10 Questions, Gamer Interview with Deanna from Maple Leaf Mommy

Deanna Tousignant is one of the co-authors of this site. She also runs a parenting blog called Maple Leaf Mommy. Here's her take on the 10 question gamer interview:

1. What kind of gamer are you? 
I am an old time long time gamer. I started gaming as a kid during the 80s and never stopped. For video games I started with an Atari and later moved to NES Nintendo. For roleplaying, I started with Redbox D&D when I was 12. For board gaming, I've played mainstream board games on and off over the years and have an affinity for word games (reigning Boggle Queen, thank you very much), but didn't get into tactical and euro style board games until later in life, maybe a dozen years ago now.

2. What types of games do you like to play? Board games, video games, app games, table top, card?
Yes, yes and yes. If it's a game, I'll play it. I'm pretty much of the I'll try anything once mentality when it comes to gaming. Though I will admit that as a mom my time is more limited and I find myself playing light apps on the tablet more then chunky roleplayers on the console, I just don't have the time to sink into serious video game playing right now.

3. Tell us about your #1 go to game; it might not even be your favourite, but it's the one you find yourself playing the most often.
How can I pick just one?? Oi! For board games Hacienda or maybe Thurn and Taxis, or Race for the Galaxy or maybe Core Worlds, for RPGs I'm really digging Warhammer 3rd edition and for video games my current obsession is Marvel Puzzle Quest, while with the kids it's Maskenball der Käfer.

4. What is your favourite place to play games? the coffee shop? the computer room? in your PJs on the couch?
My favourite place to play board games is The Green Bean. It's a coffee shop in downtown Windsor, in the Windsor Star Building. My husband organizes monthly public play board game events there. They have big tables, comfy seats, good lighting, decent food and bottomless coffee aka it's board gaming nirvana. We play from 6pm until 11pm, and usually get anywhere from 10-30 people out for the event. I always try and make arrangements with my mom to watch the kids so I can get out for this one.

For roleplaying my favourite place to play is in our gaming dungeon basement. We picked this house based on fact that the basement would make the perfect gaming room. We have a giant 8 by 10 board room tables, plenty of chairs and a coffee maker. Monday night is roleplaying night here, thought it gets pre-empted far too often. I have also played in public play games at the local games store (Hugin & Munin), but by and large I think I prefer home play. Having bystanders kicking around when you're roleplaying makes me nervous.

My video gaming lately has been restricted to the tablet, and if I really stop and think about it the majority of that probably takes place in the bathroom. (Ha. TMI?)

5. Who do you play games with? strangers? your spouse? family? friends? solo?
Most of the time, if I'm gaming it's with my spouse. If not directly with him, at least at the same event he's at.  He can get cranky when he loses. I've been known to throw a two player game now and then just to keep him from being a miserable jerk. Shhh... don't tell.

6. Do you game with your kids?  If yes, what are some of your favourite games to play with the kids?
My kids play video games infrequently, and mostly with their dad (Viva Pinata is a favourite, as is the Cooking Mama series). Both of my daughters, who are ages 4 and 6, love playing board games. Our current favourites include Mice and Mystics, Viva Topo,  Maskenball der Käfer and Looping Louie.

7. What's currently at the top of your gamer wishlist?
Aside from a reliable babysitter? If we're talking total genie never-going-to-happen wishlist, I'd like one of those fancy pants Sultan gaming tables and a really high end MMO ready laptop.

8. Go retro, name a classic game you loved from ten or twenty years ago.
Again, just one?! I'll go with Below the Root. I played this on my grandparents Tandy when I was a kid and loved it fiercely. (Ok, maybe that's more like 30 years ago).

9. How many hours a week do you spend gaming?
I'm afraid to count. Definitely upwards of 24.

10. Why do you game? Is it all about winning? Escapism? Family time?
All of the above. I love board games that make me think. I love a challenging game and a challenging opponent. If I'm going to be perfectly honest, I do love to win. I get a perverse enjoyment from thumping anyone who looks disparagingly upon females taking part in gaming. I also enjoy roleplaying, both for it's social aspects and as escapism. Heck, a decent video game or board game can also be perfect for getting my mind off day to day crud.  Board games in particular are definitely a family time thing in our household, and I love it.

So, yes; to win while escaping, often during family time.