Bluffton University is a unique experience for a liberal arts education, but it is also home to a variety of unique extracurricular clubs. On Sept. 13, Bluffton’s Gaming Club hosted a Thursday Night Spotlight in Bob’s Place to showcase the unique aspects of competition and community they contribute to campus life.
“Gaming club is mostly about just gathering people together and playing games we all enjoy, from board games, card games, video games, just anything we can get together and enjoy as a group of people,” said Skyler Wilson, a sophomore business major and treasurer of the gaming club.
The event was brought out roughly 10 people to enjoy games and conversation. Nick Rohr, president of Gaming Club, was absent due to living off-campus.
The group crowded around a table at 9:30 p.m. to begin a card game involving zombies and a dynamic ruleset. Other board games sat ready on nearby tables ready to be played. However, these games were never touched as the one card game lasted until Marbeck Center closed at 11 p.m. Members of the group said they were entertained the whole time, despite the length of the game.
After the game, the group packed up and headed to Ropp Hall. Despite the first game ending so late, only one or two students went back to their dorms. The majority of the group stuck around to play a quick game of Jumanji in the lobby. They then continued to socialize with one another even after that game had concluded. Eventually, the group disbanded sometime before midnight.
Gaming Club plays Jumanji in Ropp Hall, photo by Nathan Heinze
While the event was small, attendees said it was still a success.
“It was a blast,” said Dalton Eversole, a sophomore middle childhood education major. “I’ll have to see what times they meet up to see if it fits my schedule, but if it does I’ll probably join.”
Eric Lehman, a freshman exercise science major, echoed Eversole’s thoughts. He said he enjoyed the event and would like to come to others if possible.
Wilson said Gaming Club is in the process of planning more events to hold this year.
“Future plans will probably consist of a few more video game tournaments, potentially a 2K or FIFA tournament,” said Wilson. “Definitely a end of the year tournament for the new Smash Bros. release, since a lot of people are really excited about that. And just other various, maybe board game events throughout the year.”
