At the event, the pupils used the latest consoles and everything related to virtual and augmented reality. All pupils received their own unique House of Esports wristband, which they could take home as a souvenir at the end of the day. The pupils had the opportunity to game with one another, exercise and, above all, have fun.
What is the Esports Experience?
The Esports Experience is all about discovering the world of Esports through play and movement. The event consists of eight activities. At the start, the children were told about the do’s and don’ts of the internet and the importance of balance in everything you do, based on the digital food pyramid:
- Education: You develop important skills to become a more successful person
- Sport: It encourages you to exercise or movement is part of the programme
- Health: The offering is designed around a healthy and balanced lifestyle
- Well-being: It makes you a more fun, mentally stronger and happier person
- Gaming: It is fun and challenging, and social with others
Below is an explanation of some of the components:
Gametime
Gametime is the component where the children game together. Just Dance and the VR Experience also take place there. There is room for relaxation between all the physical activity. Each game is played in pairs on the PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch.
- Mario Kart, Mario Tennis, Mario Party, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
- FIFA 22, NBA2k, Madden, Fortnite
- Just Dance
VR Experience
The children entered the world of virtual reality, using a headset to step into a digital environment. Each group started with the game First Steps, where they discovered everything that is possible in a virtual world. There is a choice of 20 different games, none of which involve sitting still. The game Beat Saber is very popular: you use two controllers to slash objects to the beat of the music.
GameGym
To enthuse young people and offer them a new way of engaging in sport, House of Esports developed the GameGym concept. Gaming and movement, with the game translated into a physical version. The aim is: ‘To create a unique experience in which sport and Esports come together and we want to turn fiction into reality.’ With this, House of Esports is launching a unique concept in the Netherlands. During the Esports Experience, House of Esports offers a programme featuring Real Life Fortnite, FIFA Skill Games, NBA2K Skills and Madden Skills.
Real Life Fortnite
Real Life Fortnite is based on Fortnite, a game in which players are dropped onto a large map, and the last player remaining wins. In Real Life Fortnite, you play among all kinds of obstacles armed with a bow and arrow. Who will be the last one standing?
Dordrecht primary school pupils receive instructions for Real Life Fortnite.
FIFA Skill Games
FIFA 22 is one of the most popular games in the Netherlands. In FIFA Skill Games, House of Esports has translated the skills from the game into game skills that are performed on the pitch in a rotation system, allowing you to fill in your own FUT card. The components are: Dribbling and finishing, Target shooting, Free-kick target, Passing and Physics.
Gamegymwall
An interactive wall where Esports and play come together. The wall makes it possible to play the various games sitting down, standing up, together or alone. By throwing, shooting or hitting the ball, different games can be played. With a wide range of games, the Gamegymwall offers entertaining, informative and engaging games for participants.
Looking back
House of Esports looks back on a very successful afternoon during which children combined gaming and exercise with great enjoyment, were challenged and were able to play and game together in their own world. Without really realising it, they learn how to deal with digitalisation in society.
Playing is important for children’s development. Does this also apply to digital play? Absolutely! Research by the University of Amsterdam shows that gaming can make you smarter. Digital play has positive effects on, among other things: perseverance, reaction speed, problem-solving ability, patience, cooperation, creativity and media literacy. Through play, children learn various skills that will enable them to function in a rapidly changing society in the future. They are prepared to become the digital experts of the future. And how great is it that this can happen through play.