Sunderland's New eSports Campus Aims To Catapult UK Into Global Gaming Spotlight

In northeast England, a newly opened eSports campus in Sunderland is equipped with rows of high-powered computers, each costing £3,000 (around US$4,000), dedicated to training students in competitive gaming. Operated by the British Esports Federation, the campus aims to boost the UK’s virtual sports sector, recognizing the growing popularity of eSports globally.

The eSports market, valued at over US$69 million in the UK in 2022, is rapidly expanding, and the British Esports Federation has invested £7 million in the National Esports Performance Campus (NEPC) in Sunderland to foster talent and industry professionals. The NEPC will provide training not only for players but also for various gaming industry roles, including marketing, competition broadcasting, team management, and more. The facility, shared with Sunderland College, offers a real work environment and aims to enhance the UK esports ecosystem.

The NEPC is part of efforts to compete with industry leaders like China and the United States, and it aligns with the IOC’s recognition of esports as a sport, with plans for virtual sports to be a staple in the Olympics. The campus will include “The Arena,” a complex designed for hosting esports tournaments, and students anticipate opportunities for diverse careers within the growing esports industry.