How To Throw A Fun-tastic Gamer Party

There is a gamer in all of us, regardless of age. Whether starting on Atari™ or introduced to gaming via a Nintendo Wii™, gaming is a widespread phenomenon with staying power. For some couples or even close friends, a great way to share some extra time together is to throw a gamer party. Ditch the traditional dinner and a movie gig for something worth talking about the next day. Watch out, though. Personal experience has shown that some couples just are not meant to compete against one another. If you think your relationship is up to the challenge, let the gaming begin!

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a party for gamers:

• Make sure that a variety of games are available for the party. Skill levels vary as do the game preference of other players. Having a wide selection will ensure that everyone has a fun time. Need help finding a variety of games? Get help when you rent video games and controllers.
• Don’t forget the food!! Snacking and gaming go hand in hand, except of course for when hands are tied up with game controllers and paddles.
• Let everyone have a turn at the controls. Multiplayer games come in a variety of game categories. If the game you choose is a single or two-player game, pass the controls occasionally or make it a marathon competition. “Winner plays me” style or a single/double elimination style setup works well.
• Keep the fun alive with cool party favors! Party prizes are a great way to say “thanks for coming” while making sure that even the competition’s losers are winners to someone. Stiff competitors may take losing a bit more gently with the help of a cool gift.
• Rock the gamer gear! Gamer chairs, gamer party supplies, even gamer clothes are acceptable and encouraged at any type of gamer birthday party or fun get-together. If you like dressing up in funky Halloween costumes, try dawning some gamer gear at your party for the same excitement no matter what time of year!

Here are a few great snack food tips for kicking off your gamer party with style:

• Appetizers work wonders at a party for gamers. Small foods that can be eaten quickly between rounds will serve much better than large foods that get cold faster, are eaten slower. Don’t have the Wii™ Tennis game called on account of cramping! Keep the foods simple.
• Desserts are also great. Local bakeries and pastry shops will welcome a change with the opportunity to create a delicious game-inspired cake! Is Halo® 3 the favored game? Purchase a designer cake to match the army green and orange party decorations.
• Don’t forget the drinks! Serve up the sauce or serve up the juice but keep it colorful. Kool-aids, punch drinks, party punch, and mixed drinks are great ways to incorporate game themed party decorations.
• Don’t serve sticky foods (or at least have handy wipes available). Sticky foods cause game controller buttons to stick. No one wants to lose because he or she overindulged on caramel coated toffee bars. Yum!