Through a mix of creativity, innovation and a little elbow grease, UTA Libraries has built something truly unique—a custom "Killer Queen" arcade cabinet. This cabinet offers an eight-player gaming experience, unlike anything you'd expect to find in a library. 

Rather than purchasing a pre-made cabinet for nearly $15,000, UTA's Creative Spaces and Services (CSS) team took a different route. With a budget of just $1,500 and plenty of ingenuity, they built their own—turning a vision into reality with teamwork and craftsmanship. 

A Game of Strategy, Skill and Snails? 

For those unfamiliar, "Killer Queen" is an arcade-style strategy game that's taken gaming venues like Arlington's Cidercade by storm. The game pits two teams of four against each other, each led by a queen and supported by worker drones. To claim victory, teams must eliminate the opposing queen three times, gather berries or capture a giant snail—yes, a snail. 

With multiple ways to win, no two matches are the same, making every game a fresh, intense battle of strategy and teamwork. 

A Labor of Love, Built In-House 

Bringing "Killer Queen" to The Basement wasn't just about providing entertainment—it was about innovation and collaboration. 

"This project was a group effort that involved all three CSS spaces who put it together," Lauren Stutler, CSS Director, explained. "The gaming tables were customized in The Shop Room. They also cut an acrylic piece that goes on top of the tables. Underneath the acrylic piece, a poster was created and printed in The Studios. The poster gave it that professional final finish to it." 

To bring the idea to life, FabLab Technician for The Basement Britt LaRiviere contacted Josh Richey from the Libraries' Shop Room. Over the course of a month, they experimented with different mockups and table designs. Josh used a CNC router to cut the fiberboard and protective acrylic layer, shaping the foundation of the custom arcade. 

The result? A sleek, fully functional arcade cabinet that has quickly become a student favorite. 

More Than a Game—A Space for Connection 

Since its debut in The Basement, "Killer Queen" has been buzzing with activity, bringing students together in a fun, social environment. 

"The Basement is very busy during the afternoons, so we like to offer as many walk-up experiences as we can so that users have something to do if our consoles are not available to play," Britt LaRiviere, FabLab Technician for The Basement, said. "The arcade tables also don't require checking out, so it's quick and easy to get into a game." 

The cabinet has already created memorable moments, especially at the start of the fall semester, when students used it to meet new people and build friendships. 

"We have had a good response to the table, especially early on in the fall semester," Britt said. "It made for a great way for students to get to know each other and socialize over gaming." 

Ready to Play? 

So, whether you're a seasoned strategist or just looking for a fun way to take a break, head down to The Basement and give "Killer Queen" a shot, will you lead your team to victory? 

There's only one way to find out—let the games begin.