We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kirkland Dent. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kirkland below.
Kirkland, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
To be involved as the main tournament organizer of a gaming community, it doesn’t sound as easy as you may think. Sure, getting a few consoles, computers and TVs together to run an event sounds simple, but when you start out not having enough funds and resources to make sure it runs properly, then it’s a big struggle. In addition, you’re bringing together to parties on what is considered opposing ends of the spectrum. So, you wonder to yourself if people would be upset, throw harsh criticisms, and vow to never come back if things go wrong. Would it be worth it to keep it going? Why am I doing this in the first place? I had those questions rotate in my head for many years. It was (and still is) a big risk to operate as a TO for Reboot Retrocade Gaming and Swagged Out Nerds. However, as crazy as it sounds, I find it worth it.
Back in 2019, these two entities: one as Reboot Gaming (with origins of grassroots) and the other as Swagged Out Nerds (SON for short) (an esports organization not seen as grassroots, but not really corporate either) did not initially meet on the best of terms, though they both had the same goal: To grow and build a community. The Reboot side are many players who had history of experiencing esports in many unfortunate ways. So they saw SON as more of a threat to the culture of the gaming community.
The issue is, Reboot Gaming by itself did not have enough resources and funds to provide the prestige level of events they always dreamed of. We had self-supported our resources, but slowly it was wearing on us, especially me since I had most of everything. So I’ve spent some months to find answers. Then I’ve happened to stumble upon Jason Clarke the CEO of Swagged Out Nerds at one night in the Reboot venue and we’ve met to discuss ideas. And with the amazing networking skills, Clarke connected with many city officials and other gaming organization to host a big meeting to potentially put something together for us gamers.
At first the meeting went well, but afterwards, the Reboot Gaming side had concerns due to past experiences with other organizations. However, I convinced them on many occasions to give it another try. There were guidelines, policies and such on how funds and resources would be used for events that led to some division. And I had to convince SON and city officials on investing in the gaming community because it would be worth it in the end and we could break the curse between the grassroots and esports schism.
Then the pandemic happened, and big stories of other gaming communities expressing frustrations towards esports organizations came out like a waterfall. They more or less persuaded Reboot Gaming to start distrusting SON even more. And pretty much, I was worried that everything would totally fall apart. And then I was offered an idea by SON: Have SON to recruit Reboot Gaming as a consultant/second party group to the organization and I can be an ambassador to help negotiate between both parties.
That point was where I had to think for a while compare a lot of pros and cons. I was the bridge between everyone and everything. If it all fails, then I’ll take hit and probably would call it quits. Granted, this wasn’t my actual job, so I wouldn’t lose everything. But I did put my own time, money and effort to put something together. And I loved the gaming community as it made who I am now. But a few friends of mine and my girlfriend helped me build confidence in myself to take the reins.
I’ve had meetings with my Reboot Gaming people, push them to set aside differences and focus on what we all wanted. Help SON understand what the community is about and why we are a community in the first place. They agreed, despite their doubts. And I’ve reached out to SON, explained to them how the community works and what we can negotiate and learn how to work together.
Well, it’s still a risk, but to this day, we’ve had some changes: More funds and resources have been provided for our tournaments. SON took notes on what worked for us and what didn’t and adjusted accordingly. We’ve held for 3 years in a row a (mini) regional event where players across the country attended and it was funded by the city. Many local businesses have been providing more sponsorships and such to even our regular tournaments. More players joined our group, grew stronger in competition and got more acknowledgement outside of our area. There are still growing pains, but to see the results today seems like it was worth it.
We have many plans now prepared for the future, and between both groups, I’m excited to see what’s to come (though I already know for the most part).
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Though I’ve been considered by many to run the Reboot and Swagged Out Nerds tournament for the past 5 years or so, I actually have been involved with running gaming events since 2010. I am one of the founders of the Mercer University Video Game Club (now renamed as Mercer Gaming Society). Me and a group of friends started it together in a dorm to host gaming events and meetups. Then I was chosen as one of the presidents of the club once we’ve became official. I’ve helped connect our club with other organizations within and outside of the university including the Greek Life organizations, Blockbuster Studios, and eventually, the more competitive fighting game and Smash Bros communities.
The ultimate goal in what I do is provide a community where anyone from all walks of life who have common interest in gaming to fellowship with each other and for some, build skills via competitions. It’s a way to enforce the idea that gaming can be used as a positive aspect in people’s lives and not considered as a waste for them. And by teaching fundamentals of how some gaming works, applying personal attributes into gaming skills (i.e. learning to be patient, concentrate, giving and earning respect with people in comparison to other players in matches (and vice-versa)).
What makes me proud is having many players to come to me and discuss how the gaming community made positive impacts in their lives. And they create friendships with their rivals, have family members and other friends come out to support during events, have opportunities to travel to places they may not have even been before, and network to even find jobs!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
When it came to running casuals or events for gaming, one of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn (to an extent) was focusing on yourself and needs. I wanted to have certain games to be featured at events, and no one around was as interested to play them. And I would more or less force others to try the certain games out. And one of the members who are experienced in viewing how gaming communities operated sat down with me to discuss that I shouldn’t worry what I want for the people, and try to let them enjoy what they want to enjoy. And maybe later down the line, they might take interest in what you would like to see happen.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Because of the history on how society viewed gaming as a counter-productive entertainment since the 80s and 90s, it’s hard to convince people outside of our communities otherwise. The media would easily focus on gaming if mainly an incident happen and people would blame video games as the source of the problem. Also, they would look at those who love gaming as more or less worthless people not advancing in life. It’s weird, because many of our players in the community have many high-paying jobs and are involved in financial, housing, medical, tech and government fields. Even if not, they still contribute to society by helping producing and selling everyday products, serve customers amazing food and drinks, deliver people and items needed to their destinations, create amazing art and fashion, and more!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirretro08/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirkdent08
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkland-dent-23355791/
- Twitter: https://x.com/SirRetro08
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrCv84ApGPozxssaYuA60A
Image Credits
SieteSnaps