Gaming is more than just a pastime for students at the University of New Haven. It has evolved into a social outlet, a space for students to form friendships, a platform for encouraging community and –for a few– a potential career.

Whether it’s through Esport teams or gaming clubs, students are finding new ways to connect, build relationships and release stress of academic life through video games.

Senior criminal justice student Andrew Higley said, “I joined the Esports team not knowing anyone. As I started playing competitively, I found a group of people that shared the same interest as me.”

For Higley and other students, gaming wasn’t about the competition, but about meeting people. Gaming may look like a lonely activity, since gamers typically sit behind a screen for several hours, with headsets and keyboards cut off from the world. But, there is a community.

The platforms that support gaming, such as Discord, have become key tools for students to stay connected beyond the screen. As the online interactions become increasingly important, platforms like Discord allow players to chat in real time, building relationships and encouraging community.

“Discord has helped me meet friends from all different backgrounds,” said Bowoo Hong, a senior music and sound recording major.

The university’s Esports Club has more than 200 members. The varsity esports team competes for multiple major titles, which reflects the university’s commitment to encouraging competitive gaming.

To support the program, the university invested in “The Stable,” an esports training and competition center in the Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation. This facility has advanced gaming stations that are used by the varsity teams and the Esports Club.

Studies show that for many students, gaming lessens stress, boosts mood and improves mental skills. A peer reviewed journal, “Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking” by Mary Ann Liebert, found that gaming can greatly reduce stress levels. Members who played video games reported a decrease in stress after playing, even in competitive or intense games matches. This research suggests that gaming can give a mental break, which allows players to relax

Gaming is an international sport, and beyond building community, for some students, it could be a career.