Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – June 14, 2024 – There is a group in Jonesboro that likes to play games. All the games! From role-playing games, to board games, to tabletop games, to card games, to dice games and beyond; the Northeast Arkansas Gamer’s Guild is all about fun.
It was created by siblings Kier Heyl and Sarah Brown in February of 2015 and has almost 1400 members. Their website, neagamersguild.org, states that they “encourage families and friends to unplug” and “come together.”
Nothing against online gaming (I’m an 80’s Nintendo kid), but it’s refreshing to see a community organization such as this promoting in-person interactions in a cyber-obsessed culture. These types of games are not only stimulating all the different brain functions that help with problem solving and make-believe, but they also give players the much need physical interactions that otherwise might be lacking when it comes to general online play.
In addition to being a way to spend quality time with gamer buddies, NEA Gamer’s Guild is a charitable cause! In 2024, their beneficiary is Friends of the Library. Funds raised will go to providing materials, resources, and additional programming to Craighead County Public Library, a public service that has recently been faced with budget cuts and staff layoffs.
So, if you’re looking for some wireless gaming action for a good cause, then joining NEAGG is your most strategic move. They offer monthly games at both Craighead County Public Library and Independence County Library, which are sponsored by Gamers’ Haven of Jonesboro.
Upon visiting the Guild website, it is evident that the market for this particular type of gaming is abundant. The number of events, stores, and clubs that are affiliated with the Gamer’s Guild is extensive. In 2017 NEAGG added a third admin in conjunction with their first NEA Game Fest. Megan Heyl stepped up and took the lead on creating their largest annual event.
July 11-14 the Guild will host their 8th annual NEA Game Fest at The Hilton Garden Inn in Jonesboro.
NEA Game Fest badges are $40 online, or $50 at the door, kids 11-15 are only $10, and kids 10 and under are free!
None of the coordinators or volunteers draw any money from this event, and all proceeds go to Friends of the Jonesboro Public Library.
This year they will have roleplaying games, play and win board games, gaming tournaments, cosplay competitions, miniature painting contests, door prizes, silent auctions, and for the first time they’re introducing play and win Magic the Gathering and Lorcana card packs.
What are Play and Wins? It’s where participants can pick out a game, play it, and then enter a drawing to win it at the event. The more you play, the more likely you are to win!
As always, they will have open gaming throughout the event with a library of over 250 board games available for checkout. Game on!