New Regulation Limits Computer Game Time

At the Science Center computer room, there's no time for fun and games, at least during the work week.

Because of long lines for computer terminals at peak hours, Science Center officials will restrict computer game playing time to late nights and weekends with a new rule that takes effect Monday.

The new regulation will forbid students from playing computer games from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays. User assistants will be able to require game-players to stop when students with academic work are waiting.

According to Grace S. Bhudhikanok '92, a user assistant at the computer center, there were times when frantic students with papers due in a few hours had to wait while other students sat fixated to games of computer chess.

Most students interviewed yesterday said they favored the policy, saying homework and electronic mail are more legitimate uses for the computers than games.

"It comes down to the purpose of the computers," said Noelle van Camp '96, adding that long lines are "ridiculous."

David A. Ganz '96 said, "It's not the University's obligation to provide recreation for students to relieve their stress."

In the past, some students have been willing to stop playing games when people are waiting, but others have refused to leave, according to user assistants Matthew J. Paschke '96 and John J. Immel '96.

Other students, however, are already criticizing the new regulation, saying that despite its good intentions, the rule is too stringent.

Game player Frederick G. Kochak '96 said he understands the reason for therule, but feels the restricted hours are too long.

"The idea is right, but eight to 10 is toolong," he says. Fewer restricted hours might befairer to the game-players, he said.

Paschke said, though, that the gamers "have allweekend and all night. The primary purpose [of thecomputers] is for work.

"The idea is right, but eight to 10 is toolong," he says. Fewer restricted hours might befairer to the game-players, he said.

Paschke said, though, that the gamers "have allweekend and all night. The primary purpose [of thecomputers] is for work.