Henry Ford College (HFC) is leveling up campus life with its brand new, state-of-the-art gaming room, an immersive space where technology, creativity, and community come together.

Located in Room E-180 on the first floor of the Technology Building, this high-tech hub goes far beyond gaming. It’s a place where students can explore the future through competitive gaming, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI).

Inside, the space is packed with powerful gaming PCs, immersive VR headsets, large format displays, and modern collaborative workstations. Whether you’re diving into a virtual world, working with a team, or just relaxing between classes, the gaming room offers a dynamic and welcoming environment.

One standout feature is the advanced VR career exploration platform powered by Transfer VR. These simulations allow users to step into real-world careers, from healthcare and skilled trades to advanced manufacturing and technology, through interactive, hands-on experiences. It’s a unique way to explore career paths, build confidence, and develop practical skills.

The gaming room is designed to serve multiple purposes across campus, including supporting student organizations such as the Competitive Gaming Club and Programming Club, providing a space for career exploration and workforce development, offering immersive VR simulations for skill building, and encouraging collaboration in emerging technologies like AR and AI.

It also serves as the home base for HFC’s Competitive Gaming Club, which meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. during the Winter 2026 semester. The club is open to all students and continues to grow, creating a fun and competitive community on campus.

Beyond recreation, the space connects directly to HFC’s Computer Information Science and Software Engineering programs. Students interested in game development and technology can use the gaming room as a starting point, then build the skills needed to design and develop their own digital experiences. The College is also exploring future non-credit gaming courses that may launch as early as 2027.

According to Anastasia Saldivar-Garcia, an instructor for the Apple Foundations program, “I think the gaming lab is a really exciting space. It’s still pretty new, so it feels fresh and full of potential, and there’s a solid mix of gaming options. It’s a fun environment, and I’ve already seen how much people enjoy it.” She added, “Personally, my favorite feature in the room is the Nintendo Switch 2 setups, mostly because of all the hours I’ve already invested in Nintendo, so at this point I have to stay loyal. That said, every setup here is great.”

Liaan Milhem, an HFC student, also shared positive feedback about the space: “I think the gaming lab at Henry Ford College is a really nice place to be, especially with friends or even if you’re trying to meet new people.” She said, “It creates a comfortable and social environment where students can hang out, relax, and connect with others outside of class. I like that it brings people together and makes campus feel more engaging, not just focused on academics but also on building a community.”

Milhem highlighted what aspects she admired in the space, “My favorite feature in the gaming lab is the overall environment and setup, especially the gaming equipment and the way it’s designed for both social and competitive play. I like that it’s not just about gaming individually, but also about interacting with others… It makes the space feel more like a community hub rather than just a regular lab.”

Open Monday through Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., the gaming room offers flexible access for students to explore, create, and connect. Designed with both comfort and performance in mind, the space features pod-style collaboration areas with sound-dampening walls for focused work, along with powerful computer stations capable of handling gaming, VR, AR, and AI applications.

Whether you’re a gamer, a tech enthusiast, or just looking for a new place to hang out, HFC’s gaming room is ready…press start.