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Metro Esports Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is it and how much does it cost?

It pays to belong! This benefit of your YMCA membership unlocks access to a top-tier esports and gaming facility where anyone can explore over 50 games across the latest and greatest consoles and industry-leading esports-grade PCs. It’s a safe, supervised space that promotes healthy gaming habits, encourages social interactions, and sparks new friendships. Players earn metro coins through active participation, challenges, and weekly events, which can be exchanged for exclusive prizes ranging from educational courses and gaming gear to merchandise and gift cards. With seasonal updates to games, activities, and rewards the excitement never fades, keeping the gaming experience fresh and rewarding.

Free to YMCA members, Metro also offers a $10 “drop-in” day pass for non-members that includes everything in the facility for unlimited gaming.

Q: What are your hours? A: Spring/Fall/Winter Hours:

  • ●  Mon-Thur 3pm-7pm
  • ●  Friday 3pm-8pm
  • ●  Sat/Sun 2pm-5pmSummer Hours:
  • ●  Mon-Thur: 4:30-9pm
  • ●  Friday: 4:30pm-8pm
  • ●  Sat/Sun: 2pm-5pm(These hours are for Fairless Hills only and do not apply to Doylestown & Warminster)

    Q: Where can I sign up?
    A: All program, camp, and course registrations can be found through the esports section of the YMCA website. See: https://www.ymcabhc.org/sports-arts-esports/esports

    Q: What games do you offer?
    A: Fortnite, Rocket League, Overwatch 2, Valorant, League of Legends, Minecraft, Roblox, CS:GO 2, Brawlhalla, Madden 24, FIFA 24, The Show 24, NBA2K24, NBA2K24, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Goose Goose Duck, One-Armed Cook, Century: Age of Ashes, the Finals, Predecessor
    NOTICE: Children under 12 will require parent permission to access Rated T and above gaming titles.

    Q: What are your PC specs? A:

  • ●  GPU: NVIDIA(R) GeForce RTX(TM) 4070 Ti, 12GB GDDR6X
  • ●  CPU: 13th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 13700F (16-Core, 54MB Cache, 2.1GHz to 5.2GHzP-Core Turbo Max 3.0)

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  • ●  Storage: 1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD
  • ●  Memory: 32GB, 2x16GB, DDR5, 4800MHz
  • ●  PSU: Lunar Light 750W PSU, Liquid-Cooled CPU & Solid Side Pane
  • ●  OS: Windows 11
  • ●  Monitor: 28″ 1440p 165hzPeripherals
  • ●  Keyboard, Mouse, Headset: Logitech G Pro
  • ●  Mousepad: Logitech G240
  • ●  Headset Stand: Astro Headset Stand

Q: Do you have accounts available or do I need my own?
A: We have “house accounts” available for all of our gaming titles, though we welcome and encourage you to use your own!

Q: Do I need to bring my own peripherals?
A: No. All Metro PCs are equipped with industry-leading Logitech peripherals (Headset, keyboard, mouse, mousepad, headset stand, microphone, and webcam). Visitors are welcome to bring their own controllers or peripherals if they prefer. Metro or the YMCA are not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen items.

Q: Do you offer tournaments or weekly events?
A: Yes! Metro offers weekly events and tournaments across YMCA Fairless Hills, Doylestown, and Warminster. Join us here in Fairless Hills every Monday for Minecraft Mondays, and every month for unique casual tournaments!

Q: Can I leave my child there alone?

Yes, any child over the age of 12 may play in the gaming lounge without an adult. Children ages 8-11 can be left in the lounge as long as there is a parent or guardian present in the YMCA. Anybody under 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. There will be Metro staff supervision at all times.

