The MGS Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly does the Multiplayer Gaming Society do?

A: The Multiplayer Gaming Society acts as a hub for people in the University that like to play games. Our main focus is the console events that we run throughout the year, where people play games/socialise with other like-minded people.

MGS also likes to act as a focus for people that are into games or gaming culture to meet others that share their interest, and as such we extensively use the IRC network. The main #mgs channel is full of people, old timers and new members, but we'd suggest new people head over to our sister channel #gaming - it's a great way to meet new friends in the Colchester area and also acts as a focal point for current students to organise games quickly and easily as well as being able to talk to people that they share an interest with.

Q: How can I join?

A: Most of our recruitment is done at the Fresher's Fair, which takes place during Fresher's Week at the start of the year. We will have a stall set up, where new members can sign up, meet members, and ask any questions they may have. Upon joining, there is also the chance to place an order for your own personalised MGS member t-shirt. The cost for a year's membership is £3, with T-shirts extra. Members gain discounted admission to all events run by the society.

Recruitment isn't just limited to Freshers Fair however, and we are happy to welcome new members throughout the year. If you become interested after the Fresher's Fair, membership can be bought in the Student's Union corridor (above Level 2 and the Sub Zero, off Square 3). Alternatively contact any of the committee members for more information.

Q: I live on campus and want to play games, but I can't see anyone else on the server list - does no-one play games or is there something else wrong?

A: The university maintains a block on all UDP ports and selective TCP ports during what it considers "daytime hours:" 7am to 7pm on week days. The ports are opened every night from 7pm to 7am and all weekend from 7pm Friday to 7am Monday; ports may also be open all day during the holidays at the discretion of the Student Accommodation Network managers.

You will be unable to play most games during the university daytime hours, so no point trying! Popular games that don't work include anything that runs off Steam (Half-Life, Counter-Strike, to name but a few) or World of Warcraft.

Q: What events does the Multiplayer Gaming Society organise?

A: Currently, we organise console events for both members and non-members every Wednesday from 2pm to 7pm. We also organise PC gaming online over our IRC network.

Q: What happens if I want to bring a console or games to one of the weekly events? I'm worried it might get stolen or broken.

A: The society cannot take responsibility for any damage, loss or theft of equipment which occurs whilst at our events; however, we ensure that at least one of the committee members is present at all times to watch for suspicious activity, and there have been no instances of theft at any previous event.

The best way to avoid theft is to keep with you anything easily taken, and try to ensure there's someone you trust around to watch your things while you are gone, be it a committee member or someone next to you you have befriended. As always though, nothing is guaranteed!

Q: I'm more interested in PC gaming, rather than consoles. Does the society still have something to offer

A: Whilst the Society's events focus on console gaming, a lot of our members are equally or more interested in PC gaming. Join #gaming on our IRC network to organise games with other people who shae similar interests!

Q: How often does the Multiplayer Gaming Society meet?

A: We meet weekly at our console events, but you're more likely to find people sharing your interests at any given time by joining our IRC network. To contact other members of the society, the most popular method is the #mgs IRC channel, or the #gaming channel if you want to get right into the action. To contact the committee either PM the ops in the IRC channel or bang out an email to mgs-info [at] mgsoc . co . uk.

Over the year, we'll also try to organise other events - small LAN parties at people's houses, nights out and even a barbecue or two in Spring or Simmer. Be sure to check #mgs regularly to know what's up and coming for our members.

Q: How do I become involved in the running of events?

A: Early on in the year, after the first few weekly events, we offer Co-ordinator positions to every member of the society; Co-ordinators are responsible for aiding the committee in setting up future events and will be also asked to attend committee meetings and have an input on society decisions. This year's committee all came through after being Co-ordinators last year, so it's not just a good way to get something on the CV - it's a good way to get into the society and make a difference.

The Annual General Meeting takes place in the late Spring term and will allow people to apply for the committee positions - for further information on what is involved in these roles, please see the committee page.