Owen!
Banditos Gaming Member Spotlight: Owen
Owen
Meet Owen, a long-time member of Banditos Gaming who has been with us since the very beginning! Owen is a dynamic and thoughtful part of our community, always bringing a unique perspective to the table.
Meet Owen
Nickname/Gaming Alias: O-Win!, The Swa-tegist, The Hab & the Güt, The Ruler of Everything in this Room,
Hometown: Nyack, NY
Occupation/Field of Study: Psychology & Creative Writing
Favorite Quote: "Ugh...I ruined myself on men!" (Byzanz); "The Sky Jo giveth & the Sky Jo taketh away," (Sky Jo)
Fun Fact About Yourself: I'm named after the Chief Justice that ruled on such civil rights cases as Brown v. Board, Miranda v. Arizona, & Loving v. Virginia.
Gaming Journey and Interests
Owen’s journey into gaming started with classic systems like the GameBoy and SNES, playing titles like Sims, Diablo, and Age of Empires thanks to his family’s love for games. Over the years, his gaming tastes have evolved, but he still enjoys a variety of genres, including TableTop RPGs, social deception games, and fast-paced titles like Love Letter and Trio. His all-time favorite game, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, holds a special place in his heart for its compelling narrative and unforgettable soundtrack, which he claims still "distracts his brain at the most unexpected moments."
Currently, Owen is enjoying games like Hades 2, Cult of the Lamb, and Baldur's Gate 3. To unwind, he often turns to Dead by Daylight, a game that contrasts with his more complex and narrative-driven favorites but offers a much-needed outlet after a long day.
Favorite Game Designer
When asked about his favorite game developer, Owen is drawn to the indie scene, specifically OMOCAT, a game developer and artist known for blending art, fashion, and mystery into their work. OMOCAT’s enigmatic persona and multifaceted creativity fascinate Owen, and their unique approach to game design deeply resonates with him.
Banditos Gaming and Community Impact
For Owen, Banditos Gaming is much more than just a group—it’s a second family. He treasures the welcoming and inclusive environment and loves that Banditos Gaming extends this sense of community to every new member. Whether it's through unforgettable Sky Jo sessions or the annual game conventions he helps host, Owen takes pride in seeing how the group fosters genuine connections and introduces new players to the joys of gaming.
One of his favorite traditions within Banditos Gaming is the humorous “Saints & Sinners” expansion they've created for Sky Jo, turning the simple card game into something legendary within the group. It’s clear that for Owen, Banditos Gaming is a space where he can embrace his authentic (chaotic) self, all while celebrating the love of games.
Life Lessons Through Play
Owen believes games are a powerful way to foster empathy and community. One standout example was when he developed a character in Dungeons & Dragons who became disabled during the campaign. In order to portray the character authentically, Owen dove into learning about disability from various perspectives, gaining insights into a world far removed from his own. It’s this ability to “walk in someone else’s shoes” that has reinforced Owen’s belief in the power of games to teach and develop empathy.
Words of Wisdom
For anyone new to the gaming community, Owen’s advice is simple: "Have fun!" He emphasizes the importance of staying open, making mistakes, and, above all, enjoying the experience. For him, gaming is about tapping into the joy of play and reconnecting with the inner child within us all.
Favorite Events
Owen is a big fan of Coffee & Cardboard, where the group gathers to play games all day long. He’s also passionate about Banditos Gaming’s annual convention, where he enjoys introducing others to the wonders of tabletop games and reigniting that childhood spark for play.
Connect with Owen
Connect with Owen When he’s not immersed in the world of gaming, Owen can be found on Instagram @micaeus_the_fox, where he shares more of his adventures and thoughts. Be sure to give him a follow!
About Banditos Gaming
Banditos Gaming is a registered 501(c)(3) social and educational non-profit organization dedicated to promoting play, community development, and learning through games. We believe in the transformative power of games to unite people, foster growth, and provide valuable educational experiences.
Our Mission:
Promote the activity of PLAY through games.
Encourage COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT through play.
Advocate for LEARNING through gameplay.
We host board games, card games, and tabletop games at various Panera Bread locations and other venues. Banditos Gaming is funded by memberships, donations, and revenue from affiliates and partners like Panera Bread.
Values Statement:
Safety: Prioritizing a secure and welcoming environment.
Fun: Ensuring all activities are enjoyable and engaging.
Happiness: Creating moments of joy and satisfaction.
Comfort: Providing a relaxed atmosphere for all participants.
Memberships:
Monthly Banditos Gaming Membership: $5.00 per month
Yearly Banditos Gaming Membership: $50.00 per year
Join us today and become a part of a community that values play, development, and learning. Your support helps us fund various charities, including Tabletop Alliance, Child's Play, UnboxEd Afterschool Program, Meeples for Peeples, and Board Games for the Better.
Support Our Mission: Please consider making a donation to support Banditos Gaming and help us continue to provide a positive, inclusive environment where everyone can experience the joy of games.
Through dedicated leaders like Fred Cabrera, Banditos Gaming continues to thrive as a beacon of community and fun. Join us in celebrating the joy of gaming and the power of play to bring people together.