Q: What safety and security measures are protecting my child? In addition to constant staff monitoring and coaching, Metro utilizes a combination of software and hardware to ensure the safest, most controlled, and toxicity-free atmosphere in and out of the game. Utilizing various applications and software, we receive 24/7 in-game voice and text monitoring, weekly reports summarizing children’s gaming activity and time spent playing, as well as notifications about threat exposures on PC games such as:

  • ●  online predators
  • ●  bullying
  • ●  hate speech
  • ●  sexual content
  • ●  Scams

All Metro staff have undergone Federal background checks, PA state background checks, and PA Child Abuse Clearances. Additionally, health and safety protocols are in place, including emergency procedures and cleanliness standards.

Q: Do you do birthday parties or facility rentals?
A: Yes! We offer birthday party packages starting at $289 for members for up to 15 kids (an additional $10 per extra kid). Make it even more special with Minecraft or Fortnite-themed parties with specialized decor and activities! You’re welcome to bring your favorite party snacks and drinks and have an exciting party that will be remembered for years to come.
Check out https://metroesports.gg/rentals/ to book your party now!

Q: Do I need to book time in advance? A: Nope! Come right in!

Q: What is Metro Esports?
A: Metro Sports & Entertainment Group is a digital sports and entertainment media company with a laser focus on leveraging the viral popularity of gaming and esports to attract, engage, and educate a broad and diverse community of gaming and technology enthusiasts; while also connecting the brands and organizations that are desperate to reach them. Metro Esports is partnered with some of the world’s most notable brands, such as Dell, Microsoft, Corsair, and T-Mobile. Metro has built several esports and STEM centers in partnership with the YMCA of Bucks & Hunterdon Counties, including YMCA Doylestown, YMCA Warminster, YMCA Fairless Hills, and the YMCA Morrisville Childcare Center. Also opening June 2024 in partnership with YMCA of Greater Rochester, YMCA Maplewood & YMCA Schottland.
Two goals drive us: create access and build bridges. We create access by understanding how to engage all demographics within the gaming space, then leverage that knowledge to craft experiences that welcome them and cultivate their talents.
We build bridges by harvesting those communities’ passions for esports to introduce them to the power of careers in STEM. We then help them gain the skills needed to enter those fields.

We offer:

  • ●  Weekly events and programs, included in YMCA membership
  • ●  Open-access hours, included in YMCA membership
  • ●  Community Events, included in YMCA membership
  • ●  Classes, courses, and workshops in Game Design, Game Development, and GameBusiness
  • ●  Esports tournaments, leagues, clubs, and teams
  • ●  Summer Camps, Day-Off School Camps, and seasonal campsAny questions? Email us at metroesports@ymcabhc.org
    Q: Do you offer coding classes? How does that program work?

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A: Metro offers a variety of coding and game design workshops/classes through the YMCA. Our interactive courses and workshops offer a unique blend of education and social engagement. Each program is designed to guide students through various game design, development, and business principles. Certified by STEM.org, these sessions establish a foundation in tech, fostering critical thinking and creativity. Experienced instructors empower students with skills crucial in the digital age, leaving each session with gained knowledge and an official certificate of completion.

Q: Why should I support my child playing video games?

A: Our programs offer more than just gameplay; they teach game development, game design, and game business, improve strategic thinking and communication, and introduce potential STEM and game design career paths. It’s an opportunity for growth, learning, and fun in a safe and social environment. Additional benefits of gaming include:

  • ●  Improved hand-eye coordination
  • ●  Improved attention & visual acuity
  • ●  Improved basic visual processing and executive function.
  • ●  Problem-solving & strategy skill development
  • ●  71% of parents report gaming having net positive effects for children.
  • ●  Boosts self-confidence and player socialization.
  • ●  54% of gamers say gaming helps them connect with friends.
  • ●  In the span of just five years, over 125 higher education institutions have created varsityor club collegiate esports programs including local colleges – Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester Christian University, Nazareth University, St. John Fisher University, Monroe Community College, Finger Lakes Community College and more. More than fifty U.S. colleges and universities offer scholarships for gamers, and there are over 15 Esports Business
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