There are many “nerdy” things to do in Potchefstroom, though those who are stereotyped by these activities would disagree that they are strictly for nerds, at all. As popular culture has influenced society’s view on “Geeky” and “Nerdy” interests in a positive way, many different types of people have started to engage in social activities that were once niche driven.

DotA ( Defence of the Ancients)

This is a multiplayer online battle arena, or in more inviting terms, a platform for social interconnectivity intertwined by a virtual world.

Jurie Potgieter, currently working on his Ph.D. in the field of Environmental Sciences, states that stereotypes surrounding DotA were accurate five to ten years ago, where more introverted “non-social” people would engage in play. He says that the Esports culture, competition sports using videogames, has become increasingly mainstream, especially DotA.

Charles Smith, fourth-year Microbiology and Physiology student, and avid DotA player says that the Stereotype line has begun to blur around DotA as technology, such as YouTube and Twitch have been positive promoters of DotA to the mainstream.

Many consider DotA to be an emotional escape, where negative emotions can be dealt with constructively. The catharsis provided by DotA helped Charles through a “Family tragedy,” where he could connect with people virtually while tapping into another world as his favorite “hero”, Invoker, which he describes as a “thinking, complicated” character.

DotA encourages “community,” says Tinus Potgieter, fourth-year mechanical engineer student, and Jurie Potgieter agrees that you get “, All types of people,” online as the “heroes” cater to different personality types.

“People like figuring things out,” says Jurie, adding that the game’s strategic nature helps one concentrate and socialise in the comforts of your own home.

Anyone who’s everyone is looking for an escape, since, “Depression rates are higher,” says Jurie, so engaging in a LAN (Local Area Network) where one can meet new players and chat with them during the game, can help one wind down. There are “No consequences,” and the game is, “Visually and intellectually stimulating,” says Charles.

Whether you’re looking for stimulation, an escape, or social banter, DotA is a platform where light-heartedness reigns, just be sure not to lose yourself too much in the game. Become part of it by logging on, or take part in events such as the PUK LAN.

Magic: The Gathering

is a card game in which wizards embark on magical exploits to defeat their opponents. Two or more players assemble a deck of 60 cards with varying powers, chosen from a selection of more than 20,000 cards.

Magic: The Gathering, as a formal gathering in Protea Books in Potchefstroom was started by Beulette du Toit and Ruan Pansegrouw in 2017. Magic has grown to be a popular game all over the world, and has become part of popular culture in South Africa.

Tinus Potgieter, fourth-year mechanical engineer student comments that the stereotypes surrounding the people who play Magic are mean and, “Not true,” as anyone who likes games or strategy can become involved. “I, for example like rugby and going to the gym but am crazy about Magic,” says Tinus, placing emphasis on the fact that, “Sitting in your mom’s basement, playing, not getting out is no longer a thing,” Tinus adds that Magic has been popularised by popular culture in shows like The Big Bang Theory and Stranger Things.

Bertie Seyffert, who is doing his Ph.D. in Astrophysics says that Magic has become part of the mainstream. Popular culture had a hand in destigmatising the terms “Nerd” and “Geek” through movies like The Avengers and Marvel comics. Bertie adds that this exposure to the “geek” world in a different light, made people curious to know more.

Audrey Riley, mother and an avid Magic player was introduced to Magic 5 years ago. She engages in Magic matches with her family and enjoys how the strategic nature of Magic allows for utilisation in real life. Her favourite character to play is Anjin because it suits her strong personality. Audrey does not agree that the “nerd” stereotype applies to Magic, as her husband and daughter go toe to toe: “ A 47-year-old can play against a 12-year-old,” in the name of building relationships. Audrey considers the Magic community as an open one that encourages interaction.

Ruan Pansegrouw, who works at Oukraal restaurant, adds that the wizards and “colours” one chooses in Magic lend largely to personality types, where a more open personality would play “white”, and be annoyed with “blue” players as they “try to lead the opponent astray.”

With Magic: The Gathering being 35 years old, it attracts a wider demographic, and the fact that certain cards are worth more than others, money-wise, adds real stakes to the game.

If you’re looking for a personality assessment, friendly competition, or a possible investment, Magic: The Gathering is for you. To learn more, join Magic the Gathering Open House on Facebook, or see Magic happening on Thursdays at the SS on campus from 18:00 to 21:30, or Saturdays in Protea Books.

Board Game World in Potchefstroom

was created by Johan Oosthuysen, who works in IT, five years ago. He decided to start Board Game World because of the personal delight he found in playing board games and how board games bring people together. “No such thing in Potch.” He adds that the increase in the age spectrum and interest level in board games is because of the large variety of games,” Ranging from farming to sushi.” Some of the most popular “tabletop” games include The Settlers of Catan and Ticket To Ride, which would be considered a “gateway” game, as it is easy to understand. The Settlers of Catan is popular also because of its simplicity and the speed in which it is played, Johan adds, that for some reason people like the game because they, “Like to throw dice.”

Bertie, who is doing his Ph.D. in Astrophysics, says that board games have gained popularity over the past five to eight years, worldwide. New board games, that move away from the classic games like Monopoly, include Carcassonne and The Settlers of Catan, which has brought out an Afrikaans version. He says that Cards Against Humanity, “Begin to blur the line between traditional 30 Seconds and is aimed at more non-geeks”. Bertie says that popular culture has become more, “Geek and nerd-friendly,” because the “Stigma around being a geek or a nerd has started to fall flat, so it is not an outsider thing anymore, but something more mainstream.” He adds that this could be due to people broadening their perceptions, due to the influence of Marvel comic books and also the fact that board game quality has increased.

Hester van der Linde, a lawyer, has been part of Board Game World in Potchefstroom since 2013. She says there are many people, apart from the regular group of board gamers, who are interested in playing, including students. “I play board games because of the interaction between people,” she says, where board games, according to her, are preferable to online games. Hester has observed that, for everyday life, “Board games teach you to critically analyse situations in order to solve your problems.” There are games that are more adrenaline-inducing and games that help you relax. She argues that there are enough board games to accommodate every type of person, from, “Children, students, Mathematicians, artsy types, etc.” She says it differs from normal socialising in that it helps one break the ice easier among strangers.

With an eclectic crowd, a diverse selection of games, and tangible conversation, one can be sure to find a game that will remedy boredom. To learn more, visit Board Game World on Facebook, click on Boardgameworld.co.za, or throw yourself in on Saturdays from 14:00 to 22:00 at the NG Church on the Bult.