Student gamers play at UC's Esports Lab. Photo/Gregory Glevicky

Get in the game at UC’s Esports Innovation Lab

With the school year ramping up, so are 1819’s Esports offerings

By Stephen Kenney Email Stephen

6 minute read August 15, 2025

Gamers rejoice! The University of Cincinnati’s Esports Innovation Lab is about to turn three and will celebrate its birthday with high-powered gaming rigs and expanded game titles.

Get in on the action by heading to the 1819 Innovation Hub, where Esports enthusiasts will find UC’s latest and greatest gaming accessories. In this article, we’ll break down all the gaming tracks available in the Esports Innovation Lab – and how they can level up your Esports experience.

New year, new experiences

There’s no lack of gaming opportunities at the Esports Innovation Lab as it prepares to celebrate its third birthday. From exciting new games to equipment meant to boost competitive play and enrich your gaming experience, you’ll find plenty of surprises at 1819.

Pick from two ways to discover all that’s new in UC’s Esports Lab:

The fun way: Come see it yourself! The Esports Innovation Lab is throwing its third birthday party on Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. Celebrate all that’s new and exciting in the Esports Lab with some snacks and get a picture with the Bearcat – an avid gamer himself!
The pro route: Check out our Esports Innovation Lab’s website, where you’ll discover the specs, hours and academic pathways to level up your future!

Whether you join the party in person at the Esports Lab or stay plugged into the gaming scene to get updates, make sure to stay aware of all the gaming happenings at 1819. As the space turns three, it’s not slowing down – in fact, it now boasts sharper, faster and more advanced games and gear than ever.

Getting your head in the game

Esports isn’t just big. It's booming. A 2024 report from Bain & Company pegged global video game revenue at over $196 billion. The consulting firm projects hitting revenue of $257 billion by 2028, outpacing the value from all other media types combined. Because of this, UC is making bold investments to position Bearcat students toward success in a thriving industry – and, yes, to make college more fun!

UC students play video games. Photo/Shutterstock

The Esports Innovation Lab is stocked with a powerhouse of video game titles ready to challenge, thrill and entertain. Here are a few:

Apex Legends
Call of Duty
Fortnite
Hearthstone
League of Legends
Overwatch
Rainbow Six Siege
Rocket League
Valorant

At the Esports Lab, we don’t just give you a place to play. We show you how to turn your gaming passion into a real career (yep, it’s possible!). From competition to content creation, there are many ways to make money playing video games, and UC backs that potential by offering the following academic programs:

Games and animation: UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) has a bachelor’s degree for those with a creative flair to design eye-catching video games.
Game development and simulation: The College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) offers this concentration within its information technology track to help today’s Esports fanatics build tomorrow’s games.

Gaming isn’t just a side hobby. Here at the Esports Innovation Lab, we’ll help you transform your love of video games into a real, exciting career!

Bonus content

That’s just the beginning. The Esports Innovation Lab and UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub aren’t cooling off as the school year starts. Here’s what’s coming next:

Tools in the UC Makerspace at 1819. Photo/Gregory Glevicky

Livestream your gameplay: Head to the fully equipped 1819 Broadcast Studio, located inside the Esports Innovation Lab, to record a dominant round of Valorant – or to launch your own podcast series. Head to this link to book time in the booth.
Join the UC Esports Club: Connect with fellow gamers through the UC Esports Club, which boasts a strong presence on X and over 2,000 members on its Discord server. You’ll find a community of gamers ready to compete with the best – or play casually – alongside you.
Meet us where you’re at: We’ll be tabling during Bearcats Welcome Week at the Involvement Fair on Friday, Aug. 22 – come check us out in the club sports section!
Get inspired and equipped: A lot happens at 1819 beyond the Esports Lab, from high-tech tools and 3D printers in the UC Makerspace to bring ideas to life, to student entrepreneurs getting their startups funded in the Venture Lab. Discover whether your other passions can find their potential at 1819.
Listen up: Check out podcasts already being recorded in the 1819 Broadcast Studio like “On the Fly!” (on Spotify or Apple Podcasts) or lift your Bearcat spirit by blasting our UC-themed playlist.

The Esports Innovation Lab is just six minutes from the center of Uptown Campus via the UC Shuttle’s Innovation District route. You can also drive to the 1819 Innovation Hub or take Metro, Cincinnati’s bus system, to quickly get to your games.

Featured image at top: Student gamers play at UC's Esports Lab. Photo/Gregory Glevicky

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