Building Skills
for the Future
At MGC, gaming is more than competition—it’s a pathway to real-world skills and career opportunities. As South Carolina’s first gaming nonprofit, we bridge the gap between gaming, education, and professional development.
Through structured competitions, hands-on learning, and interactive experiences, players gain critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills—all essential for careers in tech, game development, esports, and beyond. Whether you’re here to play, learn, or build, we’re helping gamers achieve more.
Help us with our Mission by DONATING HERE or signing up to be a VOLUNTEER!
Leveling Up Your Skills:
Our Core Areas of Development
Tech Foundations
Gaming isn’t just about playing—it’s a gateway to technical skills that open doors to careers in IT, software development, engineering, and more. At Midlands Gaming Coalition, we integrate hands-on technology training into our programs to equip participants with real-world knowledge that goes beyond the game.
Component Knowledge – Learn the function of each part: CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, power supply, and cooling systems.
Assembly & Installation – Hands-on experience putting everything together, installing an operating system, and optimizing performance.
Troubleshooting & Upgrades – Learn how to diagnose issues, replace faulty components, and upgrade systems for better performance.
Strategic Thinking
Every great player is also a great thinker. Through our structured gameplay and competitive training, we help participants develop:
Critical decision-making – Learning how to analyze situations and react quickly.
Problem-solving skills – Thinking ahead, predicting outcomes, and adapting strategies.
Resource management – Understanding how to use in-game assets efficiently, a skill that translates to real-world scenarios.
Communication
Success in gaming, much like in the real world, relies on clear, effective communication. Whether it's calling plays in an esports match, collaborating in a team-based game, or analyzing strategies, we emphasize:
Active listening – Understanding teammates and adapting to real-time feedback.
Expressing ideas effectively – Learning how to articulate plans and strategies.
Confidence in speaking – Encouraging players to lead discussions and make decisions under pressure.
Teamwork
Gaming teaches some of the most valuable teamwork skills, from cooperation and leadership to accountability and trust. We focus on:
Collaboration & adaptability – Learning how to work as part of a team and adjust to different roles.
Sportsmanship & conflict resolution – Handling wins and losses with grace while resolving challenges constructively.
Leadership & responsibility – Encouraging players to take initiative and support their team.
Our Programs:
Gaming, Learning & Community
At Midlands Gaming Coalition, we create engaging, hands-on experiences that bring gaming and education together. Whether it’s fun-filled arcade days, immersive summer camps, or hands-on PC building workshops, our programs are designed to provide valuable skills, meaningful connections, and unforgettable experiences.
Arcade Days & Gaming Community Events:
Play, Compete & Connect
Our Arcade Days and Gaming Community Events offer a safe, welcoming space for people of all ages to come together and enjoy gaming. From casual play to structured competitions, these events provide opportunities to:
✅ Have fun in a social, friendly environment.
✅ Compete in tournaments and multiplayer challenges.
✅ Engage in gaming-themed community activities.
These events are designed to bring people together through the joy of gaming, providing a structured, supervised space where players can build friendships, improve skills, and enjoy healthy competition.
PC Building Camps:
Build Your Own Computer
In our PC Building Camps, participants learn how computers work from the inside out—and then build one themselves! These camps introduce hardware fundamentals, assembly techniques, and troubleshooting skills to young tech enthusiasts.
✅ Hands-on learning – Assemble a computer from scratch.
✅ STEM-focused education – Gain knowledge in technology and engineering.
✅ Take-home builds – Participants walk away with a PC they built themselves!
Summer Camps:
Gaming with Purpose
Our Summer Camps offer a variety of engaging experiences designed to combine learning and play:
🎮 Beginner’s Gaming Camp (Ages 7-12) – Focuses on learning through play, teamwork, and skill development in a fun environment.
🏆 Esports Camp (Ages 10-17) – A competitive training experience centered on Super Smash Bros., emphasizing strategy, teamwork, and communication.
💻 PC Building Camp (Ages 13-18) – A week-long deep dive into technology, where participants build their own computers to take home while learning essential tech skills.
Game-Changing Experiences
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"Midlands Gaming Coalition fills such a needed void in the lives of children and young adults in the midlands area."
Catherine B.
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"From the first gaming tournament my son was able to attend, I could tell the MGC had created an environment where everyone could feel welcomed."
Keith W.
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"During our time participating in MGC events, I saw my sons confidence and self-esteem flourish."
Cathy S.
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"The Midlands Gaming Coalition staff are an awesome group of people who are doing a great service for the Community."
Ivy K.
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"My son grew so much participating in their events. He finally found a place he belonged and other kids he could relate to."
Steven R.
Upcoming events
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Arcade Day
Join us for our next Arcade Day at Seven Oaks Park on February 17th for a day filled with fun and excitement!
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Smash at the Block 2
Get ready for Smash at the Block—our next thrilling Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament! Join us for a day of exciting matches and community fun.
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PC Building Day Camp
Our Next PC Building Class will be over at Lexington Leisure Center on March 15th! You won’t want to miss this!
“Video Games are bad for you? That’s what they said about Rock n’ Roll.”
Shigeru Miyamoto
Want to Volunteer, Partner,
or become a Sponsor?
Midlands Gaming is always looking for individuals who are passionate about helping build their community up and create a better place for everyone. If you’re interested in becoming more involved, Contact Us and let us know how you want to help!