Since the onset of COVID-19, Bundaberg Library has been offering a Wide World of eSports which has enabled gamers to stay in touch.
The latest eSport offering from the library and Quantum Lounge is Valorant — a free multiplayer tactical first-person shooter game.
Information services librarian Stephen Harris said a Valorant tournament will be held on Monday, 24 August and will let players go head-to-head in teams of five.
“The Bundaberg Library Valorant Open is about fun, friendly competition and developing a vibrant online gaming community in Bundaberg,” Stephen said.
“Valorant is a great game for helping to achieve this and it’s a lot more accessible than other games out there as it’s free to play.”
“It’s like a digital version of capture the flag, but with cool gear and special abilities that help you along the way. It’s a great way to get a team together and see how well you perform.”
ESports, or electronic sports, is a coordinated competition (both professional and amateur) between teams or individual competitors in a digital environment.
The library’s eSports program with Quantum Lounge has been running since May and has proved hugely popular, particularly Rocket League.
Stephen said that not being able to host gatherings in person meant he’s had to bring local kids together, virtually, through the popular digital pastime of eSports.
“The library has been running eSports and gaming programs as a way to mitigate COVID restrictions,” Stephen said.
“You don’t need to be in the same space as another person to feel the adrenaline of competition or the camaraderie of teamwork.
“Considering it’s all online we also get teams from the greater Wide Bay area taking part,” Stephen said.
“In a previous tournament it was a battle to reign supreme between Bundaberg State High School and Maryborough State High School who were the two major players of the matches.”
Players can sign up for the Valorant tournament in teams of five, register here.
The Valorant Open will run from 5-9pm on Monday.
