British Esports and Royal Navy partner on unique esports suite onboard UK aircraft carrier
Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales has been fitted with a unique onboard esports suite as part of a wider partnership between the Royal Navy and the British Esports Federation.
The facility includes 12 high-end Alienware Aurora R15 gaming desktop PCs, joining other sports facilities on board such as gyms, a boxing ring and areas for tennis and running.
The suite will allow the ship’s company to enhance their digital skills as well as providing an additional space for downtime.
“Having an esports suite available to the ship’s company on Prince of Wales is a massive win for the morale on board, as those who use it can enjoy their hobbies or discover a new one, while at the same time engaging with others outside their usual departmental circles,” comments Victoria Marley, Esports Committee Member and LET(CIS)Spec.
The announcement is said to mark the start of a wider partnership between British Esports and the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) and comes just over a year after the MoD recognised esports as an official military sport, unlocking funding and opportunities for personnel.
“We’ve been working with the armed forces since 2019, and as part of our wider partnership with Dell, Intel and Alienware, British Esports has now been able to provide high-spec kit and equipment to this landmark esports facility," explains Chester King, President at British Esports.
"We're thrilled to partner with the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence for this. Gaming is becoming increasingly important to the military, as it offers many benefits such as fostering communication, leadership and strategic skills, and allows personnel to strengthen bonds, unwind and maintain positive mental health. We look forward to announcing more exciting partnerships soon.”
Flt Lt Stephen Rennie, Chair of the Defence Esports Network adds: "Esports has rapidly grown into a multi-billion-pound industry, influencing global entertainment, technology, and military training. The UK Defence sector must embrace esports as a strategic tool to drive key skills, foster community, and attract the next generation of personnel by reflecting broader society, and this esports facility attests to that.”
Earlier this year, the UK government launched an Armed Forces recruitment scheme aimed at fast-tracking gamers into cyber defence roles.
