We’ve already existed as a group of dedicated students before we received any support from the institution. Planning, networking, marketing...everything was done by the students. You’re not investing yourself to the program only - you’re investing into the idea that students and the younger generation are the ones leading the esports movement. Your input alone can change the course and direction of each semester the org moves to. A new conference or competition in states that we’ve never been to? Plan it out, budget it and prove yourself to the Board that you’ve got what it takes to have leadership both in and out of the game.
It’s easy to sit behind the screen and not have to worry about what’s outside your bubble of classes and dorm. But you would be doing yourself and the IIT community a huge disservice. No one at IIT can truly remain anonymous. There can be a myriad of reasons for your preference to play remotely - part-time jobs, class timings, or a long commute. We here at ITE do our best to help relieve those pressures by creating priority registration for our competitive players so you can have optimal class schedules to attend class and practice in person. That way, all athletes will be able to practice in person together, which improves communication and allows reviews to be done visually with active feedback. When playing with a teammate that you can’t see in person, it’s easy to become detached. Put a face behind the gamer tag, and you’ll quickly find that communication can improve by being open and trusting.
Performing well in the game in terms of rank and mechanics are definitely factors taken into consideration. However, being receptive to constructive criticism, communicating effectively with your team and advisors and being able to balance esports with academics is important too. We want to know that the players joining us are invested into the program, the culture we promote, and their studies.
The biggest two traits would be for our students to be passionate and communicative. Learning new skills, strategies and mechanics all come within time with enough practice. However, ‘burn-out’ is all too common when players are pushed outside of their comfort zone. As long as they are driven to continue improving themself, that’s what makes a good player. Being able to communicate is essential in team-based games. Making sure you not only talk, but make sure your message is understood to the team as you set up the play so your teammates can trust you to take action.
Of course - people that don’t have a direct involvement with the club can be a part of the community. After all, we understand that not everyone has the time to dedicate days and days of practice and planning. There will be opportunities throughout the semester for events both gaming and social that are open to all campus members and communities. If you choose later on in the semester to have a more active role, those opportunities will be available as well at various times throughout the year! Only our recreational and competitive teams have active deadlines that they must follow (such as practice times and matches).
As of Fall 2020 we are happy to offer the Illinois Tech Esports Scholarship. Individuals who demonstrate the many capabilities and strengths of an ideal competitive esports player can apply by November 15th. For more information on the scholarship, visit the First Year Student Scholarship page below.
Esports (also known as electronic sports, esports, e-sports, competitive (video) gaming, professional (video) gaming, or pro gaming) is a form of competition using video games. [1] Most commonly, esports take the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players. The most common video game genres associated with esports are real-time strategy, fighting, first-person shooter (FPS), and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA). Tournaments such as The International, the League of Legends World Championship, the Evolution Championship Series and the Intel Extreme Masters provide live broadcasts of the competition, and prize money to competitors. (Wikipedia)
Illinois Tech Esports provides the opportunity for students to take part in the competitive video game scene through tournaments, as well as the chance to connect with casual gamers through various club activities throughout the year.
COMPETITION
We hold teams during each game's respective competitive seasons, as long as there are enough people who are interested. Check our active roster and the tournaments they participate in.
TOURNAMENTS
Our organization hosts city-wide LANs for all students and gamers around the Chicago area to compete for prizes and glory. Competitions can be an evening to a whole 2 day weekend experience. Keep updated on Tournaments by following ITE on social media.
ACTIVITIES
Our club activities vary from year to year, but always focus on promoting community among our members. From general meetings to viewing parties and casual LANs, there's something for gamers at every level!
We will host events/tournaments or create teams based on player interest. If there is a game that you would like to play competitively, contact us as well as others who are interested and we will try to make an opportunity.
To see what games we cover, visit the associations page
Of course! There are always ways to get involved without being on an official team. We also have activities throughout the year to just have fun. Connecting with other students on our Discord to play with is a great start.