Learning

Gathering to Game

Inside the innovative esports lounge at Michigan State University

Read 10 minutes

Step inside the Esports Competition Hub at Michigan State University and you’ll discover a bustling space filled with students from a variety of backgrounds who all share one thing in common: a love for video games.

It’s where the school’s three varsity esports teams meet to practice and compete in matches against other Big Ten schools. It’s also home to the MSU Esports Club Association, whose 2,000-student roster makes it one of the school’s largest student organizations. You’ll see students interviewing athletes and streaming matches as a way to explore potential career paths. Most importantly, you’ll find young people gathering to game, study and be part of a community.

“We’re committed to esports as more than just competition. One of the biggest goals we were trying to accomplish with this space was to create a place for students to connect, to find others with similar interests and passions,” says Christopher Bilski, director of esports at Michigan State. “You can come here and instantly find a family, find a home you’re a part of. Having spaces here to provide that support has been a very powerful force in our students’ lives.”

The gaming hub has quickly become a haven for digital athletes and students across campus. Whether they’re coming for the competition, work experience or companionship, Bilski says students only need to bring one thing: themselves.
When Bilski arrived at MSU, he found a rapidly growing group of digital athletes and student gamers who didn’t have a central space to congregate. The solution: an empty classroom inside of Hubbard Hall, a student dormitory on the east side of campus.

Article Gathering to Game
Supportive seating, roomy work surfaces and easy-to-adjust monitors create comfortable battle stations for esports athletes to practice and compete.

“Having a multi-functional, multi-purpose space was at the top of the list. I didn’t just want rows of computers or a dark room with lasers. I wanted a balanced and comfortable space, where students wanted to come and connect,” says Bilski.

Partnering with Steelcase, Bilski’s team selected furniture and equipment that would transform the former classroom into an innovative gaming hub. Battle stations were outfitted with work surfaces large enough to fit keyboards, peripherals and adjustable monitor equipment. Comfortable, ergonomic seating was added to support a variety of body types and postures during long hours of play.

“The things you may not be thinking about are all the little things that are happening while you’re gaming. Your posture, your hand and arm placement, the level of your monitors. All the little things that having the right equipment and furniture can support. Those go a long way when they add up. Students can be in front of a monitor gaming for hours, so having equipment that provides the right support can help keep their bodies safe and healthy,” says Bilski.

Article Gathering to Game
Battle stations were created without barriers so that gamers and coaches can easily collaborate, connect, and play as a team.

Couches, large tables and comfortable stools give students areas to hang out, connect, watch TV and study.

For student Kiley Slevin, the space gave her a place to make friends and explore her creative passions. “Esports has given me a support system. I found a community that not only loves activities that I like, but also is willing to uplift the creative aspects that I love in esports,” she says.

The hub also offers a film study and review room, so student athletes can learn and talk strategy with their coaches and discuss opponents’ play. A glassed-in competition booth provides sound dampening to limit distractions from cheering onlookers.

“When I saw this place for the first time, I thought it was a dream. It’s so much more comfortable with the chairs and monitors. When I play here I feel so much better,” says Rodrigo Arce, a student and esports athlete at MSU.

Article Gathering to Game
The space was designed with a variety of seating options for varsity esports athletes and student gamers to play, do homework, and broadcast competitions.

There’s also a heavy educational component to the esports program at MSU. As part of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students can explore professional interests, such as broadcast media, graphic design, photography and marketing, and participate in activities that start building their portfolios.

It’s not just about their four years here. It’s about the next 40 years of their life. We’re really excited about what this space helps to provide to our students, whether that’s from a community aspect, competitive aspect or career aspect

Christopher Bilski, Director of Esports, Michigan State University

The gaming hub’s broadcast studio gives students a place to execute every aspect of the competitions’ broadcast production. They promote upcoming matches on social media, provide live commentary during play, produce commercials, and conduct post-game interviews with athletes and coaches.

Article Gathering to Game
MSU students promote, produce and host the club’s live-streaming broadcasts and post-match recaps directly from the gaming hub.

“I like that the space we have engages the competitive and fun aspect of the games but also the academics of MSU. It provides a space not only for students to practice but also a place for them to learn,” says Slevin.

“It’s been transformed into this vibrant space buzzing with energy and excitement. Come in, play, and meet new people. It doesn’t matter how much or little you’ve gamed in the past. We have a place for you,” says Bilski.

 

Learn more about our Steelcase Learning research on esports and the four essential considerations for creating optimally effective gaming spaces.

More Than Just a Game 

Related Stories

Onboarding Your AI Coworker With Sean Gallagher (S5:EP6)

Onboarding Your AI Coworker With Sean Gallagher (S5:EP6)

It’s no longer a question – AI is changing how we work, and it’s happening rapidly. A technical renaissance of sorts, AI is mainly driven by employees. But as Humanova founder Sean Gallagher tells us, leaders should act now – even if all the kinks haven’t been worked out – before their organizations are left behind. Listen to Sean Gallagher and Chris Congdon discuss the future of AI and work on the latest edition of the Work Better podcast. (Read transcript) (Find in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen).

Teaching AI-Ready Students With José Antonio Bowen (S5: EP2)

Teaching AI-Ready Students With José Antonio Bowen (S5: EP2)

This episode of the Work Better podcast explores the future of education in an AI-driven world with José Antonio Bowen, a distinguished educator, scholar, and author. With Microsoft research revealing that 3 out of 4 global knowledge workers use AI in their jobs, the question arises: how are we preparing students for this AI-infused future? Bowen, who has held significant academic and administrative roles, including serving as the 11th President of Goucher College, will discuss why becoming an ‘expert’ is crucial to maximizing the benefits of AI and avoiding being replaced by it. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about how AI is reshaping the future of learning.
Read the transcript. Find in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Our 47-Second Attention Span With Gloria Mark (S5: EP3)

Our 47-Second Attention Span With Gloria Mark (S5: EP3)

Are you struggling to focus? New research suggests you might not even finish reading this paragraph! Our attention spans are shorter than ever, affecting our work and health. But don’t worry, there’s hope. Tune in to the latest edition of the Work Better podcast, where author and psychologist Gloria Mark shares insights about why our attention is so fragmented and offers practical tips to improve focus and productivity. Slow down, set the audio speed to 1X, and listen to the Work Better podcast to explore ideas for a more attentive and productive work life.
Read the transcript. Find in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.