HOUSTON – Lone Star College-University Park is tapping into student interests outside the classroom by building teams of a new kind: eSports. Electronic sports, or gaming, is trending nationally and internationally, thanks in part to the pandemic, raising the bar for competitive video game play. Construction began this summer on a new eSports lounge, which will enhance the competitive gaming landscape at the college.

“Having a diverse and dynamic student life on campus is a major component of student success at LSC-University Park,” Sarah Ray,manager of Student Activities. “Gaming is similar to social media in that there is a passion and desire for it among college students.”

The new eSports lounge will feature 12 to 14 individual gaming stations equipped with specialized, powerful PCs and ergonomic gaming chairs. Lights on dimmers will create the darker environment preferred by most video game players, and wall-mounted TVs will showcase the game play to those watching in the viewing area. eSports is also a spectator sport, which is why a viewing area was integral to the design of the eSports Lounge. The experience is much like watching a professional sporting event, except the game play takes place in a virtual environment.

“We’re always seeking new, relevant, and innovative ways to engage our students and support their interests,” said LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan. “eSports provides them with more than just recreational activity; there are learning and social components, and it brings a competitive sport to our campus.”

The college noticed an emerging trend of students transitioning to competitive gaming, said Ray. There’s also been consistent involvement in gaming and anime clubs on campus. But it was during the pandemic—when the college offered four separate virtual gaming tournaments—that the significance became obvious.

Tournaments typically drew more than 100 students playing some of the most popular games on the market: Overwatch, Fortnite, and Call of Duty from their homes. The objective was to stay alive in the game as long as possible and earn a rank of first, second, or third place in your video game bracket.

“Student involvement in the tournaments was high,” said Ray, “We also learned that historic or traditional gender roles, as well as physical attributes, which are sometimes an issue for developing athletic teams, are not an issue in eSports. eSports is all about inclusion – for any student no matter how they identify.”

Ray explained that eSports speaks to a need for belonging and connection. During game play, there is lots of strategizing with friends and communication with other players.

“Students receive some of the same benefits they would have if they were on a traditional athletic team,” said Ray. “It develops their overall health and wellness, improves their leadership skills and strengthens their connection to the college community.”

eSports at LSC-University Park will start out as a student club program. Student captains and coaches will be added as each club grows until, eventually, the group is recognized as an official eSports team. Currently, one of the most popular games among LSC-University Park students is League of Legends.

The new eSports Lounge is set to be completed this fall, opening in time for Spring 2022 tournaments. It will be an extension of the Lion’s Den, the campus’ space for student life. The Lion’s Den is also home to study rooms, multi-purpose areas and a meditation room.

For more information on the new eSports Lounge or gaming clubs at LSC-University Park, please contact Sarah Ray at Sarah.Ray@LoneStar.edu.