Take Esports Programs to the Next Level with Shoutcasting

WHAT IS A SHOUTCASTER?

Shoutcasters provide entertaining commentary as action unfolds during live or virtual esports tournaments and matches. Similar to game commentators in other sports like football or hockey, shoutcasters can either serve as a host or commentator during an esports competition^{Seth, S. (2020, December 25). Who is an eSports Shoutcaster? [Types, origin of the name, how to become one]. eSports Lane. https://esportslane.com/esports-commentator-shoutcaster/}. As a host, shoutcasters present tournaments on stage, engage with in-person and remote audiences and take post-game interviews. As a commentator, shoutcasters provide commentary to virtual audiences from a remote location.

There are two different styles of shoutcasting: play-by-play and color commentary.  As a play-by-play caster, the shoutcaster describes what's happening as it occurs. This can be helpful to audiences learning the mechanics of esports and how it works. The color caster or color commentator, on the other hand, analyzes the game to make implications about players’ motives - situating the game within a greater context. They may also provide insight and background on players, games and broader esports league happenings.

Shoutcasters are important to esports because they give voice to the game. They keep audiences informed and engaged in action ^{What does an Esports Shoutcaster do? (2022, October 6). Dean College. https://www.dean.edu/news-events/dean-college-blog/story/what-does-esports-shoutcaster-do/}. Shoutcasters set the scene and tone of the game to shape audiences’ experience. They  also do important work to make the game accessible to a wider audience, those unfamiliar with the game and viewers with unique needs, like people with visual impairments.

But, fun for all isn’t the greatest benefit. Shoutcasting can help students build confidence, develop social skills, and learn the value of collaboration and problem solving in real time. ^{Wong, W. (2022, July 18). How Esports is helping students improve their grades and build leadership skills. Technology Solutions That Drive Education. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2022/07/how-esports-helping-students-improve-their-grades-and-build-leadership-skills} The greatest takeaway is the transferable skills students develop that feed into a variety of journalism careers in multimedia. Students gain skills in public speaking, research and critical analysis, creativity, script writing, reporting, media production, promotional planning and more.

These skills provide an entry way into professions like news and entertainment reporting, public relations, marketing communication, digital media, sports media, news production, journalism, and more. 

TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

The right microphone, headset, webcam, lights and recording software lets students take those esports skills to the next level. Not only are these tools a necessary part of shoutcasting, but the right tools can boost the educational advantages and provide students with media training skills with popular technology that prepares them for the industry.

The Blue Yeti microphone reigns as the top microphone for streamers and creators.^{Based on independent sales data (November '21 - October '22) of PC microphones in both units and dollars in the US and Canada.} With 4 pickup patterns, the Blue Yeti is perfect for gaming and streaming. It delivers rich, full-bodied audio to create an immersive sound experience for audiences. For Shoutcasters who serve as commentators, headsets are equally important. Zone Learn packs the benefits of both. With audio drivers tuned for vocal clarity, a rigid boom mic, and a noise-suppression filter, students get the best of both.