{"690102":{"#nid":"690102","#data":{"type":"news","title":"New Esports Lounge Offers Free Games to Build Community","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech has introduced an Esports and Gaming Lounge in the Campus Recreation Center, bringing a new kind of activity to a space traditionally known for fitness. The lounge has quickly gained popularity among both experienced gamers and beginners.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe facility features 22 Alienware computers with timed access, along with games available through GGCircuit. Popular titles include Marvel Rivals, Rainbow Six Siege, and Minecraft. In addition, two console stations offer access to a PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series S.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBrian Smith, senior director of Campus Recreation, led the initiative and emphasized the importance of creating a space where students can engage in activities they enjoy. Student feedback played a major role in shaping the lounge\u2019s design and functionality.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech Esports, a student-run organization, contributed significantly to the project by advising on equipment and advocating for both competitive and casual gaming spaces. The lounge also includes a competition room with 12 high-performance computers for esports events.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ELeaders of Georgia Tech Esports highlighted the connection between gaming and esports and expressed excitement about future collaborations that could enhance professional development and innovation on campus.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOverall, the lounge offers a welcoming environment for all students, encouraging creativity, connection, and fun. It operates Monday through Saturday with varying hours and remains closed on Sundays.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EThe newly opened Esports and Gaming Lounge at Georgia Tech\u2019s Campus Recreation Center offers students access to high-end gaming equipment and a wide range of games at no cost. Designed with student input, the space supports both casual and competitive gaming while fostering community engagement. The lounge is expected to become a hub for collaboration, events, and student interaction across campus.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech\u2019s new Esports and Gaming Lounge provides free gaming access and a dedicated space to build community among students."}],"uid":"36800","created_gmt":"2026-05-01 16:04:04","changed_gmt":"2026-05-01 16:23:07","author":"gmenghisteab6","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2026-04-29T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2026-04-29T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"680142":{"id":"680142","type":"image","title":"26-R10410-P113-003.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1777651449","gmt_created":"2026-05-01 16:04:09","changed":"1777651449","gmt_changed":"2026-05-01 16:04:09","alt":"esports","file":{"fid":"264383","name":"26-R10410-P113-003.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/01\/26-R10410-P113-003.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2026\/05\/01\/26-R10410-P113-003.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":142083,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2026\/05\/01\/26-R10410-P113-003.jpeg?itok=sucLKdpH"}}},"media_ids":["680142"],"groups":[{"id":"660380","name":"GT Arts"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"183499","name":"georgia tech arts"},{"id":"185855","name":"GT arts"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}