The eSports lounge located on the second floor of the Living Learning Center Residential Hall Lobby is open throughout weekdays from 2:30-11 p.m., and 2:30-8 p.m. on the weekends. It is a free recreation centre open to all the Washburn students and staff. The lounge has 24 competitive gaming PCs and two gaming console stations for PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo.
Nick Johnston, junior biology major and the eSports club president, shared that this year for the club has been a little underwhelming but nonetheless fun. Johnston states that they have been organizing game nights to bring more people in, but there has not been a big turnout.
Johnston also mentioned facing staffing issues due to rigorous academic schedules. Despite the staffing problem, the eSports club organized a Mario party mini game tournament in April.
Similarly, Johnston’s focus remains on fostering a community-centric atmosphere instead of competition.
“We’re hoping to expand the catalog of party games to bring community aspects to eSports,” Johnston said.
Students can join the eSports club in the campus groups and join the discord to stay updated with esports events.
Dalton Nioce, sophomore kinesiology major and desk attendant at eSports lounge, agreed that the eSports lounge offers more friendly gaming and less toxic competitiveness. He says that the atmosphere remains fun and inclusive, especially during organized game nights.
Nioce highlighted the facility being a free resource for all students. Also, students can play any game they own at the esports lounge. He encourages students to join, emphasizing fun and social interaction with other students.
Gideon Hoppe, senior forensic investigation major, has been a member at eSports club for the last two years and enjoys playing games like Rocket League and Fortnite with friends.
“It is nice to have people to play games with that you already enjoy,” Hoppe said.
Hoppe said that it would be nicer if the club could add the Minecraft game this coming year.
Overall, the eSports club faced challenges this year due to lower student participation and staffing issues. However, they organized game nights on Tuesdays and occasional tournaments to increase involvement.
Rocket League and Mario Kart have become quite famous among students this year. President Johnston hopes to improve the esports club by strengthening marketing and planning bigger events to attract more participants.
Edited by Stuti Khadka, Ojashwi Shrestha and Arohi Rai
