By Kayla Knowles
Staff Writer
Calling all the “Star Trek” fans to prepare their battle stations, as one of Costa’s newest clubs, Cooperative Gaming Club, brings the films’ spaceship fights to life.
Founded by senior Jeselle Clark, the club focuses on playing a game called “Artemis,” a computer-based, team-oriented game that takes place in outer space. Two teams go head-to-head, aiming to destroy the other team’s ships, while simultaneously protecting their own.
“The idea is to get students together to play cooperative games,” Advanced Placement Java teacher and CGI advisor Aaron Braskin said. “We want to focus on games that are team oriented.”
“Artemis” can be played on several different computers by several people at one time, each computer being known as a workstation.
“It emphasizes technology and products of the gaming industry,” CGI club member senior Brian Anschel said. “I joined because playing on an interactive spaceship simulator is a lot of fun.”
Each team member is responsible for its own unique job in the simulated spaceship. Jobs include helmsman, someone who controls the entirety of the ship, communication, engineering and weapon control.
“This game is different from others because you can’t win by yourself,” Braskin said. “You have to work together.”
The club’s first battle took place this past Halloween. One team was stationed in room 11, while the other team was in room 12. One team was made up of students, while the other consisted of teachers.
“We do not interact together, and it is all happening behind closed doors,” Lee said. “It’s a really entertaining thing that we can do together.”
At the end of the tournament, the students came out on top. The overall goal of the tournament was to create a strong sense of team unity, improve game skills and to have fun.
“Those kids obviously know what they’re doing,” teacher-participant Harold Coller said. “They have a strong grasp on technology.”
According to Clark, the club plans to host many more tournaments and get even more students involved with the game.
“We were really happy with the turnout, so we definitely want to plan more tournaments,” Clark said.
Many of the club members have backgrounds with computers and technology. In order to improve their skills for design and create a more effective environment for coding software, the club will be integrated into “The Day of Code” on Dec. 14. This event is a countrywide practice day where people will learn about the fundamentals of software development as well as learn about design.
“I would really like to keep this club going,” Clark said. “I’m a senior so I will graduate this year, but there’s a few sophomores in the club that I hope will keep it going.”
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