The Vector Timeline: 2016 to Today
Humble Beginnings
Vector started as a small privately run LAN center in North Andover, MA. Founded in 2016, the original Vector space operated as a PC cafe, and board game hang-out, and ran the occasional VR demo. During this period, we got our start in coaching and curriculum design.
Assumption University, Boston Uprising Academy and the Pivot to Scholastic Esports
In 2018, after two years of operating the original North Andover space, Rob was hired by Assumption University (College at the time) to design their esports space and launch their esports program. This cutting-edge space blended the needs of both the competitive and the casual communities to create something that was accessible to everyone.
In 2018 Vector also entered into negotiations with Dramatik Gaming and The Boston Uprising to support the Boston Uprising Academy team house move from Toronto to Massachusetts. Vector provided the operations support and planning for the team move, serving in the capacity of House Manager during the transition to Massachusetts which was completed in 2019. This experience, seeing both the good and the bad of the contemporary academy structure was a critical moment in the future of Vector.
SPIRE Academy and creating the first true esports Academy in North America
In 2020, SPIRE Academy entered into the esports space with support from Vector. SPIRE Academy provides full support services to high school-aged players, including education, housing, meals, strength and conditioning, mental health and wellness services, and in-game coaching. This unique project set out to prove that a true support structure would allow students to both complete their education and compete at the highest levels. Currently, SPIRE Academy operates in Apex Legends and has a Realm-qualified team with players ranked in the top 150.
Building a second college space- Merrimack College
Our team brought the idea of investing in esports to Merrimack College all the way back in 2017. While they weren’t ready at the time, they did select Rob to assist with their plan in 2022 when they decided to make esports a part of their new Student Union project.
Designed to serve as both a competitive play area, as well as operate during the weekend for the larger on campus community, this space has had a great deal of early success with over 300 students registering and using the space in only a few short months. Formally opened to the student population in January of 2023, the Merrimack esports lounge is free to students, and boasts 17 computers, 6 consoles, and virtual reality.
Today- Maples Crossing and Community esports
Maples Crossing is the continuation and improvement of the original Vector Gaming concept. Our first LAN space had a lot of problems, and through 3 scholastic space designs, working with multiple colleges to work through the logistics of starting a program, our team has really honed in on what makes a gaming space successful. Maples Crossing Esports is build to be economical, sustainable, low cost to users, and provide local schools with the support they need at a price point that is accessible for parents and educators. The trend of ever larger, ever more expensive LAN spaces drives up costs to the user, and makes it very difficult to provide a secure environment for scholastic players. Maples is taking a different approach to build a strong, sustainable, grassroots esports movement.