Gamers Unite for Charity

Posted on Jan 30 2013 - 7:49am by Lacey Russell

The Ole Miss Gamers Association (OMGA) is holding a “Halo 4” charity team event on Feb. 9 to raise money for the Child’s Play Charity.

Since 2003, Child’s Play has improved children’s time spent in hospitals by donating video games and consoles to young patients in need of an escape. The organization raised over $5 million in 2012 to help children in more than 70 hospitals across the country through the “power of play.”

OMGA strives to unite game lovers and aims to introduce students and the surrounding community to board games, card games, miniature wargaming, video games and tabletop roleplaying.

“It’s definitely worth a look to people who aren’t familiar with it,” freshman OMGA member Richie Reedy said. “There aren’t any jerks, so don’t be shy.”

With “Halo 4” being the official game of the event, freshman OMGA member Matt Cheek said he believes it will be a success.

“There’s going to be a great turnout,” Cheek said. “’Halo 4′ is really popular and the playability is a lot better than other games where people tend to get angry with each other.”

Reedy and Cheek both said they think the turnout will be diverse.

“I think all types of people will show up,” Cheek said. “People that just simply love games will be there for sure.”

Reedy said events like these help the OMGA community grow.

“Because OMGA can sometimes seem to only cater to tabletop role players, people might be hesitant to join,” he said. “Video games definitely bring in outsiders and potential new members.”

There are no requirements to join OMGA and the group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. until midnight in the Union.

Entry is $3 per person or $10 for a four-person team, and all proceeds from the will go directly to Child’s Play. Registration begins at 10 a.m. the day of the event and lasts until noon.

The gaming will commence that afternoon and will end at 7 p.m. Donations will be accepted if your gaming confidence is lacking. Winners of the tournament will receive trophies and prizes.

For more information, check out the group’s Facebook page. Those interested in attending can RSVP at olemissgamersassociation@gmail.com. Walk-ins are welcome and all students are encouraged to come out for a night of charitable slaying.