Abstract:

In the era of digital transformation, the need for innovative approaches to skill development has never been more critical. This conceptual paper, "Level Up: Unleashing the Potential of Esports for Transferable Skill Development in the Digital Working World," presents an extensive literature review exploring the potential of video games and esports as platforms for fostering transferable skills relevant to the modern and digital workforce.

The paper begins by establishing the context of the digital transformation and its implications for the skill requirements of the workforce. It then delves into the world of video games and esports, highlighting their growth and increasing societal impact. The paper draws on the EU report on esports and other scholarly works to underscore the transformative potential of esports in fostering a range of skills, including analytical thinking, innovation, critical thinking, active learning strategies, complex problem-solving, creativity, leadership, social influence, resilience, stress tolerance, flexibility, and technology use, monitoring, and control.
The paper underscores the growing recognition of esports as a valuable educational tool, capable of engaging individuals across different age groups and backgrounds. It argues that the integration of esports into educational and professional development programs can enhance learning experiences, improve employability skills, and reduce social exclusion. The paper also discusses the potential synergies that can be achieved through multi-sector collaboration involving educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations. It posits that such collaborative approaches can create a more inclusive and effective talent development ecosystem in esports, thereby contributing to the broader goal of building a digitally competent workforce.

Furthermore, the paper addresses potential challenges and barriers to the recognition and utilization of gaming and esports for skill development. These include societal perceptions of gaming, the risk of digital addiction, and issues of inclusivity and accessibility. It calls for further research and policy support to fully harness the potential of esports in skill development and education, thereby helping to break down educational barriers and prepare individuals for the digital future.

In conclusion, the paper argues for a paradigm shift in our understanding and valuation of gaming and esports. It calls for further research and dialogue among educators, researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to harness the potential of gaming and esports for inclusive talent development in the digital age. This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on educational innovations and workforce development in the digital age. By shedding light on the untapped potential, it offers valuable insights and directions for future research and practice.

Keywords:

Game Based Learning, Esports, Transferable Skills, 21st Century Skills.