Level up: WMU's new esports lab signals commitment to career preparation in growing industry
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University is solidifying its reputation as a leading institution for esports with the opening of its new Bronco Esports Lab. A dynamic hub that connects the WMU Esports Arena to the Student Recreation Center, the space will be shared by gamers and students interested in pursuing a career in esports.
"This lab will serve as a supplement for the educational opportunities in the Department of Human Performance and Health Education and other classes across campus such as broadcasting and game design," said Chris Voss, director of University Recreation. "We have a big vision of where we want to see the esports program go from an educational standpoint and a co-curricural standpoint."
A joint venture between the College of Education and Human Development, the Department of Human Performance and Health Education and University Recreation, the lab will be used for classes associated with the College's esports minor. Launched in 2023, the minor prepares students to enter the field of esport with hands-on knowledge of the values, ethics, arts and business of video gaming.
"As our esports minor continues to evolve, we'll have coursework that students complete in the lab so they have experience with the hardware and software used by industry professionals," said Dr. Mike Miller, chair of the Department of Human Performace and Health Education.
Managed by University Recreation, the lab on the third floor of the Student Recreation Center has 10 gaming machines, a Xbox Series X, a Nintendo Switch and will show Twitch streams from the WMU Esports Arena and their varsity teams.
"The facility will be open noon to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, for anybody in the WMU community that wants to come in and game," said Voss. "All they need to do is scan their Bronco card with our staff, then they can hop on the computers or consoles to do some gaming."
To learn more about the lab and hours, visit the Bronco Esports Lab webpage.
About the esport minor
This interdisciplinary program prepares students to enter the industry of esport, giving students a close-up look at the values, ethics, arts and business of video gaming. Working closely with WMU’s esports arena, students will learn key components of hosting and managing esport tournaments and competitions at the national and global levels. This minor allows students to choose coursework from three colleges at WMU to further their knowledge and education.
To learn more about the program, visit the esport minor webpage.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.