In Conversation with Gamesoc

Impact’s Gaming Editor, Daria Paterek, interviews GameSoc President Megan Rousseau and past president Ethan Norman.

What is GameSoc, and what does the society do?

We are a hobby society for anyone who enjoys playing video games to meet like-minded people. We are the only university society that offers video game-related events, and a big part of why many students join us is because we handle esports for the university.

What kind of events do you run?

Before Covid, we would hold weekly in-person events. Currently, we are regularly hosting online events on our Discord server, UoN Game Soc Online. We play multiplayer games such as Jackbox, Smash Ultimate Tournaments and Among Us. We also play more niche games, like SCP: Secret Laboratory, and have previously organised a Minecraft building competition.

What has been the biggest challenge in running GameSoc this year?

Organising events that work online and keeping our events fresh. We played the same games a lot and, eventually, we ran out of games that were suited for our online set-up. It was a challenge finding online multiplayer games that were fun and popular.

What would you say to people who are thinking about getting involved?

Give it a shot! For my first session, I was an hour late, and I came in alone. I was hesitant to go by myself, but I wanted to join. GameSoc’s President came up to me and encouraged me to get involved. The people that I played with that night are still my friends.

We are always hosting events, having a good laugh, and we are here to support you. If there is something specific you want to do, we can do it. It is that simple.

Just give it a try, even if you feel a bit scared. Our committee is lovely, and we want people to have fun after this year!

What has been your favourite experience as part of GameSoc?

For me, it was the friends I made. My main friends came from GameSoc, and I am so glad to have found them there. The events have also been a highlight. Particularly, I enjoyed GameSoc Plays, where we rented out Hallward cinema and used the TV to play an interactive game. I want to have more of these sessions this year.

By Daria Paterek Illustration by Ciara Lurshay Page Design by Chiara Crompton