Gamecasting and Media Production Portfolio Project
Turn your esports program’s passion into real-world career skills
You’ve seen the engagement PlayVS brings to your halls. Now, professionalize that passion. Launch a turnkey and affordable asynchronous media capstone project that transforms raw gaming into industry-ready portfolios (without hiring a single new teacher).
Key Benefits of the Portfolio Project
College & Scholarship Ready
Students build a tangible media portfolio (shoutcasting, streaming, and professional overlays) designed to be sent directly to collegiate recruiters.
Industry-Standard Skills
Students learn tools in booming media and production industries by applying broadcast software mastery, data analysis, and professional scriptwriting to live production.
Zero Instruction Required
For the fraction of traditional curriculum cost per school, every student can participate. It’s the most accessible way to launch a new elective pathway for the season.
Professional Development
Designed to run asynchronously alongside any schedule. Launch a professional media house on non-competition days without adding a single hour to teacher workloads.
Comparison
| Traditional Media Pathway |
The Gamecasting Portfolio Project |
|
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $45k - 60k for a New Hire Salary | Low affordable cost for the full curriculum and unlimited students |
| Time Required | 6+ Months of Curriculum Development 3+ Months to hire a qualified teacher |
15 Minutes to setup your LMS for plug-and-play curriculum |
| Hardware Required | High-end, Expensive Studio Equipment | Existing Equipment like Laptops, PCs, Consoles, and Smartphones |
| Results | General Skills | Increased Attendance Engaged Students with Career Ready Skills Portfolios for future colleges and jobs |
Frequent Asked Questions
Can we use CTE or Perkins V funds to purchase this?
Yes. Portfolio Project is specifically designed to meet National Journalism and Broadcasting Standards and aligns with the Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications CTE cluster. Because it is evidence-based and standards-aligned, it is a prime candidate for federal and state funding pathways.
Do I need a specialized media teacher or a professional broadcaster to run this?
No. That is the power of the Asynchronous Lead Instructor model. The platform provides all the video instruction, technical tutorials, and project rubrics. Your staff member acts as a facilitator and mentor, while our curriculum handles the heavy lifting of teaching complex software like OBS and broadcast workflows.
Is the cost per student or per school?
The cost is for the entire school investment. There are no per-student seat licenses or hidden participation limits. Whether you have 5 students or 50, your investment stays the same, making it one of the most cost-effective CTE assets in your district.
How does this fit into our school schedule?
The project is designed to be highly flexible. Schools typically run it on “non-competition” days (e.g., if you compete on Tuesdays/Thursdays, students work on their portfolios on Mondays/Wednesdays). Because it is asynchronous, students can also work on it during study halls, virtual periods, or from home.
Do we need an expensive broadcast studio or high-end cameras?
No. We teach students how to be “resourceful producers.” The curriculum focuses on mastering professional software (OBS) and utilizing existing school hardware. Students can build elite-level portfolios using the same gaming PCs they already use for PlayVS competition or even standard school media labs.
What do students actually walk away with at the end of the 26 lessons?
Every student builds a Professional Digital Media Portfolio. This includes match recaps, shoutcasting highlight reels, and a polished submission for the PlayVS Casting Challenge. These are tangible assets they can send directly to collegiate recruiters to secure esports and media scholarships.
Is there research that proves this actually works for students?
Yes. Gaming Concepts is the only curriculum backed by a peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR). The data shows an 8.3% relative increase in student self-esteem, proving that we don’t just teach media skills—we improve student well-being.
Esports Program Testimonials
Olivia Zehner
Director of Strategic Partnerships
"PlayVS has given me the opportunity to turn my love for sports into something bigger—helping young people find belonging, build skills, and step into future careers in tech. It’s a place where innovation meets purpose, and where I’ve been supported every step of the way."
Aaron Kelley
Senior Marketing Manager
"Through PlayVS, I have been able to blend my love for gaming with my aspiration to assist young people in honing their abilities and accomplishing their objectives. My work is a tribute to my younger self who didn’t have the chance to partake in sanctioned scholastic esports competitions."
Logan Trent
Senior Live Operations Associate
"I found a home at PlayVS. From customer support to league operations, my journey with this incredible team has allowed me to combine my passions for gaming & competition. Each season, we’ve been able to craft experiences that provide opportunities for students to build community and discover their passions. Establishing a clear path from scholastic video game player to industry professional is simply something I couldn’t say no to."
Jacob Hernandez
Scholastic Partnerships Manager
"I love working for PlayVS because of the opportunities we are able to provide students through video games. We are working hard to build a sustainable, structured, community-driven esports ecosystem for the next generation!"
Alyvia Moss
Software Engineer
"As an engineer leader at PlayVS, I get to build technology that directly impacts students by powering competitions at scale. It’s rewarding to know that the systems we design help create meaningful opportunities for young people to connect, grow, and succeed through gaming."