Gunrock Gaming relaunches with software updates, new equipment
The gaming computer space is running a Back to School special for fall quarter
By KIMBERLY AYSON — campus@theaggie.org
Nestled in the Games Area at the Memorial Union, the Gunrock Gaming space has relaunched this fall with updated game maintenance and brand new keyboards and headsets to provide an enhanced player experience for gamers of all skill levels.
Janna Tolla, the UC Davis director for student unions who oversaw the revamp of the gaming space, noted that prior to this fall, the dozens of games across multiple computers were being manually updated by an all-student staff.
“The primary change is that Gunrock Gaming has been upgraded to a new server-based platform that connects all 14 gaming computers and includes a managed service that automatically provides game maintenance and updates,” Tolla said. “With the new system, games are updated automatically on a daily basis, ensuring users have access to the latest patches, bug fixes and content as soon as they sit down to play. The upgrade creates a more seamless and reliable experience for students while also reducing operational costs.”
The first iteration of Gunrock Gaming opened in April 2019 and started out with 28 gaming computers in the space now occupied by The Pantry in the east wing of the Memorial Union. However, for better management of the space, the PC gaming area was later moved to the Memorial Union Games Area in October 2021. It was further downsized from 28 gaming computers to 14 in 2023.
The idea for Gunrock Gaming was inspired by the growing trend of PC gaming spaces on UC campuses, including at UC Berkeley and UC Irvine. UC Berkeley, in particular, was a big inspiration for the development of UC Davis’ gaming space, and Tolla said a number of staff traveled to UC Irvine’s Esports Arena to gain a better understanding of the PC gaming area model.
Today, Gunrock Gaming’s 14 computers are updated and host dozens of games, the most popular ones being “Fortnite,” “Valorant” and “League of Legends,” according to Tolla. With the computers, users can log into their own personal accounts on games or proceed as guests.
Gunrock Gaming can be found on the right side of the Memorial Union Games Area in the building’s basement. It is open to both students and the public during the academic year from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Gunrock Gaming has its own gaming passes for individual purchase at the Games Area desk. For students, one hour of gameplay costs $5 and five hours cost $20. For community members, gameplay costs $10 for an hour and $40 for five hours.
Gunrock Gaming also offers unlimited passes for purchase that last for limited time periods, with three tiers based on gamer needs. They include the Study Buddy Pass, spanning Monday through Thursday, at $20; the Weekend Warrior Pass, available from Friday through Sunday, also for $20; and the Gunrock Gamer Pass, which spans Monday through Sunday for $35.
For fall quarter, the center is running a Back to School special where students can receive a one-time offer of three hours of free game time between Sept. 15 and Dec. 17.
Tolla said Gunrock Gaming serves as a unique third space and continues to be a community spot for students to enjoy their free time on campus and try games they might not otherwise have the chance to play.
“Students [have] an opportunity to log into their games that they play at home,” Tolla said. “[To] be able to play in between classes and have that opportunity for some recreation. [It] also gives an opportunity to play a game they haven’t tried without purchasing it themselves.”
Written by: Kimberly Ayson — campus@theaggie.org