Varsity eSports Program Expansion: Robert Morris University Illinois to Include Two New Games – DOTA2 and Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft
Chicago, Illinois (PRWEB) December 08, 2014 -- This past fall, Robert Morris University Illinois became the first university to offer athletic scholarships to players of the video game League of Legends. In the fall of 2015, RMU will add two new games, DOTA2 and Hearthstone, to the growing eSports program. Associate Athletic Director Kurt Melcher explains, “Adding additional eSports games to our Athletic Department is a logical progression. When we started with League of Legends, we received positive feedback from the gaming community. We also received numerous requests to expand our eSports offerings. Expanding our League of Legends program and adding these two strategic, challenging, competitive games is a response to that demand.”
DEFENSE OF THE ANCIENTS 2
DOTA2 is a multiplayer online battle arena game (MOBA). Each of the two five player teams controls a base on the corner of the map. Each camp protects the main structure called the “Ancient,” which the opposing team must destroy to win the game. Melcher states, “The skills required to be successful at DOTA2 mirrors traditional sports: communication, teamwork, dedication, focus and strategy.”
HEARTHSTONE: HEROES OF WARCRAFT
Hearthstone is a competitive game that encompasses turn-based decision-making and strategy. It is played 1 vs 1 utilizing various differing characters and abilities.
“The Hearthstone community is growing. In this game, one player challenges another using cognitive acuity, strategy and preparation,” Melcher explained. “I suppose you might consider it to be the eSports version of wrestling.”
Robert Morris University is in the process of recruiting students for the new eSports offerings, beginning with the fall quarter in September, 2015. RMU will enter teams into the Collegiate Star League, made up of over 200 institutions of higher learning and compete against other universities including Arizona State, Carnegie Mellon and Harvard. Significantly, Robert Morris University is among the first in the nation to offer substantial scholarships for members of the RMU Varsity eSports: LEAGUE OF LEGENDS, DOTA2 and HEARTHSTONE: HEROES OF WARCRAFT.
The RMU eSports program is directed by Kurt Melcher of the Eagles’ Athletic Department. A national search for qualified coaches will begin immediately. All eSports League of Legends, Dota2 and Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft applicants will have their application fees waived. For more information contact: eSports(at)robertmorris(dot)edu or visit http://www.rmueagles.com
Robert Morris University Illinois is a not-for-profit, accredited baccalaureate and graduate degree granting institution, serving over 6000 students interested in earning a in business, graphic arts, nursing and health care, culinary and computer studies at its main campus in Chicago, as well as at locations in Arlington Heights, DuPage, Elgin, Orland Park, Bensenville, Springfield, Peoria, Schaumburg and Lake County. For more information, call 800-762-5960 or visit the web site at http://www.robertmorris.edu
Kurt Melcher, Robert Morris University Illinois, http://www.robertmorris.edu, +1 312-935-4110, [email protected]
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