Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Robyn Swanson, who is displayed on card number 119 from the Superstars of 2011 Collection. Robyn is also displayed on card number 920. Robyn is one of the most competitive women gamers today. Robyn is currently a Professional Gamer and Content Creator eSports team Empire Arcadia. In 2011 Robyn became a member of the Supercon 2k Series and helps host video game events and tournaments. Robyn has many records on the Twin Galaxies website for games such as Just Dance and Dance Central.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
The very first video game that I remember playing was Mario Bro/Duck Hunt on the original NES, staying up late during the summertime with my mom going from castle to castle, discovering secrets, and mimicking her movements on the player two controller as she played the game. I was 4 or 5yrs old at the time when my mother Tracey Brown taught me how to play.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games?
How do you compare them to older, classic games? I believe that today’s generation of video games have endless possibilities with technology growing and changing every 3 to 6 months it gives developers opportunities to create something out of this world. To me there is no comparison, classic games are gems, priceless, and no matter the era that gaming is in you still have people to this day in age playing classic games and quite frankly in a league of its own. Without classic games, we would not have the games that we have today.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a Video Game Trading card?
No way in my younger years I never would have thought that I would be on a trading card.
Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the Trading Card? If so, where?
Of course, I’ve received media coverage from Walter Day, my eSports team Empire Arcadia, Ladies of The Roundtable, Patrick Scott Patterson, Obsolete Gamer Show, and in No Princess in a Castle documentary.
When did you first meet Walter day and where was it at?
I finally met Walter in person back in 2012 at the 56TH Philly Non-Sports Card Show “Twin Galaxies World Premier” Video Game Trading Cards Allentown, PA. My very first card show ever as well as my interview with Walter Day, Awards Ceremonies, and the card signing along with many other gaming legends, world record holders, and notable community leaders.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
I’m sorry I can’t just describe him in one word, so in three words “Father of eSports”. Why? Well if you look at the history of Walter Day and Twin Galaxies he went from a local scoreboard to international keeping scores from top players all over the world to CO- founding the very first eSports team.
Growing up were you team Sega or Nintendo and why?
Nintendo because Pokémon and anything Mario need I say more? Lol well the most important is because my first console was The Nintendo Entertainment System this holds precious memories for me.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
Yes, I am, hmmm I wear many hats in the gaming industry so to name just a few I’m a content creator, woman in gaming, world record holder, and compete in the realm of eSports at Empire Arcadia. Event Manager at The SuperCon 2k Series. Mentor and gaming ambassador to the younger generation / up in coming.
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
Well in my lifetime so far, I’ve only owned 2 handhelds which were the Gameboy color and the Nintendo 3ds so if I had to choose between the two most definitely the 3ds because duel screen gaming, 3d function, and street passing.
Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?
I play both really but I prefer console gaming for I’m still getting used to playing with a mouse and keyboard, even though I know certain games on steam you can play with a pad. But where’s the fun in that?
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
ESports games that I play are OverWatch, Just Dance Series, Call of Duty series, H1Z1, SFV (Street Fighter 5), KI (Killer Instinct), and Injustice 2 when that drops. I’m thinking about buckling down and learning Tekken when Tekken 7 drops and maybe Marvel Infinite as well. Outside of the competitive realm I’ve been playing games like Nioh, Fate Extella, and Berserk and the band of the Hawk. Favorite gaming genres would be Shooters, rhythm and dance, sports, and then fighting games in that order.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
Ohhhhhh this would be a four-way tie between Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Ms. Pac-Man, and The Simpsons Arcade. I grew up playing these games on consoles, local grocery stores, laundry mats, and chuck e cheese. It would be nice to own a real arcade cabinet since I never experienced playing in a real arcade.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
Even though you can find games that each particular age group would enjoy I feel like the last 10 years of video games outside of Nintendo games have been more teen – rated mature games then child friendly games on other modern platforms.
Do you believe some Video Games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
Nope, everything goes back good parenting in my opinion even though I knew the difference between right and wrong and I was very mature for my age growing up. There were games that my mom would not allow me to play until I became of age the same thing with watching certain movies and tv shows.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
I definitely play more online games. I find it more fun to play games with your friends, forming parties in game and even more social aspect form a private voice chat party depending on the platform you own, then go out and enjoy the shenanigans good times.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
Most definitely, if I had a bad day at work I would play fighting games or shooters. Want to kick back and mellow out I would play a Harvest Moon type of game so Star Dew Valley. Problem solving, creative brainstorming, or a tough situation I play puzzle games to help me think so for me it depends to on what I’m in the mood for on top of my current level of stress.
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
Ehhhh, have you seen the live action Street Fighter, Resident Evils, or DOA (DEAD OR ALIVE) movies? lol. I like them for what they are but the reality is I know Hollywood is always going to be Hollywood, so unless they are working with the creators I don’t take these movies too serious like a lot of hardcore day 1 fans do.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
Mario, he’s my first video game super hero, whether he’s forever saving a princess, or saving friends he is very near and dear to my heart. My first game that I ever played was a Mario game and I have precious memories with my mother sharing this experience with me for the first time.
If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
It would be about my journey in life, and I would be the main character.
Where do you see Video gaming in the next 20 years?
All Virtual Reality like the anime Sword Art Online.
This is one of an ongoing series of articles based on the Walter Day Collection of e-sports/video gaming trading cards – check out more information at thewalterdaycollection.com.
Todd Friedman is heavily involved in the retro gaming community and has co-promoted the Video Game Summit in Chicago, IL for the past 16 years. He also has published 2 books and written for various different gaming magazines including Old School Gamer.
