Jonathan Preval/Contributing Writer
You’d think it was a tailgate, but on a chilly Wednesday evening at the Graham Center Lawns, resident Panther gamers gathered in a surprising show of social prowess.
The reason it was packed with students was eGaming with SPC, an event hosted by the Student Programming Council and a plethora of other organizations. The main attraction: two trucks filled with a wide range of games such as Super Smash Bros., Fortnite, Call Of Duty and more. Students had the pleasure of sitting in a lush gamer’s paradise, where, as an unshackled congregation, they had their choice of genre.
Aside from bringing together a diverse group of gamers, the event showed just how powerful and legitimate gaming is as a medium.
Gamers have long withstood social ostracization for simply engaging in escapism from reality or stress relief. Some people still have the mindset that video games are an art form for the lazy, socially inept “basement dweller.” The older generation in particular does not consider gamers a part of the social landscape and seem to belittle people who simply enjoy a different hobby—but times have changed.
Gamers are diverse but also educated; a total of 52% gamers are college educated with a whopping 75% of Americans having one gamer in the household, according to the Entertainment Software Association.
“Gaming is great because it engages you cognitively,” said Oscar Sanchez, an FIU alumni.“It’s definitely not about idle escapism, if you’re doing it correctly. It challenges and trains your mind in ways you wouldn’t expect, especially with strategy, RPG or puzzle oriented games. It’s always gratifying to beat a dungeon, pass a song, or nail a boss that’s been giving you trouble. And honestly, some of the best memories of my life have involved the tireless hours I’ve devoted to conquering a single game.”
Gaming has long stood the test of time and has suffered smearing from your misinformed parent to mainstream media all the way to the political arena. Games allow us to engage in new environments, learn lessons and experience meaningful connections while relieving ourselves of the stress that life delivers us. ESports, or competitive multiplayer gaming, has shown us that the medium unites us just like any physical sport.
While some would say gaming is silly or a waste of time, it actually has many benefits like the sense of community it brings. For many FIU students, gaming is valuable not only to de-stress but to enjoy the company of friends or family.
Next time you see a group of gamers at GC, the Green Library or anywhere else, understand that these Panthers might not be spectating football, drinking at a tailgate or working out, but engaging regardless in an activity that provides entertainment, intellectual stimulation and most importantly, camaraderie between Panthers of every walk of life.
Featured photo from The IET on Flickr.
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The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.
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