There are many social pastimes: athletics, theater, arts, academic and recreational clubs and so on.

While Iowa State has all of those and more, video games have become an important tool for people to take part in as they can help you meet new people.

Iowa State has three clubs that are specifically related to gaming: Game Renegades, the Game Development Club and the Cardinal Pokémon League.

Game Renegades is a club that exists for students who want to play video games casually and competitively.

“Game Renegades provides opportunities for both causal and competitive players,” said Ryan Helfers, chair of design for Game Renegades. “Whether it’s hosting some of the best teams in the country or having a fun-themed LAN party, Game Renegades is a hub for everyone at Iowa State who is interested in playing video games.”

If you play on console or on PC, and regardless of your taste in games, you can always go play and discuss the video game industry at the Game Renegades club.

If you’re interested in more than just playing, the Game Development Club exists for students who want to develop, or have an interest in developing, video games.

“Game Development Club offers a unique opportunity to meet people with similar interests and differing skill sets,” said Samuel Henkes, vice president of the Game Development Club. Game designers, artists, programmers and sound designers come together to learn and share their ideas in game development.

Members are always sticking around after meetings to talk about anything and everything and get to know fellow members better.

“I have met some of my best friends in college at Game Development Club and continue to get to know more amazing people every year,” Henkes said.

Members of this club will be able to work with others to create something they want to see come to life. It doesn’t matter if you’re a programmer, writer, artist or composer, anyone can get involved in Game Development Club.

The Cardinal Pokémon League is a club that exists purely for those students who have a passion for the Pokémon series.

Joseph Crowley, the secretary for the Iowa State Cardinal Pokémon League, said, “The Cardinal Pokémon League is a great club for those looking to hangout and do all things Pokémon. From the games, to the shows, to tournaments, to trivia nights, it’s a nonstop nostalgia trip for anybody looking to have some fun.

“Sharing memories from your first Pokémon adventure is a great way to meet new people, and an even better way to make friends. We are a dues-free social club open to any and all, and we’d love to have you join us.”

You can join this group to play any and all Pokémon games with a group of other Pokémon fans.

Gaming is not the only thing, however, as you can watch any of the animated shows or movies with the group, as well as discuss any books or other forms of Pokémon media.

Video games, anime movies and shows, and discussions with others about a franchise that everyone in the club cares about is what The Cardinal Pokémon League is all about.

Iowa State has a lot of gaming events that go on as well. These events are organized by the Game Renegades club as well as students and staff on campus.

Examples of these events are the intramural Rocket League team tournament, the open LAN gaming sessions, the Game Renegades general meetings, the game jams held and organized by the Game Development Club, the weekly get-togethers for the Cardinal Pokémon League, and even more events and activities in the future.

Iowa State is leading the way in embracing video game culture, and you can be a part of that by getting involved in any of these clubs and/or events.