AUGUST 12, 2021 – The Department of Air Force Gaming League is back for another season with more games and prizes while expanding the community to include Air Force veterans and wounded warriors.
After an inaugural season, in which more than 15,000 active duty Airmen and Guardians competed, the Air Force Services Center is rolling out several initiatives to expand its e-gaming program.
“Department of the Air Force Gaming League has now become the official gaming program for all Airmen and Guardians,” said Col. Christopher Parrish, AFSVC commander. “It will be available to not only Airmen and Guardians at every military base, but to numerous groups across the Air Force.”
The gaming league launched in 2020 to foster resiliency and retention through global e-sports events that bring Airmen and Guardians together in competitive leagues, said Parrish.
Now DAFGL is opening the competition pool to retired Air Force veterans, dependents and youth, wounded warriors, reserve and guard members, U.S. Air Force and ROTC cadets, and all Department of Defense civilians. The league will also allow for wide open participation in upcoming community events and weekend tournaments, Parrish said.
DAFGL season two will also introduce three of the world’s most popular game titles: Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. These titles join the previous games Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, League of Legends and Rocket League.
“With over 86% of Airmen and Guardians between the ages of 18-34 identifying as gamers, the community has grown after just one season,” said Col. Marc Adair, AFSVC chief of programs. “With the expansion of the program to more groups in season two, this will certainly build on the more than 15,000 men and women connected through a shared love of video games.”
During the first season, the initial rollout involved Air Force Global Strike Command as the pilot program to help with challenges, lessons learned and insight to Airmen participation in this new intramural sport. Airmen and Guardians from AFGSC formed teams to compete with each base in the command, hosting playoffs before the final major command championship.
Registration for the new season is now open and closes Sept. 1. The program will move into regional league play with playoffs prior to a regional championship. Winners will receive prizes to include championship jerseys, DAFGL products and the chance to represent the Department of the Air Force as the official team in future public-facing events and competitions.
For more updates on the upcoming season or to join, Airmen and Space Professionals can visit the Air Force Gaming website.
Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs