Youngsters’ gaming fun so loud police turned up
Police were called to a gaming event in Invercargill at the weekend.
But when they arrived there was no trouble – only boisterous and ‘‘yahooing’’ teenagers playing the Fortnite video game on 20 computer screens.
‘‘The volume got to the point where the cops were called,’’ event organiser James Wards said.
It was one of 10 gaming days in Invercargill which are being put on by Your Corps, a business owned by Wards.
Wards said he was able to put on the gaming events with the help of the South Alive community organisation and Community Trust South which covered the entry fee for the gamers.
He describes his business as a social development group, where young people who may be isolated playing video games at home can come together at the same venue and play with other youngsters on his 20 computer screens.
‘‘It’s an opportunity for them to make new friends and new connections through the common interest of video games.’’
His company had been operating for 21⁄2 years and had hosted 75 events around Southland.
‘‘We set up 20 computers, all networked together and loaded up with the same games, and they play with or against each other.
‘‘It’s comparable to sports, but in a digital realm.’’
Wards, who has lost friends to suicide, said the group gaming events were a lot of fun and he started hosting them for his mates and to help a friend who was having his own mental health struggles.
‘‘We rounded up 20 laptops and did gaming nights at my house.’’
Word spread, his living room got too small – and he went on to start his own company, putting on gaming days around Southland by working with community organisations to make it happen.
‘‘I could see the positive impact it was having . . . the parents were telling me how excited their kids were.’’
Some people got themselves in dark places and felt like no one wanted to hang out with them, he said.
‘‘So if we can get them in the same room playing video games, they can’t contain
‘‘We are providing activities anyone can engage in, despite their physical wellbeing.’’ James Wards
Owner, Your Corps
their excitement.
‘‘It’s brilliant, we want to create opportunities for them to make those connections.’’
He wanted to help reduce Southland’s suicide rate.
‘‘We are resonating with a lot of kids and helping them make friends.
‘‘We are providing activities anyone can engage in, despite their physical wellbeing.’’
Wards said he was only just starting in the business.
‘‘I have got an obligation to keep going for these kids.’’