The University of Salford has completed its esports lab ahead of the new academic year.
It features a tournament arena, broadcast equipment and television studio mixers, plus an esports suite for teaching and gaming.
“There’s no doubt that esports is a thriving industry. Whilst once seen as a hobby for many, in recent years it’s been transformed into one of the biggest entertainment markets on the planet. It’s now worth billions, making it not only a viable career route, but an incredibly lucrative one at that,” said Iain Earle, Program Leader for Esports Business Management at Salford Business School.
“Esports is a rapidly growing and ever-evolving sector so, with the latest cutting edge technology integrated into the Lab, we have made a considerable investment to really elevate our student experience in this space, while ensuring access to industry grade equipment. Salford is now home to higher education’s leading Esports Lab which will be instrumental in ensuring our students have been fully immersed in the latest technology disrupting the sector, as they progress into their graduate careers.”
The lab has been purpose-built for the requirements of students completing the University and Greater Manchester Institute of Technology’s (GMIoT) Higher National Diploma (HND) Esports Business Management programme.
As well as 23 gaming PCs, it has a Formula 1 licensed racing simulator.
.@SalfordUni Business School opens state-of-the-art esports lab https://t.co/pCcs4ITtWJ #Esports #Salford #Gaming pic.twitter.com/Uzm9f7s6cc
— Prolific North (@ProlificNorth) August 1, 2024
“Turning your esports hobby into a career is now within reach, thanks to courses like this and spaces like our Esports Lab,” added Earle.
“Those who are passionate about the sectors they work in, really do go on to have fulfilling and rewarding careers, and we’re committed to making that happen for our students.”