Video games for high school and college kids are becoming more than just a leisure activity.
Competitive gaming is nothing new, but it is growing rapidly at high schools and universities across the country.
Now, some experts and lawmakers it could serve a bigger purpose, bringing a diverse group of people into a team setting and potentially expose them to a life in STEM.
"Teaching someone that loves to play Fortnite or Minecraft how they can transition to the coding world, building apps, learning about cybersecurity," said State. Rep Danilo Burgos (D-Philadelphia).
Lawmakers are hopeful that will also lead to a more diverse group working in STEM. Studies show Black workers account for only nine percent of the jobs in STEM fields, but Black youth make up a large portion of the gaming community.
Burgos says getting minority children involved in esports includes ensuring their schools have access to the proper resources. Because esports equipment can cost thousands, it often leaves schools in disadvantaged communities out of the game.
"We will be looking at what can be done at a statewide level to benefit rural areas and urban areas," he said. "Leave no one behind when it comes to esports."
House Bill 795 is currently in the House Education Committee would create a dedicated fund for extracurricular activities in schools.
Esports is also reaching those with disabilities in a new way, giving kids a still rare opportunity to play a school sport.
Waynesburg University junior Darrion Allensworth has been in a wheelchair since he was a young child. He is one of the founding members of the school's esports team.
He says esports have offered him new ways to connect.
"It's not only just people with disabilities playing it. It's also regular people," he said. "I've been able to bring friends who I have been friends with for a long time into it with me, as well as make even more friends."