New Jersey Invests $200K In Stockton University's Esports Center

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — New Jersey has invested $200,000 to create an Esports Innovation Center at Stockton University's campus in Atlantic City in efforts to establish the city as the next national hub for the competitive video game industry.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Stockton University signed an agreement Tuesday enabling the NJEDA to provide the funding and staff support for the Innovation Center.

“Esports presents a rare chance to cultivate an entirely new industry that will create good paying, skilled jobs, along with an opportunity to build industry leadership,” said New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. “With a renowned higher education partner like Stockton University, and our unparalleled pool of technology talent I am confident that New Jersey is well-equipped to support the rapidly-growing esports industry and the economic potential it can offer our residents and small businesses.”

The esports industry has grown in popularity in the United States, with total revenues in North America projected to reach $250 million this year and a viewing audience of 57 million people, according to a news release. By 2025, the industry is expected to reach $9 billion globally.

“Creating new innovation-focused spaces and centers of knowledge where industry stakeholders can collaborate and gain expertise is an important element of catalyzing the State’s innovation economy,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Growth Officer Brian Sabina. “The NJEDA is proud to support this important project, and we look forward to working with Dr. Kesselman and the team at Stockton University to build New Jersey’s leadership in this emerging and exciting industry.”

Among other activities, the Center will focus on catalyzing collaborative technology innovation, supporting workforce development within the esports industry, positioning New Jersey and Atlantic City as an esports leader through events and thought leadership.

The Esports Innovation Center will also work with the Division of Gaming Enforcement and independent bodies that govern integrity in competitions to position New Jersey as a national leader in regulation and integrity practices for esports and will promote diversity and inclusion, as well as healthy gaming practices, in the esports industry.

“The new Esports Innovation Center will work with Stockton and industry partners to position Atlantic City and New Jersey as esports leaders and help shape the future of the esports landscape,” said Stockton University President Dr. Harvey Kesselman. “Esports industry partners will have the ability to become members of the Esports Innovation Center and join in the center’s research, events, and activities.”

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