The sound of soft electronic music and glow of computer monitors set the ambiance for the Game Room on the first floor of the Melton Student Center.
The area is filled with 40 gaming computers, Xbox consoles and a lounge area ready for student gamers as well as potential members of the Auburn Esports team to use in their spare time.
While this extra amenity seems quintessential for many students, it raises a question: does the Game Room create a new community among freshmen and other students?
Matthew Duke, freshman in computer science, uses the room weekly.
“It’s a really fun place to hang out with friends and play games,” Duke said. “[I] love the social aspect of gaming and getting to watch everyone have fun.”
Jacqui Dub, sophomore in microbiology, also gave her input on the Game Room's influence.
“I enjoy the Game Room. It's a nice place to go with friends and socialize, especially if you can find seats together," Dub said.
As for the students on the Esports team, they now have a competitive gaming space in the Game Room. However, they also use Discord and AUinvolve to find places to practice. Many of these students use PCs and Xboxes when they have spare time on their hands.
Christian Scott, freshman in aerospace engineering, is on the Esports Overwatch team and makes use of the Game Room often.
“The Game Room helps me so much because I can’t afford my own equipment. The stream rooms are amazing,” Scott said.
While many students might have technical difficulties at first on the PCs in the room, they find that it is easily resolved, and they can resume gaming with their friends quickly.
Students are prompted to create an account using their Auburn University credentials. It is also possible for them to connect to their personal accounts and connect with their friends from home or those at other institutions.
The Game Room seems to be raising a new sense of community among students, with freshmen as the highest visiting group of the area.
These students say that the Game Room is a way they find time to relax and enjoy one of the most visited spaces in the Melton Student Center.
Manuel Arceo, freshman in mechanical engineering, described his weekly visits to the Game Room and how it has shaped his college experience so far.
“The Game Room is a fantastic idea and commodity that the college provides. It is an effective way to pass the time between classes when someone has no work to do. Also, by going to the Game Room, it has allowed me to meet people,” Arceo said.
Overall, student gamers are enjoying the amenity and are grateful for the effort the University has put in for their space.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Brychelle Brooks is a sophomore majoring in public and professional writing. She has been with The Plainsman since August 2023.
