The bell rings, signifying the passing period. Classroom doors open and students pile out into the hallways, savoring their few free minutes before the next class. However, a few students do not stop to talk to their friends or grab books from their lockers. Eagerly peering at their laptops, the chosen students rush through the hallways and into classrooms, rummaging through Emery’s nooks and crannies as they follow a series of clues to find hints in the form of website links, hidden all over the Emery Weiner campus.
The Emery/Weiner Upper School was recently taken over by a new sensation: Emery Gamified. Envisioned by senior Emery/Weiner brothers, Caden and Grey Warren, and brought to life through countless hours of work, Emery Gamified is a year-long series of games. Students earn a new Emery currency, Dowbloons, which they can redeem for prizes, including free dress days, swimming in the Warrens’ pool, or the opportunity to pie an SGA officer in the face.
Senior Lillian Cutrer, a devoted player, remarked, “The weirdest spot I found a clue was in the middle under Rabbi Morgan’s table, which I had to interrupt a meeting for”. While some of these hiding spots might be niche, unique only to Emery, “[they] definitely helped me learn more about my school,” concludes Cutrer.
Grey Warren, the mastermind behind the new school-wide game, wished to expand upon the idea of previously run student games, like Investigators, an annual tradition where Emery students eliminate targets to be the last student standing, “to give students more opportunities to be involved.”
“Emery Gamified was green-lit by the SGA Executive Board last March, and work began as soon as I got the go-ahead,” explains Grey Warren. The process of developing the detailed technical and physical aspects that make up Emery Gamified was nothing short of time-consuming. “I have probably put around 300 hours into the program, and many others have put in hundreds as well,” concludes Grey Warren. While taking hundreds of hours to complete, it has been rewarding and a “very collaborative process with the end goal being along the lines of ‘let’s just do what is the most fun,’” comments Grey Warren.
Gamified succeeded with the students of Emery Weiner; however, as Grey Warren says, “Along the road, there have been some things that just clicked, and many hurdles.” From logistical struggles to Dowbloon prototyping, the journey to Emery Gamified has been challenging but rewarding. “I could not do it alone, and am incredibly thankful for everyone who has supported me in this,” expresses Grey Warren.
For some students, Emery Gamified creates the perfect opportunity to engage in friendly competition and win unique prizes, but for others, it offers the opportunity to see their school community in a new way and engage with their classmates. “In the end, it’s all about creating fun opportunities and then fun rewards for those opportunities,” says Grey Warren. “In the end, it’s up to each person to decide how they want to interact with Gamified.”
Note: Thank you for supporting The 9825! If you are participating in Emery Gamified, email Grey Warren <ilovethe9825> for a special reward… (limited time only though)
