The amateur esports platform, PlayVS, announced today that it's adding Overwatch to its title offerings as part of their partnership with Blizzard. PlayVs will also expand its high school offerings to include Recreational and Varsity systems, the former of which Overwatch will be added to. By joining Recreational Overwatch teams, high schools on the PlayVS platform will be able to register to compete in open, regional leagues beginning this fall.
As the ongoing Covid-19 crisis shapes the way American schools approach the 2020 fall semester, the competitive and cooperative value esports offers is shining through. Esports offer a safe environment for students who want to compete while following social distancing guidelines. Through its expansion, PlayVS provides that opportunity to more students.
“Esports is at a pivotal moment as its popularity is growing exponentially, especially as students need creative, productive and competitive outlets during COVID-19,” said Delane Parnell, the founder and CEO at PlayVS. “We’re thrilled to be expanding our high school offerings so that students can participate and compete in esports at multiple levels. Our team is also excited to welcome new and returning players this fall, whether from their schools or at home. Either way, we’re ready for them!”
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The addition of Recreational and Varsity Leagues expands what PlayVS has to offer and allows more opportunity for students across the United States. Varsity Leagues are only available in 23 states, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Alaska, and Hawaii, though PlayVS intends to add more. Only League of Legends and Rocket League are recognized as Varsity esports by all 23 states at the moment, but there are plans to add more titles in the near future. Each school may build one Varsity team per title. Students on the Varsity team may go on to compete in state-wide championships.
Meanwhile, Recreational Leagues are available in all 50 United States, including Washington D.C. Participating schools can build unlimited teams for each title PlayVS offers through their platform, including: Overwatch, Fortnite, SMITE, League of Legends, and Rocket League. Recreational Leagues can go on to compete for the Regional Championship for their respective games.
“PlayVS is proud to be at the forefront of the esports insurgence and to be partnering with Blizzard to add Overwatch to our library of offerings for our new Recreational leagues,” Parnell added. “As a frequently requested game title among our players, Overwatch will offer a new kind of competition to players and we can’t wait to crown our first-ever Overwatch champions.”