six regional locations, culminating in a state championship in Brisbane.
Professor Byron Keating, from the QUT Business School, will lead the EsportsAble project which aims to encourage greater diversity in esports participation and create safer esports communities for high school students who have mental health conditions that affect their ability to participate in social situations.
Professor Keating said it would provide teens with an online training and coaching program to support their involvement in a series of esports events in Cairns, Mackay, Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Townsville and Toowoomba.
He said QUT was a recognised leader in esports in Queensland and Oceania and already ran tournaments for high school and university students.
“Our aim is to help adolescents with psychosocial disabilities participate, contribute and thrive in the rapidly growing field of esports,” Professor Keating said.
“Engaging in esports, particularly for those living outside of cities, is often hindered by cyberbullying, reduced emotional resilience, and lack of opportunity.”
Professor Keating said the project team’s first step would be to identify needs and get community feedback to help design an inclusive esports program.
“We will run focus groups and co-design workshops over the next six months in each of our remote/regional locations,” he said.
QUT Director of Sport Emily Rosemond said EsportsAble would help improve diversity in esports participation.
“The EsportsAble project will enhance the development and scale of our esports events and activities, enabling QUT to cater to a more diverse audience, including those with psychosocial needs,” Ms Rosemond said.
