The rapid growth of competitive eSports over the past 10 years has led to its emergence as a cocurricular program on hundreds of college campuses. Projected to grow to over a two billion dollar industry by the end of 2024 and forecasted to be a nine billion dollar industry by 2032 (Fortune Business Insights, 2024), there is a growing need on college campuses not only to provide opportunities for student engagement via competitive eSports programs but also to develop new and creative degree programs to support this growing industry. This article explores the development of the eSports program at Monroe Community College (MCC), initially launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, to engage students remotely. It examines the challenges and successes of a remote program, the development of a dedicated eSports facility and shift to a hybrid program, the collaboration required across campus, and the valuable lessons learned. In addition, it explores the expansion of eSports, the industry, and additional factors such as scaling and program sustainability.

The Need for an eSports Program

In 2019, we began discussions on campus about potentially developing an eSports program. The emergence of eSports programs among some of our State University of New York (SUNY) counterparts at the four-year level, along with the growing popularity among traditional and nontraditional-aged students alike, presented an opportunity to recruit new students and engage current students on campus. The pandemic put discussions of an on-campus eSports facility on hold as we navigated remote work and the financial strain resulting from COVID-19. However, we decided to develop and launch a remote eSports program in fall 2020. We notified the student body via our internal digital newsletter over several weeks, providing a link to complete an interest survey. We also posted information on our website and social media accounts to spread the word about the new program. In total, over 200 students expressed interest in our program, with nearly 50 students competing in our first semester. The enthusiasm highlighted the potential for a successful eSports program that could meet the needs of our ever-changing student population while serving as a valuable tool for student engagement and retention.

However, as MCC transitioned back to in-person learning, maintaining student interest in the eSports program became increasingly challenging. Our eSports students needed a space to practice and compete as a team while they were on campus. Competing remotely was tolerable for many students when options were limited due to the pandemic, but students' priorities shifted once we returned to on-campus learning, and they sought opportunities to engage in person.

Building an eSports Facility

Identifying a suitable space requires careful planning and collaboration with several stakeholders, including IT, facilities, operations, faculty, and staff. We identified the Gilman Lounge, a bustling café space for students in years past that had been closed after the pandemic, and transformed this area to house the eSports program. It was large enough to support our current eSports needs, with room for expansion in the future. In addition to identifying a physical space, a significant IT infrastructure assessment was needed to identify any enhancements to the space to meet gaming needs, such as Internet speed, gaming consoles, and coaching tools. We utilized internal resources and consulted with Lenovo's gaming department to ensure that the space met the needs of a competitive eSports program.

We utilized $60,000 in funding from a larger SUNY grant supporting enrollment initiatives to repurpose the lounge space and purchase the necessary gaming equipment. This innovative repurposing and the eSports program supported the institution's strategic plan, Vision 2027, and underscored the college's commitment to the strategic enrollment management plan.

Collaboration Across Campus

The success of the eSports facility was largely dependent on the involvement of key stakeholders across the campus. The computer and information technology, network services, and facilities departments played a crucial role in ensuring that the infrastructure could support the technical demands of the program. This included upgrading the network drops and costs for cabling along with high-bandwidth connections and installing gaming PCs and peripherals that could meet the competitive standards of collegiate eSports.

We evaluated how we could integrate the eSports program into the broader academic curriculum. This involved identifying current academic programming in marketing, graphic design, and computer science where the eSports program could offer practical, hands-on opportunities for students. We also explored new eSports-specific degree programs to add in the future. The interdisciplinary approach could enrich the eSports program and create diverse opportunities for academic growth and career preparation. In addition, we engaged with colleagues in student services to plan how to utilize the space to support other student groups on campus, hold gaming events, and conduct student-life events supporting internal gaming tournaments and leagues.

