Plans for e-sports at AU

Video gaming is a popular hobby for many students. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief

A multi-billion dollar business, gaming is an interest shared among many throughout the country, and continues to grow.

Colin Stewart, associate vice president of student affairs, said that e-sports, or competitive gaming as a virtual sport, is something he would like to see brought to Augusta University in the coming months.

“The hope is to launch our e-sports program in fall of 2023,” he said.

Stewart said that e-sports is a way students can stay involved and engaged in their college experience.

“My hope is that we build a culture that really engages and fosters e-sports here at Augusta University,” he said.

Speaking of the cyber center and Peach Belt championships, Stewart said, “We’re really positioned to be a place where we can host some major e-sports tournaments in the future.”

He added, “I’m just excited about what this could be for our students.”

Brionna Law, a junior communication major, is looking to take a class offered by the department that will work to create video productions for AU e-sports events. From Law’s perspective as a gamer, she said it’s been intriguing to witness how e-sports has grown.

“I think it’s very interesting and cool to know that it’s sort of a recognized profession now,” she said. “Through that, other jobs can be created.”

Law said that the opportunity to explore possible career opportunities through the course, combined with her skills in videography is something that also drew her interest.

“Maybe that’s an avenue I can go down to, just explore and see what’s out there,” she said.

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.

This story is published in the Monday, April 24, 2023 print edition of The Bell Ringer on page 3.