By Owen Kennedy
The Video Game Society is one of the lesser known societies in NUI Galway. Set up only in the last five years, the society has remained underground somewhat but continues to grow from strength to strength. Auditor Dara Joyce leads the society today.
What got you interested in the society in the first place?
The society naturally caught my interest on Socs Day in first year. I only planned on going to one night and maybe become a regular member. However, the night I arrived the society was holding their EGM and seeing the former auditor describe them got me really interested in them, but I was afraid how much time it would take out. I picked the role of OCM because I wanted to help the society but picked a less strenuous role so I could focus on my studies. This year as auditor, I decided to take on the role because the society helped me so much my first year to make close friends, and I wanted to give that chance to others.
What’s made you stick with the society for so long?
I didn’t know anyone at all when I joined in first year but eventually, I made friends within the society who have stayed with me since I joined the society. I could see the role I was having on people when I was OCM and wanted to keep the society growing and expanding. I really enjoy the work auditor gives me to do and it’s a really good feeling helping people within the society.
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you whilst within the society?
The nature of video games allows for funny stuff to happen constantly when playing with other people. In terms of some of my best memories with in the society, it’d have to be a toss-up between the Socs Ball in first year or just playing Super Smash Bros during our weekly meetings, as the game creates so much energy and hype between all of us.
What’s the worst part of the society, if any?
I don’t really thing there’s a ‘worst part’. The biggest problem we have relates to the nature of it. A lot of the stuff we use for our meetings is from our own members. This includes consoles, games and monitors. We have a budget which we use for equipment like extra HDMI cables and extension leads but it doesn’t really allow us to expand as much as we’d like.
What’s good advice for someone who wants to get involved in the society?
Best advice is to have a general passion and knowledge for video games. We’re accepting of everyone but if you don’t know anything about games there’s a likelihood you won’t enjoy yourself that much on the nights. That being said, everyone is always welcome to join us and we’ll facilitate all needs to the best of our ability.
