Video game expo held for National Game Day Nov. 14
The Pioneer asked 141 students if were aware of the Video Game Expo held Nov. 14 and if not, would they have been interested in attending the event.
84% of the students did not know about the expo
73% said they would have been interested in attending
• Video game playing introduces children to computer and information technology.
• Games can give practice in following directions.
• Some games provide practice in problem solving and logic.
• Games can provide practice in use of fine motor and spatial skills.
• Games can provide occasions for parent and child to play together.
• Players are introduced to information technology.
• Some games have therapeutic applications with patients.
*Source: www.mediafamily.org
MARK SMITH
Senior Writer
seniorwriter@occc.edu
About 50 students joined OCCC and the nation in celebrating National Game Day Nov. 14 on the second and third floors of the Keith Leftwich Memorial Library.
Akram Taghavi-Burris, computer aided technology professor, said the students in the Digital Media Program, with the help of Student Life, decided to participate in the event by hosting a video game expo.
“This is the first time OCCC has participated in the National Game Day,” she said. “We wanted to let people know there is a day which celebrates gaming.”
The expo started with presentations from speakers in the gaming profession.
Gamers of all ages participated in three tournaments, which cost $5 for ages 16 and older and $1 for ages 15 and younger.
Taghavi-Burris said they would donate the money raised to Child’s Play, a non-profit organization founded by Penny Arcade.
“Child’s Play donates video games to children who are in hospitals,” she said.
Children competed in a Super Smash Bros Brawl tournament on the Nintendo Wii game system.
Children were divided into age groups of 10 and under and 10 to 16 to ensure fairness, Taghavi-Burris said.
Winners of the Super Smash Bros Brawl competition received Nintendo Wii games as prizes.
Gamer Derek Griffey, 8, said he loves video games.
“My favorite is ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ because he runs really fast.”
Teenagers and young adults ages 16 and older could be heard yelling and pounding their fists against the table as they competed in the Unreal Tournament 3 tournament on computer.
Kyle Jackson, 18, said he was excited to be involved in a tournament which not only was fun, but it also helped children and promotes video gaming.
“I love video games,” Jackson said. “My favorite is ‘Call of Duty.’”
Since video games are a favorite hobby of his, Jackson said he plans to take Video Game Design when he enters college.
Unreal Tournament 3 winners received Xbox live game cards.
Winners of the college’s Super Smash Bros Brawl have the opportunity to participate in the nationals.
OCCC has two children who placed second and third place. However, the names of those children were unavailable at press time.
Many students said they were unaware of the event.
“I didn’t know about the gaming expo,” said Hannah Williams, history major. “I personally wouldn’t have gone, but I have friends who would if it had been publicized.”
For more information about the Computer Aided Design programs, the expo, and Child’s Play, contact Taghavi-Burris at 405-682-1611, ext. 7498.
Staff Writer Whitney Knight also contributed to this story.
