Construction on the new Wayne State Esports Gaming Lounge (powered by Dell) is nearing completion. The shared and reservable student space is being fit with furniture, computers, and other final touches in anticipation of the fall 2020 semester.

Twenty gaming stations with ergonomic esports desks and gaming chairs are in place, and Alienware Aurora R9 computers and accompanying monitors are in-hand and ready to set up. The lounge has three console gaming stations with televisions and can accommodate 6-on-6 or 5-on-5 tournaments

Located in the lower level of the Student Center Building, the lounge will provide an open space for students to engage in today’s most popular video games, including Fortnite, League of Legends, Super Smash Bros., Overwatch and more. Short for electronic sports, esports is a blend of competitive, skill-based talent with video games that is growing in popularity on college campuses nationwide.

“This has been a wonderful opportunity for university collaboration,” said Director of Desktop Engineering, and C&IT lead for the project, Curtis Kratt. “C&IT is very excited about the opportunity to grow student engagement and success through this new avenue.”

The lounge is on schedule to open during the fall 2020 semester.

Esports at Wayne State

The Dean of Students Office currently has numerous esports-related student organizations, including Wayne Esports, which has more than 400 members. Additionally, Esports leagues are available through the Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center, and gaming computers and related technology are popular features in the University Library System’s Tech Bunker and Vault. A university-wide Esports committee is currently collaborating to discuss future opportunities on campus.

To learn more about the Esports Gaming Lounge, please contact esports@wayne.edu or visit their Discord.