Esports is more than just kids playing video games—it’s a dynamic way to engage students, promote teamwork, and develop critical life skills at all grade levels. From building soft skills in elementary students to offering high schoolers exposure to career pathways, esports can transform education. For older students, esports programs can serve as an introduction to diverse career opportunities, from broadcasting and business to technology and game design. USAEL offers courses like Esports Broadcasting, Esports Business, and Career Explorations in Esports that guide students toward these futures while they enjoy competitive play.
Choosing the right games for your students can be challenging, especially with the vast selection of games available today. Educators don’t need to be gaming experts, but they should consider several factors when selecting esports titles for their programs. Beyond just ensuring games are grade-appropriate, it’s important to evaluate the structure of each game, the types of benefits it offers, and its competitiveness. Some games promote teamwork and strategy, while others build individual critical thinking and reflexes. Educators should choose games that align with their students' interests, maturity levels, and the specific learning goals of their esports program.
Educators at the elementary level should focus on selecting games that are safe, non-violent, and easy to understand. Games should promote foundational skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking while maintaining a fun and engaging atmosphere. Introducing students to structured gameplay and light competition at this age can build confidence and set the stage for more complex esports opportunities in the future.
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Consoles/Hardware: Nintendo Switch
Competitive Format: Flexible (4v4, Free-for-all)
A fun, age-appropriate racing game that introduces students to healthy competition in a safe environment. Mario Kart is one of the best esports games for younger players because it is both engaging and non-violent. Its simple controls and bright, cheerful graphics make it an accessible entry point for students who may not have prior gaming experience, promoting inclusivity and confidence.
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Consoles/Hardware: Nintendo Switch, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X, PC
Competitive Format: 3v3
Combining soccer with rocket-powered cars, this game promotes teamwork and strategic thinking. Rocket League is a fantastic choice when selecting games for elementary students because it offers a balanced mix of fun and skill development in a non-violent format, and is an easy and fun esport to watch as well.
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
Consoles/Hardware: Nintendo Switch
Competitive Format: 1v1
Offers a blend of strategy, reflex development, and quick decision-making while maintaining a family-friendly tone. The game's variety of characters and play styles also encourages creativity and adaptability among young players.
Competitive Format: 1v1
Digital versions of chess are excellent for building critical thinking and patience. Chess is a unique addition to elementary esports that challenges young minds.
Esports at the elementary level offers significant educational benefits by developing soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and social interaction. Many young students already enjoy playing video games at home, but engaging them through a structured esports program can channel this interest into a more productive and educational experience. Organized practices and goal-oriented play transform casual gaming into opportunities to build cognitive skills, practice cooperation, and gain a sense of achievement within a supportive and structured environment.
Middle school students are often ready for more complex and competitive games, but they can still enjoy many of the titles recommended for elementary students. Games like Mario Kart, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., and Chess remain valuable choices for this age group, offering a blend of enjoyment and foundational skill development. These familiar games not only provide continuity as students advance but also reinforce important concepts like strategy, teamwork, and critical thinking.
The following are additional recommendations that build on these skills while introducing new challenges suitable for middle schoolers.
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Consoles/Hardware: Nintendo Switch, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X, PC, Mobile
Competitive Format: Solos, Duos (teams of 2), Squads (teams of 4)
While a shooter, Fortnite’s emphasis on resource management, communication, and strategy can be educational when approached with clear guidelines. The game's cartoonish graphics and creative building mechanics set it apart from more realistic and violent shooters, making it a more appropriate option for middle schoolers.
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
Consoles/Hardware: Nintendo Switch
Competitive Format: 4v4
A colorful and age-appropriate team-based shooter that emphasizes teamwork. Its vibrant visuals and playful design make it a safer introduction to the shooter genre, focusing on strategy and cooperation rather than violence. Splatoon 3 encourages students to work together, develop tactics, and think critically while maintaining a friendly and constructive gaming environment.
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
Consoles/Hardware: Nintendo Switch, Mobile
Competitive Format: 5v5
This MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game is perfect for teaching roles, collaboration, and strategic thinking. The game’s team-based format encourages students to take on specific roles, practice leadership, and learn how to effectively communicate with teammates.
Great for students who enjoy traditional sports but want to experience them through esports. These are some of the best games for middle schoolers to foster interest in both sports and technology.
Esports at the middle school level not only introduces opportunities for students to work with technology through games but also plays a crucial role in developing essential life skills. Through structured gameplay and competitive environments, students build communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills that are critical for both academic and personal success.
High schoolers can still enjoy and benefit from games recommended for younger students, especially in mixed-age esports clubs, as many popular titles like Fortnite, Super Smash Bros., Splatoon, and sports games are popular in high school. Additionally, this age group can handle more complex and competitive games, with deeper strategic elements, faster-paced gameplay, and opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills.
The following games are top picks for engaging a more mature group of students.
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Consoles/Hardware: PC, Mac
Competitive Format: 5v5
As one of the most popular esports games globally, League of Legends offers deep strategy and teamwork opportunities. The game's diverse roster of champions with unique abilities and roles fosters specialization, adaptability, and strategic thinking—valuable skills both in and out of the classroom.
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Consoles/Hardware: PC
Competitive Format: 5v5
This tactical shooter emphasizes precision, communication, and strategic gameplay. Valorant's unique blend of hero-based abilities and traditional shooter mechanics sets it apart, requiring players to not only have quick reflexes but also to think critically about team composition and strategy.
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Consoles/Hardware: Nintendo Switch, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X, PC, Mobile
Competitive Format: Trios (teams of 3)
This fast-paced battle royale rewards quick thinking, strategic planning, and team coordination. With its unique character-based system, where each "Legend" has distinct abilities, the game encourages players to strategize, adapt to roles, and build leadership and problem-solving skills in a collaborative setting.
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Consoles/Hardware: PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC
Competitive Format: 6v6
Combines strategic elements with the appeal of Marvel’s iconic characters, offering a unique blend of familiar storytelling and competitive gameplay. This game allows students to explore strategy and tactics while engaging with beloved characters, making it both educational and highly engaging for older students.
Engaging in an esports club not only introduces students to potential careers in the esports industry but also equips them with valuable professional skills. Through USAEL’s courses like Career Explorations in Esports, Esports Broadcasting and Esports Business, students can explore diverse career paths while gaining leadership, project management, and digital literacy skills. These programs provide a bridge to scholarships, certifications, and real-world career opportunities, helping students turn their passion for gaming into a viable future.
Incorporating the best esports games into K-12 education can lead to incredible outcomes. By choosing the right games for each grade band, schools can offer age-appropriate opportunities that maximize engagement and learning. For educators wondering how to start an esports team, USAEL provides not only the curriculum but also the competitive structure to make starting an esports team a seamless experience. Visit US Academic Esports League to learn more about transforming student passion into lifelong skills and opportunities.
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