For those looking for a comfortable place to be amongst students who haven’t forgotten the importance of having fun, come check out the Gamers Den. Whether you’re a player, a spectator, or looking to meet people with a like minded interest there’s something to do. The COS Gamers Den meets every Friday from 12 – 3 p.m.. in the Giant Forest building. They strive to create fostering communities where people connect. People can game, watch or just relax with others. The Den hosts a mixture of physical and digital games provided by members with assistance from staff. Gamers Den President, Hayley A. Gutierrez has been a founder since 2023. Club members promoted her to president because they were encouraged by her leadership within the group. Under Gutierrez’s hand the club strives to become a prominent figure on campus through advertising and events. In April, students will find vendors selling trading cards and collectible items affiliated with the club’s interests. Then in four year’s time when the new building is finished, COS wants to host their own Esports group that is intertwined with the Gamers Den. At some point this semester students shall be touring to the Fresno State campus to see their team and learn from them.
On January 27th and 28th COS hosted this semester’s club rush days, allowing students to see the various social cliches that they can be a part of on their campus. Along with the food vendors, trinket sellers, and organization recruiters was the COS Gamers Den; an energetic group of students that love to play games. Their booth was a simple TV with a Nintendo Switch connected to it but flocks of students came to play and/or sign up to join their group. For those that couldn’t see the Gamers Den during club rush here’s the gist of what they have to offer.
Gutierrez has described the Gamers Den as, “Well we are a gaming club that wants to foster community and have a safe place for staff and students to come take a load off from the stress of college and life in general and come game for a few hours. We are open to all games that abide by the school’s policies and we’re aiming to be one of the best clubs on campus. Here at Gamers Den is where giants level up!” She’s very passionate about the club, having taken on a motherly role nurturing the other members creating a found family that she couldn’t have experienced as an only child. Below are some paraphrased statements from other students in the club.
Rebecca Van Groningen, an active member of Gamers Den says, “I’ve enjoyed making friends, learning about games that I’m interested in but haven’t been able to engage in. Just the community, I’ve made very good friends there, yeah. I’ve done things I know I wouldn’t have done otherwise. A wide variety of games that students play, students bring consoles or gaming laptops, have a cabinet full of board and card games. Enjoys trying new games and introducing people to games that she enjoys. Likes seeing how passionate people are about their games or whatever”.
Another member of the club, Kevin Linares, says he enjoys being a part of the club because of its carefree atmosphere. He says, “I like it because it’s very laid back, it’s a laid back and open place where I was able to meet a lot of people that enjoy the same hobby as I do. It’s hard to meet because the cafeteria or grill people aren’t there for games but the gamers den is. I have been able to meet new people and be introduced to fun games. Was previously in my shell and was able to open up more with people that are interested in the same thing. I’ve become a very active person in the club setting up for activities. We have board games, card games, trading card games, Video games, a discord server and can organize games outside of club hours. There have been activities where members are encouraged to get outside, hikes have been organized. I like playing games, and sit in watching others play games. Usually people let spectators take turns teaching them how to play games.”
Grace Kinder, the club’s secretary and Dungeon Master, says “It really is just the people and the time it gives me away from home. The community is the most important aspect. There are two parts, physical and digital. A lot of people bring their own games which encourage others to play together or you can interact solo in the group. I enjoy showing up early playing music on the stereo sound system. When people show up I enjoy showing up and joining in on others activities.”
