Guest Blog: Caleb Sherman

This week I’ll be continuing Evan’s series on video games and social isolation. My name is Caleb Sherman and I am proof that video games do not necessarily lead to social isolation. My favorite game series is that of Super Smash Brothers. After spending years of playing with my brother, dad and close friends I decided in 2009 to try playing the latest installment, Super Smash Brothers Brawl, online. Online gaming allows players to meet other gamers from around the globe and engage in friendly competition. After playing online for 6 months or so I met someone from Houston, TX who encouraged me to attend a tournament in Dallas hosted by Major League Gaming (MLG). This turned out to be a great experience as I was able to meet many of the players I had heard about but never seen in person. Below are two of the best players in the U.S., Elliot Bastien (left) and Jason Zimerman (right).

I learned that there was a competitive scene in my area and began going to tournaments locally and occasionally traveled as far as Houston. I’ve met dozens of people in the process and made quite a few friends. One of the largest tournaments I’ve attended was on Houston, TX in March of 2011. In Super Smash Brothers Brawl I use the character Donkey Kong. This character is rare to see in competitive play because he’s not quite as good as most other characters. Below is a picture of me (center, black shirt) along with a few other people who play the character.

Even though most of us had never met and lived in different parts of the United States we had a sense of unity since we played the same character. We were able to talk about strategies with our characters and offer advice before and after tournament matches.

Even at UTD I have met numerous people through playing video games, they often act as a simple point of reference that many people can associate with. The myth that video games lead to social isolation has been busted!