A "first-of-its-kind" esports studio is to launch in MediaCity - offering training space and bootcamps for local teams as the industry's rapid 海角视频 growth continues.
The HOST Esports Studio will focus on fostering future gaming talent and supporting the development of the esports and XR immersive community in the North West.
HOST - the Home of Skills & Technology - has partnered with Vexed Gaming, a leading esports organisations in Manchester, to support local talent at the studio alongside the University of Salford, to engage with young people interested in the digital and media-related skillsets esports offers in formal education.
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The facility will offer a training ground for esports, sporting local tournaments and act as a "central gateway" for developing skills and employment routes for young people to get into the emerging sector.
HOST said the facility will be the "first of its kind" in MediaCity - and the first multi-disciplinary esports facility in Greater Manchester that can be used as a training ground for esports teams, as a local tournament space and to upskill talent in esports.
Mo Isap, CEO of IN4 Group, operator of HOST, said: “The incredible explosion of the esports market is continuing at a global scale, and we are excited to be leading on this accessible esports skills programme with our partners Salford City Council.
"Our ambition is for MediaCity to be a beacon for esports talent across the region and to provide the industry with its next generation of pro gaming talent.
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"Being part of the innovation ecosystem allows us to nurture local talent with the digital skills they need and support them into esports related careers, creating the most diverse, industry-ready talent that will help to drive prosperity in the region.”
On October 23, HOST will welcome Manchester's World Esports Day - bringing together Manchester’s esports student societies.
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The worldwide celebration is a joint initiative set up by the British Esports Association, a not-for-profit organisation promoting and supporting grassroots esports, along with streaming platform Twitch, the Singapore Esports Association (SGEA) and the Global Esports Federation.
The esports industry is continuing to increase in popularity as global market revenue is predicted to grow to $1.62bn in the next three years, and according to a study by Hitmarker, the number of jobs available in esports globally grew by 87% from 5,896 in 2018 to 11,027 in 2019.
HOST said it is working with industry to create an accessible, multi-disciplinary studio - "to advocate esports related skills to prepare the next generation for tomorrow’s jobs, today".
Dr Maria Stukoff, co-chair of Esport Industry Partnerships at the University of Salford, added: “This is really very powerful. This unique collaboration brings together local businesses and councils, esports professionals and educational giants all working together to develop a dynamic platform to engage with our local esports community and to connect talent straight into the industry.”
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Mark Weller, chief gaming officer of Vexed Gaming, said: “I am delighted to come on board and to secure a Manchester-based training ground for our professional teams here at Vexed Gaming and to support a local opportunity for young people to foster their passion for esports.
"Esports has provided me with a rewarding career, and we’re keen to invest back into our local community to build an esports ecosystem for everyone within Manchester.”