Gamers Who Give: Meet Alan
Welcome to another edition of our "Gamers Who Give" series, where we highlight the remarkable individuals who form the backbone of our Gamers Engaged community. Today, we're thrilled to introduce you to Alan, a dedicated judge who has been an integral part of The Gauntlet for an impressive 6 years.
Alan's commitment to The Gauntlet goes beyond just showing up year after year. His role as a judge is crucial in ensuring fair play and maintaining the spirit of friendly competition that makes our event so special. But more than that, Alan embodies the values that Gamers Engaged stands for - using the power of gaming to bring out the best in people and make a positive impact on our community.
Join us as we delve into Alan's experiences with The Gauntlet, his thoughts on the gaming community, and why he believes in the mission of Gamers Engaged.
Why do you keep coming back to the Gauntlet year after year?
I really love that the Gauntlet brings out the best in who we are, as individuals and collectively as a community. Coming back year after year is a wonderful way to maintain that momentum and make sure it keeps going!
What's your favorite Gauntlet memory?
Setting up for the event itself is always a fun experience. Even just the smallest decorations really help to set the mood, and then watching participants filter in, sometimes wearing elaborate costumes, makes the whole thing so much fun!
What do you love about the role you play as a Gauntlet Judge?
For me, being a judge is about enabling folks to focus on the play experience without getting caught up in exceptions and edge cases. I think of it as trying to understand how to make the games a consistent and fair play experience for everyone.
What game are you currently playing that you can't stop? Why?
Right now, I'm playing a lot of the Helldivers 2 video game. It's a silly, messy, over-the-top, cooperative experience. And also, it's a delightful reminder that it's okay to fail a lot as you work your way towards eventual success!
If you were an in-game character - what game and what role would you play?
I often play healers in games. I'd be like one of those foolhardy elite medics in a cyberpunk game that hot-drops into a danger zone just to save my patient.
Why are you a fan of Gamer's Engaged?
I appreciate the ability of Gamers Engaged to bring together a broad cross-section of the gaming community and channel their passion into something that benefits so many people!
What's your alignment?
I'm Neutral Good. I want the system to work and think rules are important, but I also don't want them to get in the way of what benefits people.
We're incredibly grateful for dedicated volunteers like Alan who return year after year, bringing their expertise, passion, and commitment to our cause. It's individuals like him who help make The Gauntlet and all of Gamers Engaged's initiatives successful and impactful.
As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we're inspired by Alan and all our volunteers who believe in the power of gaming to make a difference. Whether you're a judge, a player, or a supporter, every role is crucial in our mission to harness the passion of the gaming community for the greater good.
Thank you, Alan, for your years of service and for sharing your insights with us. And to all our readers, remember that whether you're healing teammates in a cyberpunk world or judging a board game tournament, you have the power to make a positive impact through gaming.