Did you “live in“ the realm of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)? This fantasy role-playing game was published in 1974 and became wildly popular.
It “is commonly recognized as the beginning of modern role-playing games and the role-playing game industry,” states Wikipedia. “D&D introduced the use of [character] classes, and many subsequent games adopted variations of the same idea.”
D&D was a complex and compelling form of entertainment for girls and boys and adults, as are variations-on-a-theme games of today. You will either nod or shake your head as you read the next paragraph.
“In role-playing games (RPG), a common method of arbitrating the capabilities of different game characters is to assign each one to a ‘character class.’ A character class aggregates several abilities and aptitudes, and [it] may also detail aspects of background and social standing, or impose behavior restrictions. Classes may be considered to represent archetypes, or specific careers. RPG systems that employ character classes often subdivide them into levels of accomplishment, to be attained by players, during the course of the game. It is common for a character to remain in the same class for its lifetime, although some games allow characters to change class or attain multiple classes. Some systems eschew the use of classes and levels entirely; others hybridize them with skill-based systems, or emulate them with character templates. These games are sometimes referred to as ‘class-based’ systems. As well as tabletop games, character classes are found in many role-playing video games and live action role-playing games. Many of the most popular role-playing games, such as D20 system and White Wolf games, still use character classes in one way or another. Most games offer additional ways to systematically differentiate characters, such as race, skills, or affiliations.”
Duane Shaffer, Special Education teacher and Assistant Football coach stated Wednesday, August 26, 2015, “I am [starting] a new [extra-curricular] program…at Morrison High School. It is an eSports program, aimed at creating competitive video gaming teams, that could compete with schools in our area and beyond.”
He volunteered to lead the student-driven initiative. This spring, he explained, 24 students petitioned the Tech Department and Administration to offer eSports. Four presented a PowerPoint claiming “there was lots of interest, and it would be valuable for the District to have.” Principal Kay Harwood was intrigued and approached her staff. Because of the interest of his students, Shaffer started playing “League of Legends” at home. Three boys are Seniors; the other is a Junior. On Tuesday, August 25, the educator held an informational meeting, and 19 high schoolers attended.
Schaffer stated some of the students need and “want to have something to tie them to their school.” They know they must meet eligibility requirements. “We feel we would do better in school” if the eSports team were offered, they had argued. Schaffer added video role-playing is gaining notoriety and in popularity internationally.
On August 26, Superintendent Scott Vance answered questions about this new extra-curricular sport/club/team. Shaffer’s additional Thursday, August 27, comments are in boldface.
Are the games sport themed or violent? “There is one game–a fantasy role-playing game.” The game is “League of Legends (LOL).” It’s not a sports-themed game and doesn’t contain any graphic violence.
Editor’s note: See the visuals at left and below.
What makes this game of interest to the School District? You download it; LOL is free to play. It has received college attention, because it is free and extremely popular, with international competitions. If you achieve high levels, you can get a scholarship to Robert Morris University in Chicago, IL. RMU has an eSports program and recruits kids to play. Other games are coming. DOTA 2 had a National competition. A 15- or 16-year old kid from Rosemont, IL, won over $1,000,000! The “League of Legends” 2014 Championship received 32,000,000 unique visitors.
Is eSport a school-sponsored activity, and does it draw from the District budget? “It is not school sponsored but will be funded from the Activity Fund. Students will pay-to-play, but at a lower activity fee.” The school gave eSport $200 start-up money in the Activity Fund. It will cost $35 for one season and $55 for the year. The fall season begins the first week of November and ends the last week of January 2016. Winter season is the first week of March until the fourth week of May.
Will teams be bused to compete? “Yes, to tournaments.” With online game play, travel is not required. However, there’s an opportunity to do so, to draw more people to events and tournaments. We could travel to other schools: Fulton, Rockford Guilford, Riverdale, Orion, or Farmington, IL. Are there other schools on board? “Rockford has a mentorship; Fulton has one [program].” I contacted Rockford but don’t have a “mentorship” set up. I am sure it will lead to that though. Fulton has a program in place.
Who can participate? “”Boys and girls, Freshmen through Seniors.” What time will eSport be available? “After school or in the evening.” I am going to shoot for 6:30 p.m., to ensure that any athletes who want to be a part of it could do so after practices.
What equipment is needed? Will student tablets be used? “The tablets are not good enough [for this game]. There is a fundraiser for new laptops.” There is a problem with either hardware or the computers or the server or network. Something prevents the game from loading completely.
Shaffer devised a way to help purchase customized laptops for his eSports team. He began a GoFund Me campaign (http://www.gofundme.com/mhs_esports) and set his request goal for $8500. “It is difficult to raise funds. Only a small group has shown interest. We’ve had five donors give $450 as of this morning [Thursday, August 27].
He thought it “best to build the team’s desktops. Otherwise, it is difficult to exchange parts that go bad, ei. the motherboard or main components.” Shaffer built his desktop. “Steve Bechtel at MHS has done many builds.”
He estimated a cost of under $600 per desktop. However, these would be twice as powerful as laptops on the market. They will last longer, too. It is easy to replace parts on a self-built desktop, so one does not have to purchase a new laptop.
The coach would like to build ten desktops, if funding allows.
Are you a MHS student with an interest in the “League of Legions” realm?
Do you have a teen who would enjoy this form of team competition?
Can you or someone you know contribute, to fund team equipment (laptops and self-built desktops)?
Contact Coach Duane Shaffer.