The arrival of coronavirus in communities all across Kentucky earlier this spring brought with it a lot more time inside and at home. That “stay healthy and stay home” plea is aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. It’s also meant an increase in the use of electronics including more gaming.
Eastern Kentucky University Competitive Sports Coordinator Kyle Reece says play has certainly been on the increase over the last month. “And it you follow any twitch account of professional gamers. I mean they’re rocking out content left and right, just because the demand is there. They are a lot more people on their phones at home now with a lot more free time now,” said Reece
With a stay at home directive, Reece believes gaming is prevalent. He noted too much play can be a problem, but the current environment makes heightened participation a reality. “People aren’t allowed to leave, so they’re very very limited on what they can do, but I think its kind of the same thing as too much TV, too much this, too much that. It is a concern but I do think it’s something that needs to be monitored before they could be harsh skepticism of it,” explained Reece.
Reece said EKU’s new student rec center includes an E-sports lounge. He said there is a way to format the facility to meet social distancing directives. Reece hopes the lounge will be active when the fall semester begins in August.
Here's more with Kyle Reece on the popularity of E-Sports during coronavirus:
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