GameSquare and Barnes & Noble team up for new collegiate esports programs

More and more colleges are introducing and supporting officially sanctioned esports competitions and programs. But it takes more than ideas and wishful thinking. GameSquare Holding has announced a partnership with Barnes & Noble to expand and support esports and gaming programs at the college level.

The new program will feature multiple competitions and gaming-related programming throughout the school year, across over 1,000 campus bookstores. Per the terms of the partnership, Barnes & Noble College (a division of Barnes & Noble Education), will promote and support the program, which youth-focused media company GameSquare will develop and manage.

“Gaming and competitive esports are a huge part of campus life, and it’s important to offer programming that fosters competition, education, and social connection,” said Justin Kenna, CEO, GameSquare. “We are providing students with opportunities to build their legacies on campus and earn valuable experiences, all with support and guidance from our established platform. We’re thrilled to partner with Barnes & Noble College to expand our reach and deliver meaningful, student-centered experiences across campuses nationwide.”

Barnes & Noble College offers campus retail services for higher education providers.

“At Barnes & Noble College, we’re committed to creating vibrant and innovative campus experiences. Gaming and esports are a natural extension of the spirited, social, and community-driven student life we support,” stated Celeste Risimini-Johnson, Chief Merchandise & Operations Officer, Barnes & Noble College. “We partner with dynamic brands that resonate with our campus partners and the students we serve, and through our collaboration with GameSquare, we’re excited to offer students new opportunities to connect, compete, and thrive — whether from their residence hall or on a national stage.”