For new students campus life can seem overwhelming. Welcome Week probably helped with this anxiety but there are fun activities WSU has to offer.
Graduate student Stephen Gogol is in the process of bringing the college game Humans vs. Zombies to WSU.
“Human vs. Zombies is essentially a large game of tag that lasts typically about a week,” Gogol said. “At the beginning of the game, everyone is a human except for two players who are zombies.” He further explained that zombies wear bandanas on their heads while humans wear them on their arms.
The goal is for the zombies to get the humans, who will then become zombies. Humans must carry Nerf guns to protect themselves. If a zombie is hit, they are considered dead for about an hour.
“This system relies heavily on the honor system for the game to be a fun experience for everyone,” Gogol said. “The most fun part of the game is the end game. This occurs at the end of the week where you give the humans a final challenge such as: ‘A rescue helicopter will arrive at Dunbar Library at 8:30. Make it there to survive.’ You would then invite all the zombies to Dunbar and create a last stand kind of scenario. This also prevents people who only care about winning from just sitting in their rooms all week.”
According to humansvszombies.org, the game originated at Goucher College in 2005. It is free to play, and has taken place on six continents in locations such as Australia, Namibia, Spain and Denmark. Gogol said that some schools provided large boxes of ammo so other players can resupply while still on campus.
The game also has rules to keep players safe. For example, Nerf guns cannot be modified or painted to look real and must be put away while in buildings. Zombies cannot tag players in classes or run around in buildings.
Gogol will rely on the backing of an organization to get their game operating. He’s already talked to the Greek advisor and hopes the FSGC (Fraternity and Sorority Governing Council) would be interested in hosting it.
“I’m hoping to get the floor at one of their E-board meetings within the next few weeks to present them with the idea,” Gogol said.
He admitted that right now he’s in a roadblock with WSU police force about the Nerf guns.
“I want to bring this game to WSU because I believe it would be a lot of fun and anyone can participate,” Gogol said. “Wright State can benefit because it would get people psyched up to be on campus and would also create a stronger community amongst students.”
Humans vs. Zombies games have never been played at WSU and would bring something different to campus. For more information about the game go to humansvszombies.org.
To learn how to get involved with bringing the game to WSU as well as becoming a participant, contact Stephen Gogol at gogol.2@wright.edu.
