Pioneering Esports Spaces
What does it take to thrive in the dynamic and often challenging world of esports?
We sat down with Devin LaPlume, co-founder and CEO of All Systems Go Enterprises, to explore his journey from an aspiring sneaker designer to a serial entrepreneur shaping the esports industry. Devin opened up about his unexpected path into the field, the lessons he’s learned as a facility owner, and his insights into what it will take for esports to evolve and thrive in the future.
Q: Devin, your journey into esports is unique. Can you share how All Systems Go Enterprises came to life?
Honestly, I didn’t set out to work in esports at all. Back in college at the University of Rhode Island, I was studying fashion and apparel design. I’ve always been passionate about sneakers and creating — building things from scratch. But even then, I was a natural entrepreneur. As a teenager, I started a clothing brand and worked on designing shoes. If you brought me any business idea at that time, I would’ve jumped on it.
That’s exactly what happened when my now-business partner approached me about starting a gaming venue. At the time, I knew nothing about esports. It wasn’t even on my radar. We pitched the idea, secured funding, and built a facility. For the first six months, I thought we were just running a gaming space. It wasn’t until we hosted our first Apex Legends tournament that I realized we were part of something much bigger.
Q: What was it about that tournament that shifted your focus?
The Apex Legends tournament was a game-changer. We had over 100 players sign up overnight, Red Bull came on board as a sponsor, and we offered a $2,500 prize pool. The energy in the room was electric. I remember our CFO, who was in his late 50s, flying in and saying, “This is what esports is.” That event was the moment we understood we weren’t just running a day-to-day gaming business. We were part of an industry with massive potential. From that point on, we planted our flag in esports.
Q: How has your business evolved since then?
It’s been a constant process of pivoting. The esports industry is incredibly challenging, and running a facility like ours is no exception. Early on, I thought we were doing something completely different with our full-service bar, kitchen, and espresso bar. But as time went on, I realized just how tough the business model is. Many of our peers in the space have shut down, but we’ve managed to survive by diversifying our revenue streams.
Now, in addition to gaming, our facility includes a tattoo shop and soon, a barbershop. Esports events are still part of what we do, but they’re no longer our sole focus. It’s about creating a multi-purpose space that meets the needs of our community.
Q: What makes it so difficult to run a brick-and-mortar esports facility?
The biggest challenge is revenue per square foot. Gaming setups take up a lot of space, but they don’t generate enough income to justify the costs. For example, someone can buy a $25 day pass and spend over seven hours in the facility. That just doesn’t work from a business perspective.
Tournaments don’t fare much better. Entry fees barely cover the prize pool, and if we charge players more, we risk pricing them out. It’s a tough balance. I’ve had to accept that while there’s a demand for these spaces, the standalone business model just doesn’t work.
Q: Do you see a future for in-person esports spaces?
Yes, but not in the traditional sense. I think standalone esports facilities are tough to sustain, but integrating them into larger ecosystems — like college campuses or multi-use spaces — makes sense. Colleges already have the infrastructure and a built-in audience. High schools and universities are where I see the most promise for the in-person side of esports.
On a professional level, there will always be a desire for big events — LAN tournaments, packed arenas, and the excitement that comes with them. But for everyday gamers, it’s less about standalone spaces and more about embedding esports into existing facilities.
Q: You’ve also been working on ASG Connect. Can you share more about that?
ASG Connect is a recruiting platform we’ve been building for almost two years. It’s designed to connect high school students with college esports programs, helping players and coaches communicate seamlessly. Scouting events will be a big part of the platform, and we’ll host many of them at our facility. It’s an exciting step forward for us, and it allows us to leverage our existing space while expanding into new areas.
Q: What’s next for you and All Systems Go Enterprises?
I’m focused on expanding into the collegiate and high school esports space. There’s so much potential there for growth and development, and I want to be part of building that foundation.
We’re also collaborating with organizations like the DEA to host educational events using gaming as a platform. Earlier this year, we piloted a campaign on fentanyl awareness at our facility. It was a private event that brought in local colleges, and we’re now planning to expand it nationally. It’s initiatives like these that show how gaming can be a powerful tool for community engagement and education.
Wrapping It Up
Devin LaPlume’s journey in esports is a testament to resilience and adaptability. From navigating the challenges of running a gaming facility to launching innovative platforms like ASG Connect, Devin is shaping the future of esports in ways that go beyond gaming. His commitment to community and innovation offers a glimpse into what’s possible for the industry.
To learn more about All Systems Go Enterprises and its initiatives, visit allsystemsgoent.gg.
About Devin
Devin LaPlume is an esports industry professional with over eight years of experience, specializing in collegiate esports, competition organization, facility management, and operations. As the CEO and Co-Founder of All Systems Go Enterprises LLC, Devin has played a pivotal role in shaping the esports landscape, organizing and hosting more than 30 in-person events and coordinating logistics for over 50 live-streamed activations.
With three years dedicated to developing scholastic esports initiatives, Devin is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students and fostering growth within the industry. His expertise and passion continue to drive innovation and community engagement in the ever-evolving world of esports.
