The Creative School’s Red Bull Gaming Hub makes global waves in inaugural-year
In the short span of one year, The Creative School's Red Bull Gaming Hub has emerged as a dynamic force, reshaping Toronto's gaming and esports scene. Spearheaded by industry veterans Dr. Kristopher Alexander and Geoffrey Lachapelle, the hub has become instrumental in connecting premier esports tournaments to the vibrant Toronto gaming community and stimulating emerging innovations and trends within the field.
Dr. Alexander, a two-time globally ranked player turned game developer, professor and scholar, and Lachapelle, also a two-time globally ranked player turned award-winning documentary producer and community leader, now manage the Red Bull Gaming Hub. Their esteemed reputation, invaluable contributions to the field and extensive connections have enabled the Hub to foster emerging innovations, establish industry partnerships and host major competitive leagues.
Today, the Red Bull Gaming Hub partnerships encompass diverse fields and countries with prominent industry partners, such as Red Bull, AMD, Unreal Engine, VIPod, Nanoleaf, and others.
Let's explore how this innovative space has redefined the gaming experience at TMU and contributed to the evolution of Toronto's gaming industry.
Elevating Toronto’s Strategy to Compete Globally
The grand unveiling of the Hub on September 15, 2022, brought together distinguished figures from diverse industries who reverberated with excitement about the Hub’s role in reinforcing the City of Toronto’s plan of becoming the leading North American hub for esports. Notable attendees included Toronto’s then-Mayor John Tory, TMU President Mohamed Lachemi, Chris Overholt, president of OverActive Media, and WaveForm Entertainment CTO Salil Gupta.
“Toronto has the potential to become a major North American esports hub with a strong, and growing, esports ecosystem built on a longstanding grassroots community,” according to the City of Toronto’s Level Up Toronto Esports Strategy 2023-2027. “Esports-specific venues are also part of the ecosystem with community spaces such as the Red Bull Gaming Hub.”
Empowering Students to Reshape Esports
The Red Bull Gaming Hub goes beyond tournaments, offering students pathways into the gaming and esports industries through professionally oriented courses, training in state-of-art gaming infrastructure, collaboration initiatives with top companies and community activities in gaming, while supporting a cutting-edge research centre called The Conduit.
TMU’s First-Ever Student-Led Competitive Esports Event
Earlier this year, recent RTA Media Production alum Benson Lam and then president of TMU Bold Esports made headlines for hosting their first-ever competitive esports tournament for the tactical game “Valorant.” Hosted at the Red Bull Gaming Hub, the practicum project brought together 16 teams and over 150 attendees to the Gaming Hub, raising awareness of esports among post-secondary students in Toronto.
Making Global Waves in Gaming and Esports
Dr. Kristopher Alexander Takes the TED Stage (external link)
Dr. Kristopher Alexander, also known in the gaming industry as the “video games professor”, was invited to deliver a TED Talk to share his research findings on how we can use video games to revolutionize the education system. As a professor of video game design and an avid gamer himself, Dr. Alexander believes various elements of gaming could be used in traditional education to cater to different learning styles and engage students across the world, both in-person and online. His talk has garnered over 1.5 million views, showcasing the widespread interest in leveraging gaming principles for education.
Overwatch League Grand Finals Makes Canadian Debut at TMU
Facilitated by the Red Bull Gaming Hub, TMU became the first university globally to host a championship event for a major esports game title - Overwatch League Grand Finals. The championship, organized by OverActive Media in collaboration with the Overwatch League, drew sold-out crowds to the Mattamy Athletic Centre, establishing TMU and Toronto as a global hub for esports.
Engaging in Global Conversations About the Future of Esports
The Red Bull Gaming Hub was invited to the Esports Travel Summit, the largest global conference on esports, where Geoffery Lachapelle spoke about the impact of university esports on the future of the industry. Attendees had the opportunity to visit the Red Bull Gaming Hub's innovative spaces dedicated to video game design, virtual production, and esports broadcasting. Lachapelle also took center stage at the annual Collision Conference in Toronto and shared insights on the intersection of technology with sports and esports, focusing on how technology can enhance the fan experience.
Concluding Inaugural Year with Impact
To conclude its successful inaugural year, The Creative School’s Red Bull Gaming Hub partnered with Just BGRAPHIC, the Toronto District School Board, AMD, and Canada Computers to host an innovative PC Building Workshop for 12 high school students. Dr. Alexander and other industry experts guided students through building their personal computers, encouraging creative exploration through a diverse and modern curriculum.
The initiative, designed to bridge the gap between education and practical skills, allowed students to delve into the world of PC building—an essential skill set in today's technology-driven society. Beyond the technical aspects, the workshop aimed to foster creativity and self-expression, aligning with The Creative School's commitment to providing a diverse and enriching educational experience.
A Boundless Future for a Growing Field
With its state-of-the-art facilities, educational initiatives, and commitment to fostering a vibrant gaming community, The Creative School has become the forefront of driving innovation in the ever-expanding world of esports and gaming. The Red Bull Gaming Hub stands as a beacon of growth for Toronto, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and paving the way for the next generation of gaming enthusiasts and professionals.
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.