ESports are on the rise, and UC Irvine is proving it by opening up the first ever college eSports arena for the school's competitive gaming teams. Set to officially open on September 23rd, the arena will house 80 powerful gaming computers and consoles and will have many of the most popular eSports titles.
UC Irvine's eSports department (which does, in fact, exist) polled its student body in order to decide which games it would include in the state of the art arena. The games ultimately selected include 'Counter-Strike,' 'Left for Dead,' 'Overwatch,' 'Heroes of the Storm,' 'Hearthstone,' and 'League of Legends,' among others.
Including 'League of Legends' was essential, as the game's studio, Riot Games, provided consultation and financial support in the design and purchasing of UC Irvine's new eSports arena.
College eSports Arenas
UC Irvine will Open the First Ever College eSports Arena
Trend Themes
1. Rise of College Esports - The opening of UC Irvine's college eSports arena highlights the growing trend of competitive gaming in higher education.
2. Integration of Popular Esports Titles - UC Irvine's selection of popular games like 'League of Legends' and 'Overwatch' showcases the trend of integrating established eSports titles into college gaming arenas.
3. Partnerships with Game Studios - The collaboration between UC Irvine and Riot Games demonstrates the trend of forming partnerships with game studios to support the development of college eSports arenas.
Industry Implications
1. Higher Education - The rise of college eSports arenas presents an opportunity for universities to attract and engage students interested in competitive gaming.
2. Gaming Hardware - The opening of UC Irvine's college eSports arena requires the installation of powerful gaming computers and consoles, creating a demand for gaming hardware suppliers.
3. Esports Events and Entertainment - The establishment of college eSports arenas opens up new possibilities for organizing eSports events and providing entertainment experiences targeted at the gaming community.