THE VIDEO GAMING CENTER: A number of colleges and universities have on –campus video gaming centers for their students. Video gaming centers are being added to other colleges and universities as well.. Video Gaming manufacturers and other sponsors are recognizing the importance of supporting the collegiate on-campus video gaming communities.
The Conzumable Incubator has a complete module system that links both the video gaming center and the eSports arena to incubator models ideal for college campuses nationwide. The Conzumable Incubator will be launching its www.VideoGamingCenters.com soon to discuss new video gaming programs. It’s TV show partner, Planet X (www.PlanetX.TV) will be covering programs as well.
WESA
WESA is the result of joint efforts between industry-leading professional esports teams and ESL, the world’s largest esports company. Based on similar traditional sports associations, WESA is an open and inclusive organization that will further professionalize esports by introducing elements of player representation, standardized regulations, and revenue shares for teams. WESA will seek to create predictable schedules for fans, players, organizers and broadcasters, and for the first time bring all stakeholders to the discussion table.
www.WESA.gg/
United States Esports Association
Esports has grown into a worldwide phenomenon that has seen top players and teams compete in some of the biggest stages in the world. Now that the world of esports has caught the eye of several universities, schools, and companies, people have started to see the potential of this sport.
USEA is an organization which aims to safely promote the development of esports within communities all over the USA. The goals of the USEA seek to outline a new way of fostering healthy competition amongst amateur gamers.
www.esportsus.org/
In 2010 a new game studio was named “Blackmoor” (after a campaign in Dungeons & Dragons) in honor of Dave Arneson, who taught game design at the school from 1999 to 2008. In November 2010, in partnership with ESPN, the school opened a new laboratory for research and development in studio technologies. Two months later, approximately 200 Full Sail Online employees moved into the Gateway Center in Downtown Orlando. Also in 2011, the university announced plans to construct an 86,000-square-foot educational building to house 475 faculty and staff, additional film and television soundstages and classrooms; it was scheduled for completion in early 2012. In July 2011, Full Sail acquired Lakeview Office Park in Orlando.
In October 2018, Full Sail announced plans to construct an esports arena called “The Fortress”. The 11,200-square-foot venue opened in May 2019, serves as home of Full Sail University’s esports team, Armada, and can accommodate up to 500 spectators.
In 2019, wallethub.com listed the best cities for gamers where Orlando, Florida was ranked #4 for Gaming Environment. This has been attributed to universities such as Full Sail University and for “The Fortress” which is the largest on-campus esports arena in the country. Full Sail University has hosted NXT Wrestling productions for several years, but NXT is moving to another venue since Full Sail’s students aren’t available to help with the show due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WWE NXT Wrestling did use Full Sail University’s facilities during quarantine, and the WWE has full intention of coming back once crowds are allowed again.
In 2020, The Fortress was named a top 10 collegiate esports facility. It was also named one of the ’15 Most Elite Universities for Pursuing Esports Careers in North America in 2020.