The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) Meeple Board Game Society is a niche community where students and faculty of different educational backgrounds and can congregate in a single space and divulge in their love and curiosity for board and tabletop games.
Meeple Board Game Society’s origins began when its founder, Rogelio Long, would play board games in his free time. Unsatisfied with the lack of presence that catered to the interest, he launched Meeple Board Game Society on Aug. 24, 2015, with a few of his friends.
The origin of the name pays homage to one of the creators of Carcassonne, a popular tile-laying board game where players strategically place tiles to build medieval landscapes, including cities, roads, fields, and monasteries. After placing a tile, players can deploy one of their limited followers, known as “meeples,” to claim sections of the landscape, such as roads, cities, or fields, which score points when completed. The creator’s grandmother and fused “my people” into one word, “meeple,” when trying to speak of the game’s miniature figurines that resembled people.
Gavin Patino, a civil engineering student at UTEP, is the fifth generation inheriting the organization and has been president for two and a half years. While previous predecessors have successfully managed the organization through a pandemic and other challenges, he hopes to imbue it with his legacy of being inclusive and expansive to all communities.
“We have all kinds of games. We have everything from kid family games to more intensive games,” Patino said. “Our goal is to get people exposed to all different kinds of games.”
As president, he intends for it to be a safe space for all individuals to feel welcome. His efforts have included making Meeple known, such as attending tabling events, getting the organization involved in campus events and publicizing them through any means.
The organization’s signature is its interest in fulfilling the social aspect, getting those interested in board games acquainted with them, and not being discouraged by how others will perceive them.
“Just come in every now and again. Pick up a board game from our library and ask someone to play,” Patino said. “We have a lot of people that feel embarrassed. If you just walk around and talk to someone, that’s what we’re here for, that social aspect.”
Board games fill the room, offering various possibilities ranging from classics like Uno to Settlers of Catan. Whether you’re a novice board game enthusiast or an experienced player looking to sharpen your skills, the game library and group setting cater to all interests.
“I see a lot of camaraderie. They’re collaborative games. The reactions you get from people when they’re excited about playing board games are exciting.” Patino said.
Matthew Baeza, a Mechanical Engineering major, spends some of his free time at the organization.
Baeza first stumbled into the organization by accident. He learned that it hosts events every Friday and saw it as a great way to de-stress from classes. Since then, he has been a member, attending certain events whenever possible for the past two years.
“It’s a great way to socialize,” Baeza said. “I always look forward to it. Some games you’ve played and others you’ve never played before but get the opportunity to play with a group.”
Regardless of the game, whether it be a casual tabletop game or one that incites healthy competition, the ambiance and overall experience remains positive and enjoyable.
Baeza commends the Meeple Board Game Society for being different in its interpretation of what an organization is and how it’s executed.
“We have a different goal in mind. I think other societies might have the goal of fundraising. Ours is completely different than that,” Baeza said. “Our goal is just to play games and have some fun. Maybe have a couple of snacks, maybe we’re doing a special event. It is just to make a welcoming environment.”
Board games may be confined to their one-dimensional, four-cornered cards and boards. Still, their stationary qualities offer opportunities for those curious to connect, providing the perfect segue between meeting new people and breaking the ice. This robust community at UTEP welcomes those purposely seeking a space to nurture their interest and those curious to explore the realm of tabletop and board games.
Meeple Board Game Society hosts events every Friday at the Undergraduate Learning Center, Room 202, and hosts workshops to teach members about game design and development. The organization welcomes anyone interested in playing board games.
Stay informed on any of Meeple Board Game Society’s upcoming events on MineTracker or Instagram @meepleboardgame.
Jazmine Gracia is a writing contributor for The Prospector and can be reached [email protected].
