Playing Games, Making Friends

A new program designed for kids aims to meld virtual worlds and reality for a fun evening of gaming.

The City of Boca Raton and the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District recently teamed to bring the community Game Night at the Swim and Racquet Community Center.

Designed for children aged 11-14, the first of three planned game nights occurred on June 12.

“It's fun,” gamer Noah Collman said. “I'm meeting new friends.”

Roblox-based games proved to be the top choice on the initial night.

Players gathered in a dedicated community center room furnished to resemble a gaming lounge. Parents – at least one or a caregiver is required to be present – enjoyed their own lounge.

“I think it's a great opportunity for kids to come together who like to game but don't have the accessibility to socialize or don't play sports,” said Jewels Palfisano, whose son Michelangelo enjoyed the night.

Gamers are encouraged to bring their own gaming device, but a limited number of devices were available at the event. Low sensory options were also available, and all games played must be rated E (Everyone) or E10+. Snacks were provided.

Players are encouraged hang out and make connections in a low-pressure, flexible environment with no set agenda.

Billed as an “evening of collaborative gaming,” players worked together as teammates to solve various gaming puzzles.

“This is a great idea,” Alison Collman said. “It's a good way for kids to meet in person and do the gaming, instead of just doing it virtually and seeing an avatar. It's nice that they can actually talk to each other – 'let's do this' or 'let's do that'.”

Upcoming game nights are scheduled for July 10 and August 14. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. and runs for about an hour-and-a-half. Admission is $5.