“Release the Kraken” marked the public launch of the Academic Esports Kraken organisation, serving as the esports arm of our academic program. Held at Bluebox, the event was designed to be an engaging mix of competitive gaming, educational talks, and social interaction.

The setup for the event was extensive, featuring numerous computers, arcade machines, racing simulators, food stalls, and console gaming areas. Highlights included showmatches between the Kraken teams and a teachers’ team, alongside special guests and attendees from the academic esports seminar. The evening seamlessly blended fun gaming activities with insightful discussions on the connections between esports, education, and real-world applications.

The event featured various tournaments and bounty challenges, where members of the public had the chance to compete against Kraken team members for prizes. This blend of esports, education, content creation, and social engagement attracted a diverse audience, including university students, members of the public, staff, and seminar guests.

As the project manager, I spearheaded the planning and execution of the entire event. My responsibilities included coordinating with Kraken leadership and other stakeholders, ensuring the logistics were flawless, and managing the various elements that made the event a success. Through meticulous planning and effective collaboration, the event ran smoothly, providing a memorable experience for all attendees.