Movie theaters host youth league for Minecraft gamers

(Photo : Super League Gaming | Tech Times)

Movie theaters are hosting a Youth League for Minecraft gamers, allowing them to play competitively and get the chance to win a $5,000 scholarship.

A company called Super League Gaming is behind this exciting move, aiming to create e-sports playgrounds for kids. Movie theaters are a great choice because they have a large capacity and can fit tens or hundreds of young gamers and their parents.

During recent promotional activities, sold-out movie theaters have been packed with kids who brought their laptops to play Minecraft competitively, turning venues for movies into e-sports arenas.

Most Minecraft gamers in the Youth League are aged between seven and 14. Movie theaters host youth league events and while gamers do their thing on the Minecraft virtual playground, parents or other spectators can watch a third-person perspective on the big theater screen.

Super League Gaming has already hosted a number of preview Youth League events and is now gearing up to open its inaugural fall season in October. The season will last for six weeks and will have events in more than 30 cities, including Philadelphia, Chicago and Miami.

This is not just about fun, however, as kids get the chance to win a major prize. The top winner of the season will get a $5,000 scholarship, which can be a great incentive for kids and parents alike.

Super League Gaming has teamed up with several theaters for this Minecraft youth league, allowing gamers to play at AMC, Regal Cinemas, Cinemark and iPic theater chains.

The league chose Minecraft because it's not only widely popular, but it also encourages kids to work together and be creative. At the same time, Minecraft is also open-source, which means that Super League Gaming can tinker with the game whenever they see it as necessary. The Minecraft Youth League also allows gamers to socialize with more kids, which is something new generations could use more of.

photo provided by Super League Gaming shows gamers attending the first in-theater video game league for multi-players of all ages to compete in the Super League Gaming event held at Cinemark Playa Vista and XD Theater in Los Angeles. (Super League Gaming via AP)

Gamers play in teams of four to seven members and if they don't have their own team, Super League Gaming will place them in one with other kids. Interested gamers can now register for the six-week fall season, but it's not free. Early registration costs $80 for the six weeks, if purchased by Sept. 30. After that date, the price goes up to $100. Check out Super League's FaQ for more information.