The power of the esports community is a real thing, and gone are the days where gaming made you more excluded from the world around you. In fact, kids who are into gaming and esports are actually learning many of the tools they’ll need in order to be connected to a world of the future.

James O’Hagan is passionate about bringing the world of esports and gaming to the school districts and finding ways to teach the power of this world to parents who still aren’t sure they want their kids playing games all day.

He shares why he’s so passionate about helping all youth, how game developers can benefit by integrating input from schools, and why getting more kids to love the world of gaming can actually be a good thing.

You can connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesohagan/

The Esports Connected Podcast was created by the Esports Trade Association. To find out more, visit: https://esportsta.org/

This podcast is also part of the Esports Futuri Podcast Network. To find out more about this podcast, and all of our other shows, visit: EsportsFPN.com

Full Episode Breakdown:

1:00 – James background in esports, and why he’s so passionate about it and helping schools with this growing industry.

3:10 – Why cultivating a love for gaming can easily build love for physical activity too.

5:47 – Why honoring the importance of play is so important.

6:26 – The story behind the term ‘story gamers.’

7:20 – How a computer club became the catalyst for James to move into this field.

10:30 – Why it’s important to understand the the kids just playing games aren’t such a bad thing, and especially during a pandemic.

14:42 – Can Fortnite be a teach tool? Why these schools should be invited to the table of game creators.

18:07 – What’s fan art, and how James incorporated the gifts of the kids to create jerseys.

22:11 – The community of the esports industry, and why it’s such an amazing thing.

25:50 – The retro side of esports, and why it’s become cool for today’s generation.

28:05 – Quality time for kids, and what’s an important number and why it can make a world of difference.

32:30 – The world after the pandemics, and why we will still savor those connecting moments.

34:00 – Why opportunities for kids of all genders and ethnicities should be provided, and have them feel welcomed.

42:10 – James talks about his dissertation, and what he’s working on.