Olin Library partnered with the Rollins College Esports program to host Retro Game Night as part of the ongoing Olin After Dark series. Stepping into the library lobby felt like being transported back in time, with consoles such as the PS2 (2000), Wii (2006), Atari Game Station Pro (2023), Sega Genesis (1988), and the SNES (1990) on display. The Esports program acquired these rare consoles via student donations. While modern technology and video games are certainly entertaining, nothing compares to delving back into the classics.
Among those in attendance was Tyrelle Davenport (‘29), who was not entirely familiar with all of the classic consoles and games. Like others at the event, Tyrelle found himself enthralled in all the old games, ultimately deciding to play Resident Evil 4 (2005) on the PS2. Those drawn to the Atari console enjoyed games like Asteroids (1979) and Centipede (1981), while die-hard Sonic fans found Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992) on Sega Genesis to be the ultimate draw. While not everyone demonstrated expert-level skills, the occasional button mashing added to the fun and camaraderie that filled the room.
Beyond gameplay, the event was also a great opportunity to connect with friends and meet new people. Surrounded by glowing screens and familiar soundtracks, students struck up conversations with other attendees and bonded over a shared passion for gaming. Davenport shared, “I got to experience games I never tried before.” He added, “I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the event.”
Overall, the Retro Game Night, hosted on Wed. Feb. 25, provided both an enjoyable time for those who were familiar with the classics, as well as newcomers who were just jumping in. Whether a seasoned pro or discovering classics for the first time, students found common ground through gaming. Events like this highlight the growing collaboration between Olin Library and various student organizations while showing how shared interests, both old and new, can bring the campus community together.
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