Video game

UAlbany unveils state-of-the-art gaming arena – Times Union



ALBANY — The University at Albany on Friday celebrated the recent launch of its esports team by showcasing the campus’ competitive video gaming arena.

The facility includes a dozen high-performance Alienware computers, each including an Alienware pro-gaming keyboard, Xbox One Controller and Turtle Beach Atlas One gaming headset. The space is also equipped with six Nintendo Switch consoles.

After recruiting 75 students in two weeks, UAlbany joined 57 colleges and universities who are competing in esports through the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) this fall.



The Great Danes are one of the largest teams in the ECAC and one of only two competing in all games the conference offers. The team is co-ed and comprises students across a variety of majors, backgrounds and class years.


Novoa Lucas, a senior in the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC), is one of five starters for the new UAlbany eSports “FIFA” soccer video game team.

“Since I was young, I had a dream of playing video games professionally,” said Lucas, who was born in Jiquilpan, Michoacán in Mexico. “It’s something I would have never imagined was possible 10 years ago. But, this is a growing sport and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Michael Leczinsky, a professor at CEHC, who focuses on emerging technologies, is the UAlbany eSports director and head coach. He said UAlbany students dispel the perception that gamers are slackers uninterested in school.


“We know there’s a stereotype out there of a bunch of kids huddled around a computer screen playing video games instead of studying,” Leczinsky said. “But, being part of this, and watching our students participate, there’s so much more that goes into it. They are competing at the highest level, while at the same time, prioritizing their academic work. Our players are students first.”



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