Launch Point brings next-gen gaming to Mountainview College

Binghamton University welcomed residential students back to campus with the Aug. 26 opening of Launch Point, a new space-themed gaming lounge in Mountainview College’s Appalachian Collegiate Center. Residential Life and Information Technology Services (ITS) built the futuristic, fully loaded space with the goal of providing an accessible place for students to enjoy everything from casual gaming sessions with friends to competitive gameplay. 

The lounge operates as a year-round LAN party. It’s fully equipped with 12 high-powered PCs, three massive TV screens, and the latest consoles from Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo. Whether students prefer solo campaigns  or co-op battles, Launch Point brings all of it together in a comfortable and social environment. 

“Having lived in the original, now 'Old', Dickinson for four years as a student, I know firsthand that Binghamton is a home away from home,” said Genevieve Vallerga, ITS’s director of technology support services. “Creating a space where our students can make memories beyond the classroom has been incredibly meaningful, and I can't wait to see them enjoy it.”

The project represents a collaborative effort between Residential Life, which designed and hosts the space, and ITS, which coordinated the technology behind Launch Point and is staffing the lounge with ResCon student staff members, who live right in the halls and provide real-time tech support, troubleshoot issues, and keep everything running smoothly. Students who live in all of the residential communities are welcome to enjoy the space.

“The Launch Point Gaming Lounge is going to play an important role in community building and strengthening a sense of belonging," President Anne D'Alleva said after touring the space. "I was impressed by the technology and the space on my recent visit, and I thank the staff in Residential Life and Information Technology Services for bringing this project to life. I'm excited for our students, knowing that they have a great place to get together and connect over a common interest, enhancing their college experience." 

The lounge features a futuristic entrance donned with a Launch Point signage. Upon entering, students are met with an immersive space-themed experience. The lights, wall details, frosted window, and light-up mural are designed to make students feel like they are aboard a video game spaceship, looking out into the abyss of outer space — a perfect place to escape into the game of their choosing. 

While the idea of entering a “gaming space” may seem intimidating at first for novices, this room is specially designed to be versatile. Launch Point offers classic 8-bit games, party games, adventurous campaigns, ranked competitive games, and much more at all difficulties, providing free access for all resident students to state-of-the-art games and consoles. The success of the gaming lounge will lead to further investments into the space, including the latest games, such as the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI. 

Launch Point also provides exciting opportunities for Residential Life’s Co-Rec program to expand from classic sports and branch out to gaming competitions. Apart from Co-Rec events, Launch Point will be open on a first-come, first-served basis, with hours ranging from the afternoon to as late as 1 a.m., perfect for grabbing a bite to eat at the dining hall and gaming into the night. 

“Launch Point stands as more than just a successful departmental collaboration,” said Casey Wall, director of Residential Life and Housing. “It shows what’s possible when we prioritize student input and design spaces based on what students genuinely want to see, making Binghamton truly feel like their home. Launch Point is a place where all residents are welcome to leave their worries at the pod bay doors of and have fun! "