Durham University has taken a significant leap into the world of competitive gaming with the launch of its brand-new eSports hub, designed for both students and the wider community to enjoy. Nestled within the state-of-the-art Sports & Wellbeing Park at Maiden Castle, this facility represents a thrilling milestone for the university, which has already made its mark by reaching the top five in the NSE University esports tournaments in recent years.
The ambition behind this new space is clear: to enhance the university’s performance in >=esports and foster a vibrant gaming community. The hub has already made waves by hosting an intercollegiate tournament catering to players of all skill levels, and it has exciting plans to host more tournaments for the broader community, alongside industry events and summer camps. Furthermore, it aims to provide essential support through coaching, mentoring, and team-building evenings designed for staff.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the eSports hub features 12 high-spec, networked gaming PCs laden with Intel Core i7 processors, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics cards, and 32GB RAM Corsair Vengeance workstations. Gamers will also benefit from thrilling 165Hz monitors, vibrant LED lighting, and top-notch gaming seats from Noblechairs, along with desks and accessories from ASUS ROG, including Elgato Stream Decks and Logitech C922 Pro webcams. To make participation even more accessible, the university has established an eSports laptop lending program.
Currently, usage of this incredible space is available exclusively to members of the Durham University Esports and Gaming (DUEG) club, but there are plans in motion to expand access to the overall student body for a nominal fee. Additionally, the university aims to build a community outreach program in collaboration with local colleges and universities. Just recently, Durham University held a successful soft launch event, and the DUEG club makes full use of the Esports Hub for their weekly internal tournaments, including a groundbreaking women’s and non-binary LAN event.
Kylie Kendrick, a passionate senior technical specialist in the Computer and Information Services Department, played a crucial role in bringing the eSports hub to life. Reflecting on the journey, he shared, “Esports has grown enormously in Durham. It started as a grassroots club and is now a full-blown and thriving community. I wanted to build a facility where students could meet and build community. It’s wonderful to finally have a space like this on campus. It is a great milestone in the university’s esports journey.”
Kendrick is especially enthusiastic about fostering inclusivity, stating, “There is also a large community of women and non-binary gamers in Durham, and I intend to develop it as a safe space for this demographic. By hosting regular in-person events, we hope to support and grow this community.”
Durham University is not alone in this initiative; other institutions are also investing in esports facilities. The University of Salford has unveiled a new eSports lab, while the University of Staffordshire has revamped its eSports offerings. Additionally, Queen’s University Belfast has launched a new eSports center, and Coleg Cambria Deeside recently inaugurated a stunning £230,000 eSports arena for students.
For those eager to reserve their time in this fantastic new space, don’t forget to check out the DUEG Room Reservation Discord channel! This is just the beginning for Durham University, and the future of esports here looks brighter than ever!
