University students, Baton Rouge residents and a man in a Master Chief costume were so excited about the new Halo: Reach that they lined up hours before the game’s midnight release at electronic stores across the city Monday night.
More than 150 were lined up at the GameStop store on College Drive before 11 p.m. to pick up the $60 game or the latest version of Xbox 360, both of which were released at midnight Monday.
David McGaw, computer engineering freshman, said he spent the week playing through the Halo franchise in preparation for the release of the game.
Michael Lacombe, petroleum engineering freshman, said the Halo franchise has made him a few friends both at home and at the University.
“I try to get in five to 15 hours a week playing video games if I can,” Lacombe said.
Evan Boyette, chemistry freshman, said he planned to play Halo: Reach up to a few hours before his morning class.
“I play a lot of video games. I need to spend more time doing homework,” Boyette said.
University Center for Academic Success Director Melissa Brocato said students need to find a balance between playing games and accomplishing their goals.
“Use time management, use a weekly planner to schedule time to play games,” Brocato said.
She said a good strategy for students who want to play video games and complete their work is to use the game as a reward after studying.
“After a 30 to 50 minute intense study session, play video games for 10 or 15 minutes,” Brocato said.
Carter said he was worried that when he got to college he would play games too much, but he is staying on top of his work so far.
“Work comes first. When you’re bored, play video games,” Carter said.
Brocato said all students are vulnerable to distraction, whether it be from video games, television or Facebook.
“Try to balance your life,” Brocato said.
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Contact Frederick Holl at [email protected]