By Ty Quirk
WARP Gaming’s Split Screen Madness event was not only a fun experience for viewers to spectate, but also a place for gamers to experience a wonderful night of gaming. Through Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Jackbox, and other games, people could experience a night of laughter, competition, and friendship. Video games weren’t the only attractions to enjoy, though: there was pizza and popcorn, music from video games and classic 2000s-2010s music courtesy of campus radio station WNEK: The Voice, and a raffle table including different pieces of gaming memorabilia, gift cards, and even a 40” TV set.
“Split Screen Madness was first run last year as a fun, quick event we could run at the beginning of the semester,” said Logan Watts, WARP Gaming’s president. “Split screen games allow you to chat with friends you have already made or make new ones, and it’s a great way to show many of the games we play at WARP meetings.”
One attendee was first-year student Jhoan Ruiz, who said, “I’m having so much fun. I came to play with people who share the same interests as me!” After the event, Ruiz said that “the best highlight was Mario Kart World! I got to play for the first time and I won!”
“I went to the Split Screen Madness event partly because I had selected to go to it for my internship with the Marketing Department, and partly because I missed out on this event last year, and I wanted to see what it was all about,” said senior Michael Pedro. “When I got there, I found the games like Make Way, Mario Kart World, and Jackbox especially to be highlights.”
Altan Becker, another first-year student, decided to attend after seeing the well-made advertisements. “I went to the Split Screen Madness event because the posters looked fun, and I love watching people play video games,” Becker said. His decision to attend was well worth it, as he “had a great time eating food, watching people play and hang out, and socializing with both old and new friends! Plus, free pizza.”
Following the event, Chris Caruso, also a first-year student, praised the event as a whole. “I think that Split Screen Madness was an absolute blast – with great music, great games, great snacks, and a hint of competitive spirit,” Caruso said. “I know I had a wonderful time getting to know some of my fellow WARP club members.”
“Some of my favorite things about WARP are that there is always something going on,” said WARP Gaming vice president Lacey Tilsley. “Almost every night of the week has a subsection meeting, and it’s low commitment, so you can go to what looks cool when you have time! We always have great prizes and games and food at our events too, so that’s a plus!”
If you’re interested in checking out WARP Gaming’s other events, you can get updates on the club through their Instagram @wnewarpgaming or check out their Discord server.
