Roundtable Discussions: Gaming and Esports Positive Synergy with Education and Research

eSports are one of the fastest-growing forms of interactive media, yet its potential in education and research remains largely untapped. This session explores how academic partnerships can help democratize access, enhance learning outcomes, and promote inclusion in competitive gaming spaces. Dr. Leanne Chukoskie and Dr. Erica Kleinman, both researchers at Northeastern University with deep roots in game-based learning and technology, discuss their ongoing collaboration using Rocket League as a platform for research and engagement. They’ll share how eSports environments can serve as living laboratories — places where attention, teamwork, resilience, and equity in participation can all be studied and strengthened through evidence-based design. From hands-on studies of motor coordination and cognitive load to practical models for university–industry partnerships, this conversation highlights how data-driven approaches to eSports can help: • Create research-backed methods for improving focus, strategy, and collaboration skills across learner populations. • Foster interdisciplinary connections across games research, neuroscience, and education. • Increase participation from underrepresented groups through accessible team formats and mentoring models. The conversation will close with actionable strategies for academic and industry stakeholders—how to design sustainable, inclusive eSports programs that both inspire students and generate research insights to shape the future of interactive learning. Intended Audience: Educators, researchers, XR/eSports professionals, and developers seeking to bridge competitive gaming, research, and inclusive learning design.