Staffordshire University has unveiled a specialist Esports Hub to train the next generation of esports managers, shoutcasters and broadcasters.
The University is launching the UK’s first esports degree next month and prospective students got a first glimpse of the custom-built facility during an Open Day on Saturday.
The hub features state-of-the-art technology and will allow students to host and broadcast live esports events. Kit includes 12 gaming workstations with Razer mice and headphones, broadcast cameras and a broadcast gallery, specialist lighting, a studio area for three presenters and two shoutcasters, plus spectator seating.
Course lecturer Stuart Kosters explained: “The hub will be a place where students can learn in a real-life setting and understand what goes on behind-the-scenes of a major esports event.
“We have been working closely with industry employers who believe that this hands-on experience is vital. We want to put our students ahead of the game when they graduate and give them the best chance of getting a job.”
The BA (Hons) Esports degree has been developed with help from the biggest names in industry and has attracted worldwide interest and applications.
The course focuses on the business of esports and students will be able to undertake a number of exciting placement opportunities with companies including Red Bull and at national gaming events like Insomnia.
Visiting the hub, prospective student Jamie said: “It looks really professional – I love the lighting and the layout. When I came in it cemented that this is the course what I want to do.
“I’ve been watching esports for a long time but never thought there would be a pathway to get into it. I heard about this course and looking the jobs available and what it offers, it made me really interested to find out more.”
June Dennis, Dean of Staffordshire Business School, added: “It’s great seeing the faces of people when they first come into the Esports Hub – it’s an amazing resource!
“The degree covers not only the technical aspects of esports but also how to run and promote esports events worldwide and has been designed in consultation with specialists in the field. Graduates will enter a very buoyant job market in three to four years time.”