Mario Bautista
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A local group is not only helping kids get better at the videogames they love, but also teaching them skills they can use off the computer.
They treat it like any other sport, changing the outlook of what playing video games could mean.
“Not every kid likes sports. Not every kid wants to be part of a team sport. So, we take that same aspect and we build it into video games,” said Joshua Lambert, the owner of Gnome Gamers.
“One of the things we are trying to combat is that esports are bad, or video games are bad, while video games have a negative connotation. Sometimes, for some people, however, we’re taking that and turning it into a positive environment, getting kids to come in here, play with one another, interact with one another,” he said.
It’s more than just playing a game, they’re creating a community.
“Community is more important to me than the video games. At this point, I like getting a place for the kids to come in, act, be themselves, play video games is what they like,” said Lambert.
It’s a modern way to socialize and even increase kids’ STEM skills, by improving hand-eye coordination and more.
“I’ve definitely met some of my closest friends here, so that makes it fun. But, I also just like playing video games,” said Reagan Buoni, a Gnome Gamer.
They are also creating healthy competition here at home and across the country.
“It’s like, you can goof off, but at the same time, try your hardest to get better,” said Lambert.
Lambert says that once a year, they take about 30 to 40 kids down to Orlando for what they call the North American Finals. This year, he says they took 33 kids and won first place in Apex Legends.
Gnome Gamers is a place to learn and a place to be challenged, behind the screen and away from it.
“It takes a bit to get used to, but it’s worth it because I have a lot of fun here,” Buoni said.
They are still accepting more kids for their fall league on their website.
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