NEA LOOKS UP!
The Look Up! Campaign takes inspiration from the book, Look Up! by Lori Bajorek, president of the National Esports Association and encourages individuals to explore the theme of looking up in various dimensions. The campaign began with a focus on Looking Up! safely at the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, but quickly expanded to the following broader concepts:
- Look Up! from Your Phone: Encourages individuals to momentarily shift their gaze from screens and devices to appreciate the wonders above and around them.
- Who Do You Look Up! To: A reflection on the individuals who inspire us, acknowledging those who contribute positively to our lives and community.
- Inspire Others to Look Up! to You: An invitation for everyone to be a source of inspiration and positivity, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
The total solar eclipse campaign culminated with an NEA-sponsored URL meets IRL livestream event with NASA, Twitch, Microsoft, Epic that included NASA images of the total solar eclipse alongside streamers playing eclipse-themed games. The live event attracted over two million concurrent Twitch viewers, with 10 million unique viewers. It seamlessly blended competitive gaming with educational content, providing viewers with both knowledge and entertainment. The high levels of interaction with the educational segments demonstrated the audience’s interest and engagement with the scientific content. And surveys indicated a marked increase in viewer’s understanding of solar eclipses and space science, showcasing the educational value of the event and starting a movement to incorporate esports in education. Join us as we continue to Look Up! Next stop is the moon!