Trading Card Spotlight "Rewind" - Robyn Swanson
Please enjoy this interview that was done a little over two years ago with this Esports competitor and champion, Robyn Swanson. Robyn has many world records on various games and is always competing in some sort of fashion. Thank you for reading this article completed on April 7th, 2017.
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 for the 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 four or five years old 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 the No Princess in a Castle documentary.
When did you first meet Walter day and where was it at?
I 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. This was my very first card show as well as my first interview with Walter Day at the awards ceremonies along with the card signing 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 can’t just describe him in one word, so in three words, he is the “father of Esports”. If you look at the history of Walter Day and Twin Galaxies, he went from a local scoreboard to international score keeping for top players all over the world, Co- founding the very first eSports team.
Growing up were you team Sega or Nintendo and why?
Nintendo because of Pokémon and anything Mario need I say more? Lol well the most important is because my first console was the Nintendo Entertainment System which 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, a woman in gaming, a world record holder, and compete in the realm of eSports at Empire Arcadia. I'm also an event manager at the SuperCon 2k Series. Mentor and gaming ambassador to the younger generation.
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
Well in my lifetime so far, I’ve only owned two handhelds which were the Gameboy Color and the Nintendo 3DS. If I had to choose between the two most definitely the 3DS because of the duel screen gaming, 3D function, and street passing.
Do you prefer PC or console gaming and why?
I play both but prefer console gaming because I’m still getting used to playing with a mouse and keyboard, even though I know certain games on steam can be played with a pad. Where’s the fun in that?
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
The eSports games 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 and when Tekken 7 drops I’ll try Marvel Infinite as well. Outside of the competitive realm I’ve been playing Nioh, Fate Extella, Berserk and the band of the Hawk. My favorite gaming genres are 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?
This is a four-way tie between owning Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Ms. Pac-Man and The Simpsons arcade game. I grew up playing these games on consoles and on coin-op at local grocery stores, laundry mats and Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza. It would be nice to own a real arcade cabinet since I’ve 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 ten years of video games outside of Nintendo games have been focused more on teen R-rated mature games rather than on child friendly games on other modern platforms..
Do you believe some video games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
No. Everything goes back to good parenting. When I was young I knew the difference between right and wrong. 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 this included 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?
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
Have you seen the live-action 'Street Fighter' TV show, Resident Evils, or DOA (Dead or Alive) movies? 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 one fans do.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
The first game I ever played was a Mario game. I have precious memories playing Mario with my mother and sharing this experience for the very 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.
