By Phoenix Guevara, Oct. 8, 2024
To be on top of the game in the popular realm of competitive gaming, Cal Poly Pomona has embraced the esports trend and its ever-growing community through clubs and video game design classes.
Students majoring in computer science, especially those in the game development track, can choose courses such as User Interfaces Design & Programming and Computer Graphics.
Another course is Artificial Intelligence in Games, which covers the algorithms and techniques behind AI-powered games.
However, as technology advances, the issues over its power and role in jobs start to rise.
The same AI technology that has been integrated into the university’s curriculum has raised concerns that have contributed to job losses and even triggered a major strike.
On July 26, members of SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and performers, initiated a strike against major video game companies. This action came after more than 18 months of unsuccessful negotiations.
According to a statement made to CNN Business by SAG-AFTRA, while various key member concerns have been successfully negotiated, the studios and producers won’t provide binding contractual language that would ensure AI protections for all performers under the agreement.
The strike underscores escalating concerns over AI-related worker protections and pressing issues like enhanced pay, improved medical treatment and adequate rest periods for motion capture artists.
As stated on the SAG-AFTRA website, performers’ work and likenesses are subject to misuse through AI technology. Additionally, gaming companies have yet to implement enforceable protections to safeguard all performers when it comes to AI-related projects.
As the gaming industry navigates ongoing challenges, educational institutions play a vital role in preparing the next generation of gaming professionals. At CPP, two thriving esports-related clubs exemplify this —the Bronco Esports Club and the CPP Game Development Club.
The Bronco Esports Club was founded in 2011 and has only grown in popularity, with over 3,000 active members in their club Discord. The club stands out for its active engagement in the esports scene. It aims to promote esports on and off-campus by holding tournaments, expanding its game selection, and attending industry events. Most recently, the club started its Mario Kart 8 Deluxe team.
“I made this team with the goal of interacting with players that enjoy Mario Kart and with the ambition to represent CPP in collegiate leagues,” said Javier Ramirez, a third-year urban and regional planning student.
The club and its members also participate in popular games such as Call of Duty, League of Legends and CS:GO. They continue to expand their selection to cater to both casual players and serious competitors.
Casual gamers in the club engage through small internal tournaments, such as their annual FragFest tournament, and lively Discord servers that foster camaraderie. Meanwhile, the global growth of competitive gaming has expanded earning potential for both the Bronco Esports team and its competitors.
In 2022, the Bronco Esports Black team competed at the Red Bull Campus Clutch Southwest regional LAN Valorant qualifier and secured a commendable second place. The team fell just short of competing in the international championship round with a winner’s prize set at €20,000. This event highlights the harsh reality of competitive gaming, that not everyone secures a prize, and often only winning teams receive rewards.
The same reality is mirrored by its professional counterpart, with even more substantial prize pools. The International 2021 Dota 2 esports tournament holds the record for the largest professional prize pool of $40,018,400, with the first-place winner Team Spirit earning $18,208,300.
Exploring the other side of this industry reveals the intricate behind-the-scenes efforts involved in creating these popular games. The CPP Game Development Club focuses on offering practical experience in video game creation.
Aidan Sanders, a fourth-year computer science student and president of the CPP Game Development Club, emphasizes the club’s inclusive approach.
“We strive to make the club welcoming for everyone, whether they just enjoy playing games, want to get into development or are already experienced developers,” Sanders said.
The club organizes various events like workshops, game pitches and, of course, game nights. Additionally, the members invite guest speakers to share their insights and experiences from the industry. One notable speaker was Emily Berger, an engineer at Blizzard Entertainment, known for her contributions to the iconic game World of Warcraft.
The club’s impact extends beyond professional development. It aims to foster a strong community among its members.
Dachi Sirbiladze, a third-year computer science student and the club’s secretary, said that socializing with other gamers is another perk of joining the club.
“After I started getting acquainted more with the board, I felt like I met the group of friends I’ve been looking for my entire life,” Sirbiladze said.
The rise of esports has sparked exciting innovations and built strong communities while also prompting critical discussions about AI’s powerful impact. As competitive gaming evolves into a potential career path with lucrative opportunities, it’s crucial to acknowledge that achieving success is out of reach for many. However, at their core, these fields are still rooted in the simple joy of play and meaningful connections.
“Esports is a way to let your mind out and relax with people who have similar interests to you,” Ramirez said. “I feel like the more you interact with others, the more confidence and skills you gain from them.”
In the end, it’s the shared experiences and relationships built through gaming that keep this community thriving.
The CPP Game Development Club’s Game Jams event this October will feature collaborations with other universities. Check the club’s Instagram page for details.
Feature image courtesy of cppgamedev.com
