Alienware Opens Esports Stadium in China As Gaming Crackdown Begins
By Jason Fanelli ·
The PC hardware powerhouse Alienware has opened a brand new, state-of-the-art esports stadium in China, just as the Chinese government is cracking down on competitive gaming.
Alienware, the longtime gaming PC manufacturer, has announced the opening of a brand new esports stadium in eastern China.
The 500-square-foot arena will feature a full stage for competition, a broadcast room for hostlng live events, multiple separate gaming rooms for free play, and more. The stadium is part of a brand new shopping district in eastern China called Suzhou Center, and will be aiming to become a "comprehensive gaming and electronic entertainment experience base covering Suzhou, Shanghai and the broader East China region" according to the official announcement.
"The opening of Alienware’s first flagship store and e-Stadium in Suzhou is a very proud moment for us at Dell and Alienware. We’re very grateful to Chinese customers and players for their recognition and support,” Alienware VP Frank Azor said in the official press release. “As a leader in PC gaming, we continue to innovate, improve players’ gaming equipment, participate in esports activities, and expand Dell and Alienware’s brand portfolios to meet the advanced needs of players, fostering a healthy and positive gaming environment."
The timing of this opening is interesting, as it comes on the heels of the Chinese government cracking down on gaming in general, most notably with the complete banning of Twitch. We imagine if the Chinese government allowed construction and opening of the stadium, there is some sort of agreement in place on how hosted events will be broadcast, but for now those details have not been fleshed out. While the expansion of gaming is great in any region, particularly in the fastest growing player base in the world, the specter of government offiicials plugging the plug whenever they wish will always linger.
For news on another brand new esports establishment coming soon, check out our coverage of the new Real Madrid stadium that will include a brand new esports arena.