Houghton College gamers are gearing up to participate in the first annual League of Legends Tournament, held in Big Al’s on Saturday at 7 p.m. The video gaming, often observed in the afternoon and evening hours in the basement of the campus center, is anticipated to graduate to the next level: a take-no-prisoners team competition amongst Houghton’s own gamers.
In such tournaments, members of the “world’s largest gaming community,” according to the League of Legends website, form teams of five to compete in several battle scenarios and game modes.
The event is promoted by Houghton Student Enterprises (HSE). Among other endeavors, “ We work with the organizers of intramurals and we run some of their sports tournaments for them,” Vice President of HSE, Bjørn Webb said. Beyond this responsibility, Webb is also in charge of planning and running one or two of HSE-originated tournaments per semester. “I feel that the gaming community at Houghton has a strong presence, but could be stronger,” he said. “This semester I wanted to put on a tournament for some of the students that don’t usually compete in the sports tournaments.” While intramurals have grown to include kickball and flag football, this tournament is the first of its kind, a competition wholly divorced from sports, which will primarily serve non athletes.
Some Houghton students, including Webb, would say the value of socializing through training, strategy, and competition long treasured in American sports culture also translate to gaming culture. Webb noted, “I think gamers are perceived as non-social students. In reality I believe that these students are very social, but social in different ways.” He continued, “One feels the most comfortable communicating with people they relate with. I believe this is the same with gamers.”
Laura Stockdale ’16, a participant of the upcoming tournament, agreed. She said one reason gamers at Houghton may be interested in the tournament is its potential value as a forum for meeting other League players on campus. She said, “We don’t always get to play with each other and end up playing with just other random people online. I think some people might like the opportunity to meet other Leaguers and perhaps join their teams.” Of course, training and intense competition contribute to the event as well. Stockdale speculated that improving one’s skills necessary for the video game, such as strategic planning, quick reflexes and team-work, are a likely motivator for potential participants. Certainly, “The competition itself also plays a part,” she said. “People can’t resist a competition they might win.”
Above all these factors, however, Stockdale finds a grounding aspect to her enjoyment of League of Legends. “I’ve enjoyed playing strategy games since I was a kid,” she noted, adding, “I play League simply because I think it’s a lot of fun. I enjoy the character choices and the different abilities that come along with them.”
While as of Tuesday only a few students were signed up, many more are expected to participate. All students are encouraged to take part in the event, whether watching and cheering on friends or entering as a competitor.