Students swivel in their chairs, virtual reality (VR) goggles on, while onlookers watch the player’s movements mimicked on screen. As one player diverts more power to engines and another loads photon torpedoes, each of the four participants falls into their designated roles on the simulated bridge of the starship Aegis.
Students and staff at Hoquiam High School are deep in a 4-player VR game called Star Trek: Bridge Crew that tests their ability to communicate objectives, solve problems, discuss strategy, and give and take orders.
This local esports revolution finds its home at the new state-of-the-art esports lab at Hoquiam High School. The lab includes eight PC VR machines and two Nintendo Switches. Hoquiam Esports sponsor and Digital Age Coordinator Chris Nitti has reason to believe that the Hoquiam School District is the first virtual reality lab for staff and student use at a school district in the state of Washington.
“We’re extremely excited to be on the absolute cutting edge of technology here in Hoquiam,” said Nitti.
Last week, students and staff at Hoquiam High School concluded the First Annual Hoquiam Esports Virtual Reality Tournament. Over 60 students and staff participated in the tournament. They may not have been on a field, but these teammates learned the value of communication, responsibility-sharing, and leadership.
“This game is so much fun because each person has an important role, and you have to work collaboratively to solve any of the problems or complete a mission,” said student Garrett Davis.
Hoquiam Esports competes in the Washington State Scholastic Esports Association (WSSEA) with two matches a week while in season. Hoquiam squads made it to the finals in both Rocket League and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate. While competitive squads practice several times a week, Hoquiam Esports is structured like a club so that students can participate in other extracurriculars without conflict.
Nitti hopes the lab becomes an open space for varying degrees of commitment. While some students may choose to compete and even become captains of their squads, others are able to enjoy the space after school without committing to weekly practices.
“Our goal is to provide this opportunity for every person in our district, and we are proud to have students from our McKinney-Vento homeless and foster care program, our ESL students, and students from our Native Education program as starring members of our club,” he said.
Students also have the opportunity to practice professional production skills during matches by earning the position of “Stream Team” member. Matches are streamed live on Facebook and Twitch, and students maintain the score board, manage visual effects, and provide a live feed of the lab.
According to Nitti, Grays Harbor College, which has been a local pioneer in esports, helped provide starting tips with regard to the new lab at Hoquiam High School. The college plans to create a pipeline with the Hoquiam Esports team to offer esports scholarships.
The new esports lab has allowed students and staff throughout the district to connect with other players on a global scale while enjoying the camaraderie and competition of playing with peers.
“Since video gaming has been such a major refuge for people stuck at home, we decided we would meet students where they were at, and provide them with an opportunity to game with a purpose,” said Nitti. “Our esports lab is a brave and welcoming place that encourages students and staff to work collaboratively, communicate with each other, and form social connections through mutual gaming experiences.”
Participating students are required to pass grade checks, and do not play titles that depict excessive violence. Longterm, Nitti and Hoquiam High School staff are looking to make the esports lab a more multifaceted space, and to use the virtual reality equipment to run educational simulations.
“We’re excited for our community to join in our success and watch our Hoquiam Grizzlies perform on the world stage. But if you want to join Hoquiam Esports, that’s just a benefit of being part of the Hoquiam School District, where the future is now,” said Nitti.
Erika Gebhardt / The Daily World Star Trek: Bridge Crew is a social and emotional game that brought together staff and students throughout the tournament.
