Esports Program Taking Shape

A new space is being created in the Strauch Family Student Center to meet the rising interest in esports among students.

Avid gamers have been working with the College’s Athletics Department on the project since last spring. By this January, they expect to have the room outfitted with gaming stations, and there is hope to add a large viewing screen and lounge seating for spectators in the future.

“Esports has been a student led and student-driven project,” says Kari Post, Landmark College’s Director of Athletics, Fitness, and Recreation. “The space will satisfy a strong desire for intramural gaming opportunities with others on campus, both for individual and team contests.”

A survey of gaming culture on campus showed a fairly even split between console gamers and PC gamers, according to Post, so both will be available in the space. She added that while the game Super Smash Bros. has a very strong following at the College, a variety of games will be offered. While there are no plans to compete against other colleges and universities at this point, Post says the space is being created to accommodate that ability in the future.

An open house was held today to introduce community members to the space. The January-term will be looked at as a “soft launch” with more formal organization of games set to start in the Spring 2020 semester.