Results and Impact

The opening of the eSports facility had an immediate and positive impact on student participation. At its lowest point, while operating as a remote-only program, the eSports program had dropped from 50 to just 12 participants from fall 2020 to spring 2023. The state-of-the-art space and return to in-person activities reignited interest in the program. By spring 2024, the program had grown to nearly 40 members competing across several titles, with three teams making the NJCAAE playoffs. In addition, we sent teams to compete at a West Point eSports tournament and hosted several colleges in our new facility. Not only did the number of students participating increase, but we were better able to engage them on campus and provide a high-quality student experience.

Our facility has also become a hub for students with shared gaming interests, with open hours to use the space outside of training and competition, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, the program has provided opportunities for our eSports students to develop skills in high-value areas such as teamwork, leadership, and digital literacy. Additionally, the success of the eSports program has generated interest from prospective students, making it a recruitment tool in support of the college's strategic enrollment management plan.

Lessons Learned

Several key lessons emerged from the initial development of a remote program to the implementation of a physical, on-campus eSports program. First, we recognized that we must engage constituents and stakeholders from across campus to assess the viability of the program. We also had to determine whether and how it supported our mission, strategic plan, and enrollment management plan, and locate space and other resources to support program creation. The collaboration between IT, network services, facilities, faculty, and staff was crucial in developing a plan to launch the eSports program and build a physical space on campus.

Second, we cannot overstate the importance of knowing the equipment, infrastructure, and space requirements of the program. Through careful planning, we were able to utilize campus resources to minimize the cost of new equipment while investing in necessary technology upgrades to support the program. Developing a clear plan helped reduce costs without sacrificing areas that support a high-quality eSports program.

Finally, the program highlighted how creative thinking, adaptability, and flexibility can take a project across the finish line. The initial decline in participation following the return to in-person learning could have meant the program’s end. However, we returned to the drawing board and looked at how we could respond to changing student needs and interests. With careful planning and creative and collaborative efforts, we were able to make the physical space a reality and revitalize the eSports program.

Recommendations

Here are some key recommendations for effectively adding an eSports program to your college offerings. First, meet with students, staff, faculty members, and administration to gauge interest. This will help you know what type of eSports program you want to run, from a small student-run program to a large and robust program supported by a large facility and academic programming. Understanding which fits your campus community is essential to your program's success. Second, it is vital to identify your stakeholders and secure their buy-in. To develop your plan fully, you will need experts in IT, network services, facilities, programming, and other relevant areas. Third, eSports is a blossoming cocurricular activity on college campuses and part of a new multi-billion dollar industry that continues to grow. Significant synergy exists between an eSports program and academic programming that should be explored at any campus looking to add or support current or new academic programs. Finally, it is crucial to remain flexible and open to change. eSports is a rapidly developing field that is constantly changing as it grows. It is essential to be responsive and accept these changes as you navigate program development.

Next Steps

MCC will continue to evaluate the program annually using the newly released CAS Self-Assessment Guide for eSports programs. We will also gather student feedback and monitor participation, retention, and graduation rates. Furthermore, we will continue to evaluate the program as eSports evolves across the country. This includes scaling the eSports facility to accommodate more students, developing partnerships with other institutions or industry organizations, and hosting tournaments at local high schools as a recruitment tool. The college will also continue to explore ways in which eSports can support current academic programming while potentially supporting new and innovative opportunities related to the eSports industry and career pathways in multiple disciplines.

MCC’s eSports Journey

Developing an eSports program at MCC has been a learning and collaborative journey. We learned from failure, adapted and pivoted when necessary, and committed to ensuring that we developed a vibrant program. From facilitating its initial launch as a remote program during the pandemic to establishing a dedicated on-campus facility, the program has demonstrated the potential of eSports to engage students, enhance campus life, and provide valuable educational opportunities.

Reference

Fortune Business Insights. (2024, August 12). eSports market size, share, and industry analysis, 2024-2032. Fortune Business Insights. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/esports-market-106820

Aaron Bouyea is Director, Athletics, at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York.

Opinions expressed in Leadership Abstracts are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the League for Innovation in the Community College.