VDO Gaming is now building an in-person gaming community

VDO Gaming is building an in-person gaming community

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For years, video games have often been associated with isolation and the stereotype of the “lone gamer” in their bedroom. But now, a group of passionate gamers at VDO Gaming & Esports Education is working to shift the narrative by bringing gaming back to its roots… face-to-face.

The organization wants to bring gamers back together in real life to bond over shared experiences, learn from each other, and ultimately redefine what it means to be a gamer.

Whether through e-sports, stem learning, or just leveling up for a favorite game like Smash Brothers or Fortnite, Michael Crossman, General Manager, said this whole project has been in the making for 10 years. The team started by creating video game tournaments for local shops like Game Stop.

“The journey was crazy because we worked for other entities, kinda doing a DJ service- but for gaming. And we would go to different venues and haul all of this equipment everywhere,” he said. “And it was just about time to stop hauling this equipment everywhere and find a dedicated location where we could build on this. Also, to understand that there are careers in this. People can pursue their dream of gaming. Whether it’s creating games, creating music for the games, broadcasting. There are different opportunities, and we want people to know that.”

Organizers also want to expand by creating more events and opportunities across the Capital Region. They plan to host stem-centered summer camps, birthday parties, activities for people with sensory issues, and even team-building activities for companies and organizations.

Crossman said they have even been approached by police departments across the Capital Region that want to set up Call of Duty competitions against other departments.

The main mission for Crossman has always been to create an actual community where gamers can meet in person rather than just online.

“You know, gaming had this stigma where you kind of did it alone. Online made it easier to do it alone. Online and playing with other people. But we really wanted to bring back that community feel of being together, playing together, playing the games together, and inspiring each other to make these different career decisions in gaming. And the biggest thing is to get them now in front of these machines and the community.”