While the classic Royal Navy game ‘Uckers’ is still going strong, the suite will allow further opportunities for ship’s company to enhance digital skills and an additional space to decompress in their down time.
It’s the result of a partnership between the Royal Navy and the British Esports Federation, the national body for esports in the United Kingdom.
The facility includes 12 high-end Alienware Aurora R15 gaming desktop PCs, powered by NVIDIA® GeForce RTX® 4080 and Intel® Core™ i7 processors.
It will join other sports facilities onboard, including gyms, a boxing ring, plus areas for table tennis and running.
“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,” said LET(CIS)Spec Victoria Marley, Esports Committee Member.
The addition of an esports facility is designed to enhance the lived experience of her sailors and foster social connections during her eight-month global UK Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
The announcement marks the start of a closer partnership between British Esports, the national body for esports in the United Kingdom, and the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), the headquarters of the British Armed Forces.
A launch event and international tournament in the esports facility has been planned and future leagues will be organised with Royal Navy Esports.
“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," said Chester King, President, 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 added: "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.”
The news comes just over a year after the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) recognised esports as an official military sport, unlocking more funding and opportunities for personnel.
Earlier this year, the UK Government also launched an Armed Forces recruitment scheme in a bid to fast-track gamers into cyber defence roles.
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About British Esports
Established in 2016, British Esports is the national body for esports in the UK. As one of the world’s leading esports authorities, we are the recognised member of the Global Esports Federation for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and founding member of the International Olympic Committee Esports and Gaming Liaison Group. From nationwide amateur grassroots competition to cutting edge esports curriculum and national representation on the global stage, we're dedicated to increasing levels of esports awareness, improving esports standards, and inspiring future esports talent.
For more information and all the latest news, visit britishesports.org or follow British Esports on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitch, YouTube and TikTok.
About the Royal Navy
For more than 500 years, The Royal Navy has been senior service within the UK Armed Forces. It dominates the high seas keeping a watchful eye on the world’s oceans above, on and below the surface. It comprises a Surface Fleet, Submarine Service, Royal Marines, Fleet Air Arm and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Its themes are Global, Modern and Ready:
GLOBAL
Positioned at hotspots all over the globe. It's uniquely placed to eliminate threats and support humanitarian disasters by sea, land and air.
MODERN
It's mission-ready when its people are trained to the highest standards, equipped with world-leading tech and supported to perform at their very best.
READY
Fierce fighters and cutting-edge equipment. If diplomacy fails or disaster hits, it has the power and agility to act at a moment’s notice.
www.royalnavy.mod.uk
About British Esports
Established in 2016, British Esports is the national body for esports in the UK. As one of the world’s leading esports authorities, we are the recognised member of the Global Esports Federation for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and founding member of the International Olympic Committee Esports and Gaming Liaison Group. From nationwide amateur grassroots competition to cutting edge esports curriculum and national representation on the global stage, we're dedicated to increasing levels of esports awareness, improving esports standards, and inspiring future esports talent.
For more information and all the latest news, visit britishesports.org or follow British Esports on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitch, YouTube and TikTok.
About the Royal Navy
For more than 500 years, The Royal Navy has been senior service within the UK Armed Forces. It dominates the high seas keeping a watchful eye on the world’s oceans above, on and below the surface. It comprises a Surface Fleet, Submarine Service, Royal Marines, Fleet Air Arm and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Its themes are Global, Modern and Ready:
GLOBAL
Positioned at hotspots all over the globe. It's uniquely placed to eliminate threats and support humanitarian disasters by sea, land and air.
MODERN
It's mission-ready when its people are trained to the highest standards, equipped with world-leading tech and supported to perform at their very best.
READY
Fierce fighters and cutting-edge equipment. If diplomacy fails or disaster hits, it has the power and agility to act at a moment’s notice.
www.royalnavy.mod.uk