There was a time when kids played video games and some parents would scold that they were wasting too much playing them.

There’s a different dynamic in 2023.

Some of those kids chided by their parents now are parents themselves, and they are passing their love for video games down to the next generation.

Evergreen Park Community High School junior Michael Noel learned about video games from his father, Frederick, but they’ve changed a lot since his dad started playing.

Video gaming has morphed into esports and not only are they accepted by adults, colleges are offering scholarships for the best esports players.

Last year, the Illinois High School Association sanctioned esports and held its first state tournament downstate at Bloomington High School.

This year’s state tournament is planned for April 29 at Evergreen Park Community High School, and Mustang nation is abuzz.

“Knowing that we’re hosting state is actually a huge thing for me,” Noel said. “This was something I didn’t expect. I knew we were going to end up hosting a couple of tournaments of our own. This is big for us, and it could be big for esports as well.”

His coach is proud as well.

“It’s a chance to show off our great school and give our kids a chance to do something they are passionate about,” Mustangs coach Dan Truffa said.

While the deal is for one year, Truffa hopes to impress the IHSA enough to convince officials to bring the games back for a number of years.

To get the 2023 tournament,…