NWC looks at 'esports' program to boost enrollment

POWELL — Hoping it can help boost enrollment efforts, Northwest College is looking at starting up an esports program.

Once seen as only a pastime, online video gaming has become a huge revenue generator. There are professional leagues, corporate sponsors and enormous audiences that rival those of traditional sporting events. Esports also have national organizations dedicated to competitions at a collegiate level.

NWC athletic director Brian Erickson gave a brief presentation to the board of trustees at their December meeting about the college’s plan for esports. If all goes well, he hop...