It's a partnership between Philadelphia's Parks and Rec Department and Nerd Street Gamers. "This is about access to technology," said John Fazio, the esports company's founder and CEO.

"It's a combination I didn't expect would work so well," adjunct instructor Emily Zbyszynski said of "Gaming as Literature."

"Having that outlet to connect with other people who are having the same or similar experiences allows us to feel less isolated and feel bolder and take more risks."

Esports is quickly emerging as a lucrative entertainment industry. Here's what four experts say could make the industry better and more welcoming for more gamers.

NACE Starleague will have more than 600 universities starting competition this fall. Local partners include CSL Esports and Nerd Street Gamers.

Plus, sign a teen in your life up for Nerd Street Gamers' summer camps, or check out a panel on remote collaboration hosted by LIFT Labs.

Sports betting laws — including esports — have expanded in recent years. This Philly-cofounded app allows players to bet on themselves.

The funding comes amid a year of growth for the esports company. Nerd Street CEO John Fazio said Founders Fund head Brian Singerman "understood what we were doing so intrinsically."

To start, they'll kick off an esports tournament for local teens on Feb. 16.

A look at programs at three Philly universities that are preparing students for emerging tech careers in fields like robotics, industrial engineering and esports.