Level Up! UTA Libraries Launches ‘The Basement’ Gaming Space

UTA Libraries launched its new gaming space, The Basement, with free pizza, swag and more on Sept. 7 at the Central Library.

The Basement, which was funded in part by a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, is open for students to build community and engage in critical thinking while enjoying PC, console and table-top games. Future collaborations with campus organizations like the Collectible Card Game (CCG) Club and the Game Development Club will bring student-led initiatives into a playful learning environment.

“UTA Libraries designed this space to promote holistic student success,” said Rebecca Bichel, Dean of UTA Libraries. “We are excited to see how the students make the space their own.”

During the launch, students explored all areas of The Basement, including the Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality studio—which not only allows students to play AR/VR games, but to build them as well.

The launch also featured a workshop on the basics of game development. Students learned about universal game development concepts that are present in all types of games (console, PC and tabletop). They were then challenged to use those concepts to develop a game while thinking about the different roles people play (storyteller, artist and developer). Each student chose their role beforehand and were assigned to teams based on the chosen roles.

 “We are proud to offer students a place to make connections and develop their analytical skills—all while having a lot of fun,” said Milaun Murry, Experiential Learning Outreach & Events Specialist and head of the UTA Libraries Gaming Committee. “We hope The Basement—in conjunction with our Level Up! game design workshops—will encourage students to think creatively and strategically beyond their everyday coursework.”

The event also featured a raffle for gaming-themed prizes, such as figurines and metal signs.

Students who attended the event were impressed by The Basement’s aesthetic and said they felt welcome in the space.

“It’s really cool to just see so many people with similar interests in one place, especially given the community is typically really introverted,” said Emily Bee Bulloch, a senior in the theatre department. “Seeing everybody just walking up and talking to each other—it’s like, ‘aww, yay!’”

Students are also looking forward to the opportunity to connect with other players in The Basement.

“The thing I’m most excited about with The Basement is being able to have a place for my [Dungeons and Dragons] campaigns in real life,” said Ophelia Sugar, also a senior in the theatre department. “Having this place where I can come together [with friends] and also meet other people who like D&D on campus is really important to me as somebody who sees community as a big part of college.”

Student organizations also attended the launch. Angel Juanez, junior studying business information systems and president of the CCG club, says he’s looking forward to collaborating with The Basement to promote community.

“I’m hoping the CCG club can work with The Basement to promote more gaming culture [on campus],” Juanez said. “It’s a really nice setup.”

Juanez expects to return to The Basement for his down-time, too.

“I can definitely see myself coming over here to unwind after a long day of class,” Juanez said.

GDC and the UTA Esports student organization contributed to the development of The Basement, providing feedback on everything from programming to equipment. GDC has also partnered with UTA Libraries on monthly Level Up! workshops and critique sessions. The president of GDC, Jacob Wilbur, is a student member of the Gaming Committee.

The Basement commons area and AR/VR studio will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 2 to 10 p.m. The commons area will be open outside of these hours for table-top gaming only.

For more information, students can contact the Central Library’s customer service at 817-272-3000 or by email at AskUs@uta.edu.