Albany Technical College introduces ATC Titans Esports Team

ALBANY — At Albany Technical College, competition is no longer limited to the basketball court. This fall, the Titans will also compete in one of the fastest-growing collegiate sports in the country — esports.

Albany Tech has launched the ATC Titans Esports program, becoming the first college in the Technical College System of Georgia to offer organized esports competition. College officials believe the program will do far more than give students a place to compete. They see it as a tool to recruit students, improve retention and prepare graduates for careers in technology, broadcasting, cybersecurity and digital media.

“People think it’s just gaming, but it’s much bigger than that,” said Kenneth Williams, Albany Tech’s director of athletics and student life. “It brings gamers, broadcasters and technology professionals together from all over the world.”

The Titans will compete through NJCAA Esports (NJCAAE), the national governing body for two-year college esports competition. Albany Tech plans to begin with a roster of 10 to 15 students while building the program.

Students will compete in popular titles such as Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart, but Williams said success requires the same commitment expected in traditional athletics.

“It takes a certain level of commitment to be really good at it,” Williams said. “The players study the game, watch film, practice and work with coaches just like athletes in any other sport. They review what happened in competition and work on improving every day.”

The benefits, however, extend well beyond the competition.

Williams said esports opens doors to careers in graphic design, cybersecurity, event management, broadcasting, marketing and video game development. Albany Tech’s existing video game design program also creates a natural pipeline into the esports program while exposing students to career opportunities in the rapidly expanding gaming industry.

The college also believes the program can become a powerful tool for student success.

Research has shown that students who become involved in campus organizations are more likely to remain enrolled and complete their degrees. Williams believes esports provides another opportunity for students to become engaged while pursuing their education.

“Anyone on our campus can be a part of it,” Williams said. “When students become involved, they’re more likely to stay in school and finish their degree.”

Participants also must meet academic eligibility requirements, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on success both in the classroom and in competition.

Albany Tech recently unveiled its dedicated esports arena inside the Center for Excellence in Information Technology, providing students with a place to practice, compete and eventually host tournaments while connecting with players across the country and around the world.

College President Dr. Emmett L. Griswold said the new program reflects Albany Tech’s commitment to meeting students where their interests are while preparing them for future careers.

“Esports gives students another meaningful way to connect with Albany Technical College, build community and strengthen skills that carry into the classroom and the workplace,” Griswold said. “This launch is a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to meeting students where they are while creating new opportunities for engagement, leadership and success.”

For Williams, the goal isn’t simply to build a successful esports team.

It’s to create another pathway for students to earn a degree while preparing for careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

“If we can keep students engaged, help them graduate and prepare them for careers in technology, broadcasting, cybersecurity or game design,” Williams said, “then we’ve done exactly what this program was designed to do.”