Finding time to exercise can be hard. These days, we are overloaded with obligations. Whether it’s a job, school, family, or something else entirely, our time is typically spent on things outside of ourselves. When we spend more time sitting than moving, it can lead to negative consequences for our…
Video games historically have had a reputation of being addictive, violent, and/or harmful. However, as more research is performed and as educators implement esports/gaming programs, the narrative about video games is changing. One of the attractive qualities about video games and esports is that they can be inclusive. This inclusivity…
One of my favorite things about video games is being able to customize my character so they look badass on the battlefield. Whether it’s something as simple as changing hair color, creating awesome outfits, or unlocking new skins, character customization is always something that captures my attention in any game….
Sometimes it’s hard for gamers to pay attention to what we’re eating. With food and beverage brand logos everywhere, from ad campaigns to C9’s jersey, there’s no doubt we’re thinking about food and beverages a lot. We may notice our waistlines expanding after munching on Doritos for a few days…
Talk with any collegiate esports coach across the nation, and you’ll soon find that their lists of responsibilities expand beyond coaching their teams. Esports coaches are often collaborating with many different departments within their institutions, the most common being academics. While many coaches stipulate a minimum GPA requirement for students…
I’ll never forget about this motivational speaker they invited to my high school back in the early 2010s. His name is Jeff Yalden. He was very eccentric, moving, and hilarious, and he reminded me a lot of Matt Foley in that one SNL sketch. Except, instead of telling us we’d…
Video games are becoming more prevalent in daily life due to being one of few available sources of entertainment and regular social interaction in Pandemicland. A more diverse audience is tapping into the community than ever before. As gaming has become, dare I say, “mainstream,” many are realizing the inherent…
As a member of a South Philly Italian household, food was the centerpiece of my familial experience. We love nothing more than to share a chat over delicious foods, pass down ancient family recipes, and ensure that no one leaves a gathering hungry (or without copious amounts of leftovers). As…
Author’s Note: With gamer health and wellness at the forefront of my passion, the next two pieces in my More Than Meets the Eye series will revolve around the physical, mental, and social impacts of my extreme gaming habits and the changes I made throughout the years to overcome some…
The desire and ability for the individual to create and share content grew exponentially with the introduction of YouTube in 2006. Early “streamers” debuted regular pre-recorded episodes of things as simple as game walk-throughs or “Top #10 Plays” compilations. These were always fun to watch, especially with text overlays or…
After playing World of Warcraft for the first time at 13, I realized that voice communication was going to be a helpful tool for completing quests, socializing with other players, and adding a whole new dimension to the game. It wasn’t easy convincing my parents to purchase a headset. Heck,…
Author’s Note: Hey there! Welcome to the first post in my More Than Meets the Eye (MTME) series. MTME is a collection of personal narratives surrounding the topics of mental, physical, and emotional health in gaming from my unique perspective. I hope to inspire other gamers to take charge of…
