Hartwick College Opens WICKed Esports Center, Providing a Hub for Competitive Gaming and Campus Engagement
Hartwick College proudly announces the grand opening of the WICKed Esports Center, a cutting-edge facility that provides a dynamic space for competitive gaming, campus community engagement and student development. This state-of-the-art center reflects the College’s commitment to blending academic, extracurricular and personal growth, while celebrating the growing Esports culture on campus.
“This space represents much more than upgraded hardware and graphics,” said Hartwick College President Jim Mullen. “It’s a testament to what happens when students, staff, and leadership come together to envision and build something meaningful. The WICKed Esports Center embodies our commitment to life balance, supporting students in pursuing their passions, connecting with peers and developing skills that extend far beyond the game.”
The WICKed Esports Center features a gamer-centric layout and immersive environment that simultaneously supports up to eight individual players and four-player multiplayer console gaming. With ergonomic chairs, high-performance rigs and strategically designed desk setups, the space is built for peak gameplay. Spectator-friendly features such as large wall-mounted TVs make the center ideal for team matches, watch parties, and campus tournaments. Lighting and acoustics are tailored to enhance both player focus and audience engagement.
The center includes a variety of consoles, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 Pro, Wii U, and Xbox Series X, offering a broad range of gaming experiences. It also features two virtual reality headsets, allowing for more immersive, next-level gameplay. A signature tech-forward mural adds to the atmosphere with bold, high-tech graphics, while glass doors provide a sleek, open aesthetic that invites community connection.
Development of the WICKed Esports Center is the result of several years of grassroots student leadership and advocacy in collaboration with the College’s faculty, staff and administration. The Esports Club was initially founded in 2016–17 and experienced intermittent activity until it was revitalized in 2022 by Media Services Specialist Diman Salil, who became the club’s advisor, and student president James Mendez ’26, who serves as the club’s president.
“After returning to Hartwick with my experience in esports coordination, I saw the potential in our players,” said Salil. “I knew with the right vision and advocacy, we could turn all of their passion into something great. It was a slow process at first, but after a couple of years of recruiting and building on the institutional level, I’m proud to see a small club transform into something substantial that will last.”
Initially focused solely on competitive play, the organization evolved in spring 2023 when Mendez reimagined the club to be more inclusive and welcoming to all students who love video games regardless of skill level or competitive interest.
“WICKed Esports isn’t just about competition; it’s about creating a welcoming space for all students, from seasoned players to those picking up a controller for the first time,” said Mendez. “Our goal is to build a diverse and inclusive gaming culture at Hartwick where students can connect, learn and grow together, both in and out of the game.”
He continued, “Gaming has the power to bring people together in fun and meaningful ways. We’re here to foster competitive excellence and create a space where every student feels they belong, whether they’re playing casually, learning something new or aiming for the top.”
Construction on the new space began during January Term (J Term) of the 2024-25 academic year. The College has since moved the club from a space on the fifth floor of Dewar into its dynamic new home, and the facility will begin hosting official league matches starting next semester.
