The Texas State eSports Club is getting a new arena in LBJ Student Center that will feature top computer gear and accessories, sponsored by the Division of Information Technology. The club plays competitive multi-player games online, against some of the top universities in the country, for cash prizes and more.
The arena will be in Boko’s Living Room on the first floor of the student center. It has 12 PlayStations available, plus additional seating for audience members. Each PlayStation will be equipped with Alienware Aurora R9 desktops, Alienware 25-inch monitors, keyboards, mice, headsets, and cameras. The upgrade in gear is very exciting and will be an amazing opportunity for the players, as the computers will be able to run all of their titles with ease and with high performance.
In their new space, the eSports Club can host tournaments, as well as run regular training and online matches with different games. Coaches can instruct the players in a more helpful way, and the projector in the room allows club members the opportunity to review previously broadcasted live streams (VODs) of specific games. In the past, they would have in-house tournaments for games like Super Smash Brothers, League of Legends, and Overwatch. Now the games are hosted online, but there are hopes that with the new space, there will be in-person or even a hybrid between online and in-person events once the COVID-19 pandemic is under control.
The new arena will only be available for the eSports Club team, but four additional stations will be set up in George’s lounge for public use. But joining the club is easy! To become an eSports Club member, you just have to be a Texas State student. Players need to be full-time students as well as be on good academic standing with the university. There is no rank requirement to join a team although rank is a factor that is considered. Tryouts are held for the titles listed and those who have stand out performances and the knowledge needed, are chosen to make the team. This year the club will be competing in titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Rainbow 6 Siege, Valorant, Call of Duty, and Rocket League. Hop into the team’s Discord for information on joining.
The university aims to accommodate the diverse interests of students, and as the eSports Club has over 600 members, the arena was made to provide teams with an in-person place to practice and participate in online tournaments. Hopefully, the arena will also allow players to form a better connection with each other and make the community more personal.
The Division of Information Technology is helping to sponsor the club through the top gear provided in the new space – which should help promote the success of these elite gamers. The space is set to open in December.
Chantal Lesley is a marketing and communications specialist student employee in the IT Marketing and Communications office.
