How gaming builds employability skills: an interview with James Fraser-Murison on Esports Short Course

Once dismissed as ‘just gaming’, esports now fills stadiums, attracts millions of viewers worldwide and powers a billion-pound global industry and it’s opening new doors for education too.  

At ASDAN, we believe in skills-based learning led by an learners interests and in recognising skills development beyond the classroom to create opportunities for further learning, work and life. With the launch of ASDAN’s Esports Short Course on Equitas, we spoke to co-author James Fraser-Murrison, Director of Fraser Esports, about why esports belongs in education, how it can transform engagement for learners of all backgrounds, and why this Short Course is about far more than gaming. 

James brings 23 years of experience in education, including roles as deputy headteacher and head of department. He contributed to the first esports BTEC in 2020 and has since become an international advocate for esports in education. He summarises the purpose of this new Esports Short Course: 

“This course isn’t about making you a better gamer. It’s preparing you with digital skills, future-proof skills and this rare commodity of something that is fun, relevant, engaging and contemporary all at the same time.” 

Learning by stealth: engagement through gamification  

For James, the shift from gaming as leisure to esports as learning begins with interest: 

“We wanted to do something engaging and contemporary that would encourage young people to realise that the things they’re interested in outside traditional curriculum can be recognised as part of their learning journey and skills development,” he says. 

“Rather than separating school from passions, the Esports Short Course invites learners to bring their interests into a structured, meaningful context. There is a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, understanding the industry behind the scenes, and exploring employment pathways.” 

The global esports sector is growing rapidly, and James is keen to focus on transferable skills: 

“There’s nothing in ASDAN's Esports Short Course about how we’re going to make better gamers,” says James. “There’s lots about entrepreneurship, setting up your own business and understanding the intricacies that go on behind the scenes.” 

Portfolios over exams 

ASDAN’s portfolio-based approach was a key reason James wanted to collaborate. As someone who runs his own business and recruits young people, he knows what employers value. 

“I’m not too fussed about one standard grade number or letter. I’m interested in learners’ experiences along the way. I want to understand their jounrey and the wealth of experience they bring. The vast majority of employers want communication skills, logistics, problem solving.”

For James, this is why the language matters. 

“I don’t believe in ‘soft skills’ as a term. I find that detrimental. I think we should banish ‘soft skills’ – they are essential skills.” 

These essential skills align with the six cores skills are the heart of ASDAN’s pedagogy – communication, team working, decision making, thinking and self-awareness. These skills are embedded throughout the Esports Short Course in practical and engaging ways. The course enables learners to learn ‘by stealth’ without consciously realising that education is taking place. 

“When learners realise that the skills they use in gaming are genuinely valued, it validates their experiences and strengthens their confidence in their own abilities.”

Inclusion by design 

A central aim of ASDAN’s Esports Short Course is inclusion. James wanted to create something that catered for learners who may not see themselves reflected in traditional pathways.

“We wanted to strip away elements of existing qualifications and put something in place that really does cater for everyone,” says James. “The flexibility of ASDAN’s model supports this. Work can be evidenced in ways that suit the learner and completed over different timeframes. Teachers do not need to be gamers; much of the structure is already in place.” 

For neurodivergent learners in particular, this approach can be powerful. Gaming environments are often misunderstood as isolating, but James sees something different. 

“Gamers are always communicating – just in a different way. They’re communicating quickly, efficiently, in their own language. They’re building trust, shared experiences, and are united in passion. When those experiences are recognised and evidenced, learners begin to see their strengths differently,” says James. 

“The things that young people enjoy and do as a hobby can be used as evidence for succeeding and demonstrating skills that nurture highly employable young people.” 

Digital deliver via Equitas: reducing barriers, increasing opportunity 

The Esports Short Course is delivered on Equitas, ASDAN’s new digital learning platform. For James, this strengthens both accessibility and real-world relevance. 

“It allows students to get on board in a future-focused approach to working life and in a learning environment they’re familiar with. Learners can build digital portfolios, track conversations and demonstrate progress over time,” says James. 

“Learners are practising by doing in a live educational environment. They come out of the course with portfolios they can show employers and that they can adapt and add to.” 

For practitioners, the platform supports planning, monitoring and dialogue. 

“ASDAN’s new online platform Equitas allows short- and long-term planning, and a two-way dialogue between teacher and student,” says James. “It’s brilliant for enhancing accessibility and inclusion.” 

Opening doors to further learning, work and life 

James hopes the impact will be felt by learners, education and training centres and employers alike. 

“Ideally, people will read about this and realise it’s not about making someone a better gamer. It’s about preparing them for this huge industry and to build essential skills for life beyond education.” 

“Let’s prepare young people properly and recognise those ‘soft’ skills as what they are – essential,” say James.  

The Esports Short Course represents a shared commitment between ASDAN and Fraser Esports: to recognise young people’s passions, to evidence their strengths, and to prepare them for futures that demand adaptability, communication and resilience. 

Speak with an ASDAN expert to hear more about how this course could benefit your learners, or find out more about ASDAN membership.