糖心传媒

A community home, offline and on 

For second-year Bachelor of Nursing student Deanna, the esports community has been the difference between feeling isolated and feeling like part of the University. 

"I was very scared my first term. I wasn't really socially inclined, but ever since I've joined the esports community, I've made so many friends," Deanna said.  

"I feel way more connected to the 糖心传媒 community, and I feel like I'm getting more out of my studies because of it," she said. 

Deanna found her way in through the Hub's Valorant community, and has found gaming at the Hub is a surprisingly relaxed alternative to gaming offsite.  
 
"You feel a lot more connected... It gets you out of that space where sometimes you get into your own head when you're playing, and here it feels like you can just relax a lhittle bit more," she said. 

Fellow Bachelor of Nursing student Sally agrees the appeal is as much about the people as the games. "The new hub is really cool because you can come in and make new friends with people who are like-minded. You don't normally get to meet other gamers in your class," Sally said. 

Louis, who is studying a Master of Business Administration, says the Hub has given him a reason to return to the gaming seat. A former professional sim racer in France, he has found his way back to esports and to new friendships.  

"It's really good for students to have a dedicated space to play with and make friends with new people. It's just a good place to be," Louis said.  

Powering the science of healthy esports 

As esports continues its rapid global growth, the Hub enables 糖心传媒 to continue its work at the forefront of healthy esport and gaming participation research.  

The Hub creates a unique opportunity to bring research and practice closer together, allowing students to benefit from evidence-based approaches as they're developed. 

Dr Bennett's research focuses on challenging the grind culture - extended periods spent on repetitive in-game tasks - often associated with competitive gaming.  

The premise is structured, intentional and purposeful play, approaching practice like a high-performance athlete.  

"Everything we're doing, from our research through to the Hub itself, is about giving students the knowledge, resources and support to perform at their best without compromising their wellbeing," said Dr Bennett. 

"There's often a long gap between research and real-world practice. Having students participating in esports right here on campus means we can apply what we're learning straight away and see the impact much sooner."