The first ever League of Legends training facility, Seven Huang Gaming Sports, was unveiled at the Songjiang University District in Shanghai, China. League of Legends is a popular online multiplayer game with such a passionate fan-base that it is played professionally in China as well as the United States. In China, however, the game even has its own TV station. It may be comparable in popularity to professional football in the U.S. Thus, it is considered a business that needs appropriate training opportunities, at least according to the founders of the new training facility.

The facility is surrounded by universities, from which its administrators plan to recruit students, according to games news site Gamer Headlines. Several students, parents and members of the media toured the building on April 7. It is complete with facilities found on a typical campus. A competent nutritionist was even hired to manage the cafeteria, and students can live in a dormitory.

Computers and other equipment to be used in the classrooms were provided by sponsors Razer and AlienWare, two hardware companies that market their products to serious gamers. Sponsors of the TV network OnGameNet of Korea helped in planning the curriculum. The university features one-on-one teaching, which will include emphasis on developing leadership skills and teamwork aside from the proper techniques of the game. Seven Huang Gaming Sports also eyes bringing professional coaches, gamers and broadcasters as trainers to teach classes. Minors will be allowed to play for as long as they secure parental consent. Parents are also welcome to see the system and observe. There is no mention about tuition or fees just yet, nor if there would be financial aid of any kind.

Seven Huang University is not the first school of its kind. In fact, master classes and game camps have been offered in different parts of the world. However, the university could be the first formal institution to be concentrating in one particular video game, which is League of Legends. The plans of putting up this school will not be exclusive in China, but will eventually expand in Asia and the Western region, part of a growing trend for gaming to be seen as a legitimate professional pursuit in a variety of ways across the globe.