The University of California-Irvine is building a dedicated space for gamers on campus to compete in the cut-throat world of professional eSports.
In the fall, UCI says it will open a 3,500 square-foot arena in its student center, packed with 80 brand new computers, a stage, and a studio for broadcasting live competitions.
The announcement emphasized the space as being perfect for battles in "League of Legends," an eSports game where teams of five face off to destroy the other team's base first. It's free-to-play, incredibly difficult to master, and among the most popular games in the world.
“We hope to attract the best gamers from around the world, and our academic programs in computer gaming science, digital arts, computer science, engineering, anthropology, law, medicine, neuroscience and behavior create a strong foundation for research and inquiry related to gaming," Thomas Parham, vice chancellor for student affairs, said in a statement.
UCI partnered with Los Angeles-based Riot Games (the makers of "League of Legends") and computer maker iBuyPower to outfit the arena with the software and high-end machines needed to play. When it opens, it will make UCI the first public research university to create an official spot for eSports competitions.
It also said as many as 10 academic scholarships would be given to students on the UCI eSports team.
For those unaware, competitive gaming isn't mindless first-person shooters and trash talk. Tens of millions of people play against each other in "League of Legends" each day, and professional players often go head-to-head so they can take home millions in prize money.
The home of the famed Peter the Anteater mascot (Zot Zot Zot!), UCI is prime territory for on-campus gameplay.
In addition to its close proximity to Riot Games, Irvine, California is home to Blizzard Entertainment, the makers of "Heroes of the Storm" — another eSports game that has its own professional league, which is broadcast by ESPN. And with more than 300 student gaming clubs on campus, College Magazine ranked UCI as the best school for gamers in 2015.
