FAQ

What is Affinity Esports?

Affinity Esports, founded in 2021, is Connecticut's leading esports organization, dedicated to promoting healthy gaming. We create safe, inclusive spaces for gamers of all backgrounds to thrive, focusing on the positive impacts of gaming on wellness, education, and mental health. Our mission is to foster a responsible gaming culture and enrich the esports community. Our brand video is a good resource to start learning more or this 2024 podcast with our leadership team.

What is Esports?

Esports, short for electronic sports, is competitive video gaming at both amateur and professional levels. Players compete in various game genres like real-time strategy (RTS), first-person shooters (FPS), and multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBA). These competitions range from local events to international tournaments, often held in large arenas and broadcasted online. Esports teams operate similarly to traditional sports teams, with coaches, training schedules, and sponsorships. Popular esports games include "League of Legends," "Counter-Strike: Global Offensive," "Dota 2," and "Overwatch." To understand professional esports on the global stage, we recommend watching this video. To understand the production level and entertainment value, you can watch this grand final opening ceremony video.

Why should my child join Affinity Esports if we have a computer at home?

Affinity Esports offers more than just access to high-performance gaming equipment. Our programs focus on education, skill development, and building a strong community. By joining Affinity Esports, your child will learn valuable skills such as teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. They will also have opportunities to develop social-emotional traits like resilience, communication, and leadership. Our inclusive and supportive environment encourages personal growth and fosters a sense of belonging within the gaming community. Learn more about this from our parent testimonials video or safe spaces video.

Can anyone participate in esports?

Absolutely! Esports is one of the most inclusive activities in the world, welcoming everyone regardless of age, gender, disability, background, or experience level. At Affinity Esports, we believe that gaming is for everyone. We strive to create an environment where all gamers feel welcome and can thrive, celebrating diversity and fostering a community where everyone can participate and succeed. Our co-founder, Mark Kilpatrick, outlined this during a panel at the Economic Development Summit at Yale.

Note: While there is a common misconception that gaming is predominantly for boys or men, this is fundamentally untrue. Gaming is for women, girls, and all femme-identifying individuals as well. At Affinity Esports, we are dedicated to breaking down these gender divides and ensuring that our community is inclusive and supportive for all. Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy and excel in esports.

What ages are your programs for?

Our programs cater to all ages. Our youth after-school classes, camps, and game nights are designed for ages 7-15, our competitive youth club teams range from 7-18. We also host a range of young adult activities, including Young Adult Game Nights for ages 16-25, and a number of adult programs such as Adult Game Nights for those that are 21+. Our objective is to provide programming that attracts all generations through in-studio, mobile, and virtual channels.

Do parents need to stay during programming?

Parents do not need to stay but are welcome to use our space while waiting for their children. We have comfortable areas for parents to relax.

Can you accommodate children on the autism spectrum?

Yes, we strive to support neurodivergent gamers by offering a controlled sensory environment. Our staff undergoes annual training to support gamers on the spectrum, and we encourage socialization through cooperative play. Parents or guardians can reach out to our Director of Operations, Kate Petersen, for more information at kate@affinityesports.gg.

What if my older teen is worried about the age gap in camps?

We ensure that older teens feel comfortable and included by creating appropriate groupings based on age and skill level. Our experience is that this concern often dissipates quickly as individuals in the program acclimate. That being said, in cases when it hasn’t we do our best to find alternative options to deliver the experience they want.

Will my child be sitting in front of a computer for hours?

No, we emphasize healthy gaming habits. We incorporate regular screen breaks, hydration, off-screen activities, and outdoor trips to keep everyone active and balanced.

What game ratings are allowed at your studio?

We understand that parents may have concerns about the content of the games their children play, and we take those concerns seriously. At Affinity Esports, we require parents to provide consent through a waiver, allowing them to select the game ratings and content they feel are appropriate for their child. This gives parents full control over the types of games their children are allowed to engage with.

However, please note that our studio is a multi-age environment, which means that children may be around others who have different consent levels. While we do our best to ensure a safe and positive atmosphere for all, it's important to be aware that your child may be exposed to games with varying age ratings. We encourage open communication between parents and our staff to ensure that every child’s gaming experience aligns with their family's values and expectations.

Can I pay by the hour?

Yes, the rate is $10 per hour. We also offer memberships that provide unlimited studio access for a similar cost. Check out our membership page for more details.

What games do you support?

We support a variety of PC and console games, including "Fall Guys," "Rocket League," "Fortnite," "Minecraft," "Roblox," "League of Legends," Super Smash Bros.,” “Mario Kart,” and "Valorant." We can also install other games upon request.

Do you offer competitive club teams?

Yes, we offer club teams. Please visit our club teams page for more information on the specific ganes, pricing, and seasonal scheduling.

Do you offer services beyond gaming?

Yes! At Affinity Esports, we offer a diverse range of activities and services that go beyond just gaming. Our Content Creation courses teach skills in graphic design, video editing, and live streaming, while our Game Creation courses introduce participants to coding and creative game design. We also offer programs in tabletop gaming and explore the latest in VR technology. For more details, please contact us at hello@affinityesports.gg or view our current and upcoming seasonal programs on the website.

Can you provide services at our location, or do we have to visit your studios?

We can bring our equipment and services to your location. You can learn more on our mobile page, or can contact us directly to discuss availability and program requirements at mobile@affinityesports.gg.

Is my child too young for gaming?

Children can start gaming at a young age, but it's important to choose age-appropriate games. Always check game ratings to ensure suitability for younger audiences. This dialogue starts at home. When you are ready to explore programs with us, we would be happy to have a discussion. For our current programs, we recommend kids start with us at seven.

What if we are interested but not fully committed?

We recommend trying our programs or visiting our studios to get a feel for our environment. Feel free to contact us for more information or to schedule a visit at hello@affinityesports.gg.

Do you have to be a certain rank or level to join a club team?

No, we welcome players of all skill levels and will place them on teams that best match their abilities.

Do I need to attend practice to be on a team?

Yes, regular practice is essential for team development and performance, similar to traditional sports teams.

Do we need to bring our own equipment?

We provide all necessary equipment, including HyperX keyboards, mice, and headsets, as well as Xbox Pro controllers for PC stations. You are welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer. For competitive players we recommend bringing the paripherals you are most comfortable with for a consistent training and competing experience.