HIGH SCHOOL Gaming Curriculum

PlayVS Gaming Concepts introduces middle and high school students to the fundamentals of esports, combining gameplay skills with teamwork, strategy, and digital literacy. Integrate scholastic gaming experiences into your high school with STEM and CTE curriculum and esports training programs.

What is Gaming Concepts?

Gaming Concepts is a curriculum platform designed to engage students by leveraging their interest in gaming, covering topics from basic computer skills and digital citizenship to teamwork, problem-solving, and even mental wellness.

650K+

Activities Completed

1000+

Days of Available Lessons

30+

Participating States

Today, esports is growing exponentially with over 400 million fans worldwide and regularly selling out arenas around the world. Currently, there are more than 200 colleges and universities offering almost tens of millions of dollars in scholarships. Establishing esports in high school enables students to do what they love and provides them with additional opportunities to earn recognition.

Available Courses

NEW! Gamecasting and Media Production Capstone

Students in this course can apply to cast live PlayVS Finals broadcasts, gaining real-world experience alongside professional talent and production teams. This capstone opportunity offers hands-on industry exposure for those pursuing careers in broadcasting, media production, or esports.

  • Michael Russell, EdD
  • Kristy Custer, EdD
  • Heidi Albin, MEd
  • Alex Hirbe, MEd

Synopsis

Gamecasting and Media Production Portfolio Projects: an advanced, project-based course that prepares students to produce professional-quality esports broadcasts and live media content. Students expand their skills in commentary, analytical storytelling, control-room operations, on-camera presentation, interview techniques, live-switching technology, and ethical coverage of competitive gameplay. Through hands-on practice and role rotation, learners gain experience both in front and behind the camera, developing confidence in timing, pacing, communication, troubleshooting, and production decision-making. Throughout the course, students plan and execute multi-segment broadcasts, conduct interviews, write match analysis, and refine their on-air persona while building a portfolio suitable for future media pathways. Collaboration, adaptability, and responsible digital citizenship are emphasized as students navigate the demands of the professional-quality esports production. This course culminates in an independently planned capstone broadcast that showcases mastery across casting performance, production workflow, and personal brand development.

Streaming

Transforming Public Speaking with Esports and Digital Media Mastery

  • Michael Russel, EdD
  • Kristy Custer, EdD
  • Christopher Jenson, EdD
  • Heidi Albin, MEd
  • Bubba Gaeddert

Synopsis

Streaming takes the pain out of Public Speaking classes. Aligned to national speaking and listening standards, the course takes students out from behind the podium and makes them the creators of the action. Similar to a traditional Public Speaking course, Gaming Concepts: Streaming teaches students how to initiate and participate in collaborative discussions, respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, evaluate a speaker’s point of view, research and integrate multiple sources of information into a presentation, utilize digital media in presentations and much more.

Grade Level: 9-12
Length: Semester long class
Prerequisites: None

Shoutcasting

A Unique Blend of Esports and Broadcast Journalism for Aspiring Journalists and Commentators.

  • Michael Russel, EdD
  • Kristy Custer, EdD
  • Christopher Jenson, EdD
  • Heidi Albin, MEd
  • Bubba Gaeddert

Synopsis

Shoutcasting is aligned with national broadcasting standards and helps students who didn’t think they had an interest in journalism view this career field from a whole new perspective. Gaming Concepts: Shoutcasting teaches the fundamentals of broadcast journalism through the lens of a shoutcaster. Not only is shoutcasting a fast-growing career field, but the skills learned easily align with the Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications cluster CTE alignment. Lessons focus on an overview of shoutcasting and how it aligns with broadcasting, careers in shoutcasting and how to attain them, story writing and interviewing, the technical and equipment aspect of the career, media’s influence on society, developing and producing a complete broadcast, and the economic factors that influence the business.

Grade Level: 9-12
Length: Semester long class
Prerequisites: None

Computer Applications

Go beyond basic computer applications and delve into the business and marketing aspects of industry with Gaming Concepts’ newest course

  • Michael Russel, EdD
  • Kristy Custer, EdD
  • Heidi Albin, MEd
  • Alex Hirbe, MEd

Synopsis

Computer Applications gives students the opportunity to explore the world of digital technology through real-world, project-based experiences found in the gaming industry. This innovative class combines practical computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and presentation software with the growing gaming industry, preparing students for a future where technology skills are in high demand. In this class, students will not only master essential computer applications, but also demonstrate mastery through engaging, project-based assignments. The course goes beyond basic computer applications and delves into the business and marketing aspects of industry using gaming as a catalyst to explore topics such as team management, event coordination, and marketing strategies, preparing them for careers both inside and outside the competitive gaming world.

Grade Level: 9-12
Length: Yearlong class
Prerequisites: None

Interactive Media

Explore the World of Digital Creativity with Our Interactive Media Course: Master Digital Graphics, Animation, Audio & Video Production, and More.

  • Michael Russel, EdD
  • Kristy Custer, EdD
  • Christopher Jenson, EdD
  • Heidi Albin, MEd
  • Alex Hirbe, MEd

Synopsis

Interactive Media is a project-based course that allows students to view and create digital media through an esports lens. Students will creatively express themselves through hands-on experiences with digital graphics, print media, computer animation, audio production, video production, web design and other newly-emerging forms of digital media. Using industry standard tools and techniques, students will create digital media projects while learning to facilitate meetings, serve as team leaders, manage project timelines, give and receive constructive criticism, and produce professional products. Reflective journaling, media literacy and ethics, as well as embedded social emotional learning also enhance the course and contribute to student mental health.

Grade Level: 9-12
Length: Yearlong class
Prerequisites: None

Fundamentals

A Comprehensive Course to Foster Healthy Gaming Habits, Digital Citizenship, and Essential Life Skills in Students.

  • Dr. Kristy Custer
  • Dr. Michael Russell
  • Heidi Albin, MEd
  • Alex Hirbe, MEd

Synopsis

Fundamentals provides students a digital framework through an esports lens. Students will explore the history of esports, learn genres of games, practice good gamer health, learn basic technology information and hands-on troubleshooting, explore college and career readiness with a technology focus, engage in digital citizenship, preventative mental health, teamwork, journaling and reflection.

Grade Level: 7-12
Length: Semester or Yearlong Class
Prerequisites: None

"Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to provide this service for my students. It has truly made me the most popular teacher on campus."

Kristy SartainFayetteville, NC

“Gaming Concepts has provided students with compelling opportunities in both STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and 21st century skills that have transformed the way students look at school.  Using the lens of gaming, many students have now found their place in scholastic esports, and have developed a sense of community in a school environment.“

Oliver HernandezFresno, CA

"I have been teaching the Gaming Concepts class here at Lyons High School this semester. The kids have really responded well to the curriculum, and in our first year I am lucky to have a passionate group of students willing to help get our program off the ground."

Travis GautierLyons, KS