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Hawksbill Gameroom improves with new gaming equipment |
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Tuesday, 01 April 2008 |
by GAGE HOWE
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
The Hawksbill Gameroom in Appalachian State University’s Plemmons Student Union is now equipped with the latest gaming technology for a new generation of entertainment.
“We had to choose between a shuffle board versus 10 game-quality computers,” associate director of Student Programs Phil Arnold said. “It was an easy choice.”
Along with the 10 Samsung computers, Hawksbill also added a Wii, Xbox360, and a Playstation 3.
These game systems are connected to 56 inch flat-screen TVs.
 Amanda Castro plays a game of pool in the improved Hawksbill Gameroom. Photo by Adam Dixon
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The computers and consoles have a variety of games available for selection.
Gaming chairs have also been added to enhance the experience.
“The idea evolved from a conversation with the ASU Gaming Club,” Arnold said.
Some games were dated back to 1987 and needed to be upgraded, Arnold said.
Rather than buying games, an agreement was made with Next Level Cafe, a video game vendor.
As new games become available, Next Level Cafe will provide them.
A suggestion box is located in Hawksbill Gameroom, which will aid Student Programs when selecting the latest games.
Presently, some games for the consoles include Guitar Hero III, Madden 08, Call of Duty 4, and Tony Hawks Project 8.
 Ten Samsung computers have recently been added to the Hawksbill Gameroom. Photo by Adam Dixon
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The computers are provided with games such as World of Warcraft, Warcraft and Need for Speed Carbon.
Appalachian State belongs to an association of student unions, and Arnold is unaware of making such improvements.
“[Appalachian] is at the vanguard of game room technology, which is something to be proud of,” Arnold said.
Sophomore computer science major and student trainer for the student
union Addison P. Miller said AppCard Express accounts are now accepted
as payment.
The option to use express accounts was a frequent request made by students.
The cost for playing the games is $4 an hour, which is the same price for using the pool tables.
Overall, Miller is optimistic about the improvements.
However, not everything was replaced in the gameroom.
The pool tables and Dance Dance Revolution remain due to popular demand.
Hawksbill Gameroom’s hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The alterations made to the Hawksbill Gameroom are an attempt to maintain pace with the rapid changes in technology.
Arnold wants to continue providing a service that will be appreciated by students.
“What we try and do as a facility is change and grow as the students
change and grow, and the gameroom is a reflection of that,” Arnold said.
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