Name: Amelia Tingley

Course: BA(Hons) Criminology and Sociology

Year: 2nd

What made you choose to join the Gaming and E-sports Society?

I’ve always wanted to have a community where I could make friends who have the same passion as myself. Growing up, I struggled finding people who enjoyed games as much as I did and whenever I found them, we would never meet in person for a meal or a drink when I got older. The Gaming & Esports Society has given me lifelong friends online and offline- and that’s what I believe university should be all about!

What initially drew you to the world of gaming and e-sports?

When I was young, I had undiagnosed autism and struggled making friends, but games gave me the opportunity to meet people who had the same passion for online-gaming as I did (shoutout Black Ops 2). I would spend most of my time playing games after school, on the weekend, and eventually at 16 I started playing Valorant and COD competitively. It feels freeing to know that no one is judging me for not giving eye contact or struggling to find the words, they just hope I’m not inting their lane! 😊

What are some of your favourite games or esports titles that you enjoy playing competitively?

I used to really enjoy COD, but I’ve recently moved on to titles like League of Legends and Overwatch as I find they are better for teamplay, and the community is better overall.

In what ways has playing e-sports impacted your personal life and skills outside of gaming?

Meeting and playing with the Abertay Overwatch team has truly changed my life. Every game, every laugh and every in-person meeting has made me feel welcome. I would now consider many of them my best friends, and they’ll always be the ones I’m inviting out to Spoons. My Captain made me gain a confidence I never thought I had in me that is visible everywhere I go.