The British Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, now features a dedicated esports suite onboard as part of a new partnership with the British Esports Federation aimed at supporting crew wellbeing.
The new space gives sailors the chance to unwind and compete in an immersive gaming environment during downtime at sea. It’s part of a wider push by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to modernise welfare facilities and engage service personnel in new ways.
“Having an esports suite available to the ship’s company on Prince of Wales is a massive win for the morale on board, as those who use it can enjoy their hobbies or discover a new one, while at the same time engaging with others outside their usual departmental circles,” said LET(CIS)Spec Victoria Marley, Esports Committee Member.
The suite includes 12 high-end gaming PCs and will sit alongside other sports and fitness facilities already onboard, such as gyms, a boxing ring, and spaces for running and table tennis. It is designed to encourage digital skills, teamwork, and connection among the crew during their eight-month global deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
The move marks a deepening partnership between British Esports and the MoD, with more collaborations expected.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence for this,” said Chester King, President, British Esports. “Gaming is becoming increasingly important to the military, as it offers many benefits such as fostering communication, leadership and strategic skills, and allows personnel to strengthen bonds, unwind and maintain positive mental health.”
A launch event and international tournament are already in the works, and the Royal Navy plans to run its own internal esports leagues going forward.
“Esports has rapidly grown into a multi-billion-pound industry, influencing global entertainment, technology, and military training,” added Flt Lt Stephen Rennie, Chair of the Defence Esports Network. “The UK Defence sector must embrace esports as a strategic tool to drive key skills, foster community, and attract the next generation of personnel.”
The update follows the MoD’s official recognition of esports as a military sport in 2024.
