National esports body Esports Wales has announced a partnership with computer and hardware brand Acer.
As a result of the deal, the brand will provide its range of laptops for Esports Wales to use in its workshops.
According to a release, with access to high-end gaming laptops, participants in Esports Wales workshops will be able to develop their skills in addition to utilising the hardware to learn about esports production and streaming opportunities.
The body will use Acer hardware at workshops taking place in Caerphilly and Newport. In addition to providing employment opportunities through work placements, the workshops also include courses on player development, commentary and event management.
Founded in 2018, Esports Wales has expanded to feature over 2,600 members and hosts six workshops covering a variety of areas within the esports industry. The body also fields numerous national teams in a variety of titles including Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and sim racing.
In January 2024, Esports Wales secured investment from Media Cymru’s Development Fund. £50,000 will be provided to the body to complete its ‘Esports Wales: A New Game Plan for Wales’ project. When complete, it can apply for Scale Up funding which could provide an additional £250,000 if the body is accepted.
John Jackson, CEO of Esports Wales, spoke on the partnership: “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Acer and the integration of Nitro 5 gaming laptops into our workshops.
“Acer is a major player in esports, and having people in Wales use industry-standard gaming equipment is a significant step forward for us.”