Full Sail University’s new venue a commitment to esports

WINTER PARK, Fla. – Yes, there was swag. Yes, there were game setups for anyone to play.

And, yes, there were balloons, tours, media availability and other hallmarks of a typical grand opening.

But Full Sail University officials said the debut of a room dubbed “Armada HQ” represents more than mere window dressing.

It’s a commitment to esports at a time that some previously touted efforts across the country have slowed.

“Our program, we have tried to focus on building in a sustainable way,” said Bennett Newsome, Full Sail’s director of esports growth and development. “Just like any traditional sport, there is an entire industry supporting it underneath. That’s where we connect.”

The 2,763-square-foot facility will become the centerpiece of the school’s esports curriculum.

That program covers everything from streaming to broadcasting to business management.

The facility is home to a production studio, gameplay areas and other amenities for student use.

In addition, it is equipped with 45 gaming stations optimized for competitive and casual gameplay.

“However the industry has gone and whatever dips there might be, we send them out into the industry to combat those types of problems,” said Chris MacMillan, esports broadcast producer for the school. “That starts at the education level.”

A long-anticipated reveal

During the reveal on Tuesday, members of the school’s competitive team, The Armada, tested out the new digs.

The grand opening comes roughly five years after the school debuted “The Fortress,” a high-tech esports arena on campus.

As more students used the facility, it sparked the idea to provide a practice facility for the school’s team, which competes in nine video games.

“This kind of really elevates our program, puts us on the next level,” said Sari Kitelyn, Full Sail’s director of esports.

“We followed our students here,” Kitelyn said. “They were already doing everything that we are building but we formalized it for them. If this (program) didn’t have student support, it would have floundered a long time ago.”

The facilities go beyond competition, too.

A soundproofed broadcast room gives those interested in the broadcast side of things a place to practice their trade.

The booth is another example of how esports-related curriculum fits on a campus like Full Sail, which emphasizes entertainment media and emerging tech.

“Most people don’t have access to this on a college campus at this level, which is really, really cool,” MacMillan said.

CHECK OUT PHOTOS OF THE NEW SPACE

An ever-evolving industry

In a brief series of remarks to a tightly packed room of supporters and grads, Kitelyn laid out the amenities and welcomed visitors, some of whom were in town for Full Sail’s Hall of Fame week of events.

She said being around the esports program has required her to take a flexible approach to understanding the community.

“You have to recommit yourself to learn the industry every day because it evolves every day,” she said.

As a streamer with some level of success on major platforms like Twitch, Newsome has seen firsthand how beneficial streaming and creating content can be.

He has been with Full Sail University nearly two decades.

Working with esports allows him to pursue what he calls an “obsession” professionally.

That it has collided with his other passion, teaching,

“If I have knowledge I have gained in my journey, I happily share that with them,” he said. “These are all people I want to try to help mentor, try to give them an opportunity to evolve what they are doing.”

The gamers

The chemistry of an esports team can vary depending upon player personalities as well as how often they can get together to play together.

A space like the new headquarters could help build a unique camaraderie.

“It’s important to esports teams,” said Brittanny MacCleod, a December Full Sail graduate with a bachelor’s degree in game business and esports management. “It’s also difficult to build, especially for remote players. Being able to build that camaraderie will be huge.”

MacCleod should know.

At Full Sail, she was a captain of the school’s stream team and led its Halo and League of Legends teams.

But, said MacCleod, who entered her first tournament 22 years ago at 5 years old.

“I’m so happy to see the things I’m passionate about becoming something other people are able to show they are passionate about,” she said. “I love it.”