After pioneering the esports curriculum in the country, Lyceum of the Philippines University now opens the first esports arena in the country.
According to the university, it’s part of their commitment to innovation and technology. LPU OIC for Academic Affairs Jennifer D. Tucpi said it is also a showcase of how they embrace emerging technology and provide “students a platform to excel in an industry that is not only rapidly growing, but also reshaping the landscape of entertainment and competition.”
LPU ICT Director Noel Punongbayan calls the facility an “arena with a twist of education” as it features state-of-the-art lighting, a sound system, a production room, and even a green room for streaming.
LPU President Atty. Roberto P. Laurel did admit that he initially had hesitation when he heard the idea, thinking gaming is only for amusement arcades and such space should instead be used for a laboratory.
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“When they presented, oo nga talaga, we really need this kind of laboratory if we want to put our money where our mouth is. When we said we would put up esports, which we did, and we are very proud to be the first in the country to offer an esports degree, make it an academic degree, I realized that it was only the first step,” Laurel said.
The Lyceum Esports arena is located on the 3rd floor of the LPU Intramuros campus, with computers powered by ASUS, and even has cool gaming chairs with the university’s emblem stitched to the headrest.