North Carolina Esports Academy recently had the exciting opportunity to host an E2 Weekend with Epic Games, combining education with esports in a way that aligns seamlessly with our mission. E2 Weekends are designed to offer hands-on learning experiences with a focus on game development and esports, and this event was no exception. From educator sessions to an engaging Rocket League tournament, the weekend was packed with valuable sessions and interactive opportunities.
Friday: Educator Sessions Focused on Game Development and Learning
The event kicked off on Friday with two dedicated sessions for educators, including teachers and camp/after-school program instructors. The morning session provided an Introduction to Game Development with Unreal Engine, where Epic Games instructors guided participants through the basics of game development. This session was a fantastic way to introduce educators to Unreal Engine, equipping them with foundational skills they could bring back to their classrooms or after-school programs.
In the afternoon, educators explored Epic Games-Based Learning with LEGO Fortnite. This session focused on how to leverage popular games like Fortnite to create interactive and educational experiences for students. The response from educators was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm about incorporating these tools and methods into their curriculum.
Saturday: Expanding Learning to Students and Educators
On Saturday, the learning sessions opened up to both educators and high school students. Attendees dove into Creating a Racing Game for Fortnite using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), a hands-on session that walked participants through designing their own racing game in Fortnite. This unique opportunity allowed students and educators alike to build their game development skills, giving them a firsthand experience of how creative tools in gaming can be applied in a classroom or personal project setting.
Wrapping Up with a Rocket League Tournament
To cap off the weekend, we hosted a Rocket League tournament for middle and high school students. To bring a professional touch to the event, we brought in experienced casters to commentate the games, adding an exciting layer to the competition and giving the students a true esports experience. The tournament was a hit, with players and spectators alike enjoying the thrilling matches and immersive atmosphere.
The Path Forward: Supporting Organizations in Implementation
While the E2 Weekend was a resounding success, it’s clear that this event is just the beginning. Now that educators and students have had a taste of what’s possible with tools like Unreal Engine and UEFN, the next step is to ensure they can implement these learnings in their own schools and programs. However, many organizations lack the equipment or expertise needed to incorporate game development and esports education on their own.
This is where North Carolina Esports Academy can step in to bridge the gap. With our experienced team and high-quality equipment, we’re able to offer top-tier education and esports experiences at a fraction of the cost of independent implementation. Our goal is to make these resources accessible and practical for a wide range of educational organizations, ensuring that game development and esports can be integrated into learning programs in a meaningful way.
Conclusion
Hosting the E2 Weekend with Epic Games was an incredible milestone for North Carolina Esports Academy, reinforcing our commitment to advancing education through esports. We’re excited to continue working with organizations to bring these innovative tools and experiences into classrooms and after-school programs, empowering students and educators alike to explore the vast possibilities in game development and esports.
