Setting Up Success

Setting Up Success in Your Esports Program

Jeff Palumbo, Director of Esports – Palmer Hamilton

Watch our YouTube series part two of Jeff Palumbo interviews.

Starting an esports program can seem like a daunting task. However, having the right pieces in place at the right time can be an almost guaranteed recipe for success. Finding where, what and who those pieces are is a matter of asking the right questions.

Where?

Location is an important first consideration when designing an esports space. This can look different depending on the school environment. Colleges and universities tend to have a dedicated, unused space that they can convert into an esports lab, while K-12 schools may have to get creative or build esports capabilities into a multipurpose room that serves as a classroom during the day and esports lab after school lets out.

 

Once the space is located, an environmental approach to design helps ensure optimization for everyday use. How many people use it at once? How do you want to use this space? What type of lighting and automation would you like? These are just a few examples of questions that can help designers lay out the room to support the program.

What?

The components that go into an esports room can be separated into three categories: equipment, decor and the program itself. As a rule of thumb, I would recommend that programs start with at least two gaming consoles, two TVs and six PCs to allow team gameplay with any of the top esports titles. Spaces can be built up from less, and most programs grow to include more, but this is a good minimum.

DIY design and management is usually just fine for clubs, but when the esports community at a school becomes a “program” with funding behind it, there is more emphasis on measurable results. Professional designers can create a consistent feel in the space that draws people in, while esports advisors can help with operational management, engagement strategies and current program trends to keep your program relevant.

Who?

Professionals are critical for setup, but the most important person to the longevity of an esports program is the coordinator in the school community. Esports teams do not run themselves, and a dedicated adult supervisor is the key to keeping them going. A standard operating procedure should also be designed so anyone can step in as needed. The students also play a role in growing the program. Once the esports team is established, many schools look to add esports curriculum into the classroom. Students can offer valuable insight into what courses would be most beneficial for them.

 

What’s Next?

While these tips are true across most applications, every school is different. There will be nuances to the space, community and program that are completely unique to you. That is why Palmer Hamilton prioritizes a consultative approach to esports with free advising, expertise and resources like our esports video series to ensure you are set up to succeed. Feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll schedule a time to chat with you about your program!