More than a Game

The walls are black, neon lights glow around the room, and rows of high-performance computers give Atlanta High School's esports space a look unlike most classrooms.

For sophomore Max Ross, it's a place to play a game he already loves—and spend time with people who love it, too.

Max joined the esports program because he enjoyed playing Rocket League at home and wanted something to do after school. The game, which he describes as “soccer, but you play with cars,” was already familiar. Playing it alongside classmates was something new.

“It's really just an extra way to socialize with people at school, get to know more people,” Max said. “I have some friends that I play with in there, and newer friends that I've met in esports.”

The room itself adds to the experience. Max describes an atmosphere where students can joke around, listen to music and settle in for an afternoon of gaming. Even with competitions on the schedule, he says things are usually pretty relaxed.

“We can go in there and turn the lights off, and we're just all playing our games and listening to music,” he said. “It's pretty cool.”

That laid-back atmosphere doesn't mean the students aren't competitive.

Recently, Max and his teammates won a close Rocket League match against another school. Max enjoyed the win, but he got just as much enjoyment out of his teammates' reactions.

“Me and Dylan and Levi won the game, and it was really fun because they got really excited,” he said. “I'm pretty monotone about it, but they got really excited, and that was fun.”

Max also participates in UIL math and science, but esports offers a different kind of competition. In Rocket League, players have to coordinate their movements and work together to score, defend and win.

“When we play Rocket League, it's a team effort,” he said. “I’m learning how to work with other people.”

For Max, one of the best parts is getting to represent his school through something he was already doing for fun.

“I get to do something I already enjoy, and I get to help out my school while doing it,” he said.

He hasn't made any big plans around esports. If he continues improving and a college opportunity comes along someday, he'd be interested. For now, he's happy to have a place to play, compete and spend time with friends after school.

And for students who enjoy video games but haven't considered joining the esports program, Max has some advice.

“If you enjoy playing a game and doing it on your own, then you'll most definitely enjoy doing it for this,” he said. “It's just an overall good experience, especially if you're into video games.”