SUNY Schenectady’s Gaming and Esports Club Expands
From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community
An interest in gaming at SUNY Schenectady first began two years ago with the tabletop adventure of Dungeons and Dragons. Just four members would meet to play. Today, it has grown to 50 members and renamed the Gaming and Esports Club.
A Messy Beginning
"We would be roughing it, bringing in our laptops up to the student government office, hooking them up to the ethernet. It was a whole ordeal. A total mess," described Daniel Van Buren, President of the club.
A New Home for the Club
To bring order to the club, the college repurposed its old cafe into an esports arena. There’s the newest gaming consoles and sixteen powerful computers ready to be played.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
Cooper Hewison, SUNY Schenectady’s Esports Coordinator, told NEWS10’s Anthony Krolikowski that these PCs can handle anything. "We have Tekken 8, which is one of the most graphically impressive fighting games of the current age and that’ll make most machines sweat. These machines did not break a sweat."
A Community for All
College students will be battling against SUNY schools and also colleges across the country but not every gamer has to take the sport seriously. That was why the idea of splitting it between the lounge and the arena side was so important," said Hewison. "Because we wanted to be able to foster that kind of community that’s into the hardcore games or into the more casual environment just hanging out."
Hosting Tournaments
And for the first time, the esports team will be able to host tournaments in-person. "I mean hey, UAlbany, get over here!" exclaimed Van Buren. "Y’know what I’m saying? We’d be very excited to have them over here and be able to make connections and network with other schools."
Conclusion
SUNY Schenectady’s Gaming and Esports Club has come a long way from its humble beginnings. With its new esports arena and state-of-the-art equipment, the club is now a thriving community for gamers of all levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did the Gaming and Esports Club at SUNY Schenectady get started?
A: The club started two years ago with a group of four students playing tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons.
Q: How many members does the club have now?
A: The club has grown to 50 members.
Q: What kind of equipment does the club have?
A: The club has the newest gaming consoles and sixteen powerful computers ready to be played.
Q: Can anyone join the club?
A: Yes, the club is open to all SUNY Schenectady students, regardless of their level of gaming experience.
