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More than a game: Manchester launches esports management business minor

Announcement comes during high school Spartan Smash tourney

North Manchester, IN (11/17/2022) — Embargoed until 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022

NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. -- Manchester University announced Saturday, Nov. 19 that the Arthur L. Gilbert College of Business is launching an esports management minor.

The announcement came during the Spartan Smash 2022 invitational for high school Super Smash Bros. Ultimate players.At least 200 high school players are expected at the North Manchester campus.

Esports is big business. The global competitive gaming industry has grown exponentially in recent years, with projected growth at 21.9 percent over the next eight years and annual revenue of $12 billion, according to businesswire.com.

"There is a high demand for professionals who understands the management side of esports," said Sun Kang, Manchester associate professor of sport management. "The knowledge students will gain from learning about the complex esports ecosystem, such as the dynamics of esports teams, business opportunities that exist in marketing, sponsorship, event planning and facility management, will help students be a part of this growing industry."

Manchester is one of the few schools in the U.S. to offer an esports management minor. Paired with a major - such as business management, marketing, sport management, data science, digital media or education - an MU minor in esports management allows students to follow their passion for esports in whatever capacity they choose.

Students will study the roles of esports coaches and managers at all levels, including youth, amateur, university and professional. They will focus on coaching concepts and strategies related to communication, training, psychological and mental health, team building and talent management, as well as budgeting and financial planning.

Manchester has varsity-level esports teams that compete in Super Smash Bros., League of Legends, Fortnite, Valorant, Rocket League and Overwatch. Since its beginning in 2019, the program has grown to more than 80 players, and the Manchester Smash team won the Great Lakes Esports Conference four consecutive times, the most recent on Nov. 12.

Esports scholarships are available for those on MU teams.

Garrett Schieferstein, a 2019 Manchester graduate, is director of the varsity-level program. The esports arena takes up one full floor of Calvin Ulrey Hall on the North Manchester campus.

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Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester

Our mission: Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

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Manchester Esports Stadium takes up one full floor of Calvin Ulrey Hall on the North Manchester campus.

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