Beginning in 2017, Boise State will host competitive videogame teams (eSports) as an officially sanctioned varsity activity for undergraduate and graduate students. Teams will be recruited and selected from current students who have part or full-time status at Boise State University. They will compete in intercollegiate play as part of the National Association of Collegiate eSports (NACe).

Teams will compete in the NACe regular season against member schools and selected tournaments from TESPA, uLOL, Collegiate Star League (CSL), and other organizations as part of intercollegiate play. With more than 50 schools, Boise State will compete nationally against schools like Utah, UC Irvine, Arizona State, Miami, and others including current and passed Collegiate League of Legends National Champions Maryville University and Robert Morris University.

Games selected for the inaugural eSports season will include League of Legends, Overwatch, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, and Rocket League. Other games will be added. When possible, Boise State eSports will host multiple teams in each game in a tiered system to allow for development, coaching, and advancement. When a tournament permits, multiple teams may participate. This is unique to eSports and creates the opportunity to build skills and expertise.

The program and eSports Arena (Education Building) will be hosted by the Department of Educational Technology with directors Dr. Chris Haskell and Dr. Brett Shelton supported by faculty advisors and student leaders for each of the different eSports. Arena hours will be available in Late August.

Boise State eSports will also be seeking talents around eSports including casters, strategists, and creatives who love the eSports world. This includes graphic artist, video creatives, writers, social media experts, and more. Starting almost immediately, Boise State eSports players will stream via Twitch.

Source: Press release