With the fall semester around the corner, NIU Esports has made several changes and additions to make this semester at the Esports Arena more exciting than ever before.

NIU ESPORTS DIRECTOR CONNER VAGLE RESIGNS

The most significant change for the program is the resignation of Conner Vagle, former director of NIU Esports, which was made effective on July 24. Vagle made the official announcement of his departure on the NIU Esports Discord server on July 15. 

Vagle stated in his announcement that he’s accepted a new opportunity in the more traditional side of sports as the reason for his resignation. 

“Even before accepting my role with NIU, I’ve always envisioned esports as being a natural pathway to traditional sports and I’m truly excited to be able to act on this belief,” Vagle said in a post on NIU Esports’ Discord server.

Vagle held much admiration and trust toward NIU and the community that supported him. As former director, his presence will be missed, but the change will give rise to new leadership and interesting plans for the program going forward. There has been no announcement as to who will take Vagle’s position as director at this time.

NEW VARSITY ESPORTS TITLE

“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” will be championed as a new esports varsity title starting in the fall 2025 semester. In becoming a varsity title, players will be competing against other universities in the Esports Collegiate Conference with scheduled practices and matches to look forward to. This game will function as the first fighting game to join  NIU’s Esports program, as well as the first solo esport, unlike the team-based format of games like “Valorant” and “League of Legends.” 

As of July 30, NIU Esports staff have begun the interview process for potential candidates for the coaching position in preparation of its announcement. Plans to begin drafting players for the varsity league as well as the schedule for the season have yet to be announced. For those eager for future updates about this title, students can join a mailing list or the NIU Esports Discord server on the NIU Esports webpage.

NIU RETURNS TO HOST IHSEA STATE FINALS

Another highlight is the continuation of the partnership between the Illinois High School Esports Association and NIU.

IHSEA is a non-profit esports program for high schools in Illinois that provides educational resources and experiences for high schoolers to learn and participate in the esports field. Successful alumni of their program can also earn college varsity scholarships in their future, as well as potential careers in the industry.

NIU will continue to host the state finals for the program, and is anticipating great things from this partnership. Detailed information about the event has not been given at this time. Future information about the dates of the events, as well as the games that will be played will be announced at a later date.

NEW VARSITY SEASON,  NEW CHANCES FOR SUCCESS

With the fall semester beginning, the varsity seasons for Valorant and Rocket League will commence, and the competitive spirit for the championship is more present than ever. 

NIU’s two teams, for Valorant and Rocket League respectively, will face off in the Esports Collegiate Conference, or ESC, as part of a semester-long series of matches that will allow them to qualify for the playoff season in the later months. 

Anticipating spectators of these competitions can watch these matches broadcasted on the NIU Esports Twitch channel.

GAMING RETURNS TO ALTGELD HALL

A new semester means the re-opening of Altgeld Hall’s Esports Arena. While the arena itself has been open for free play and esports activities since March 2022, the summer months have brought new games awaiting for students to play them at NIU this semester.

Additionally, events led by student organizations, such as the Huskie Gaming Club, will continue to take place as well. The Huskie Gaming Club holds their events at 5 p.m. every Friday, with the organization announcing their planned games in the Huskie Gaming Discord server. Those interested in joining the server can do so on the Huskie Gaming Club webpage.

The Esports Arena will be free for all students using their OneCard and will allow for free play with the equipment provided by the arena.