As some SF State students enjoyed their last few weekends before finals, gamers and anime fans spent an evening doing what they love the most: playing video game and watching anime. Except this time they weren’t doing at home. They were among friends at SF State.

Anime fans and gamers alike filled Rigoberta Menchu Hall Friday night during Game Night, a collaborative event from the Gaming Guild and the Anime FX.

“It’s just to have a good end of the semester kick-off and thank the members for being part of the club the whole semester,” said senior cinema major and Gaming Guild Officer Alex Morrison.

The event wasn’t limited to Anime FX and Gaming Guild members, but was open to all students. Students were encouraged to bring whatever video, board and card games they felt like sharing, as well as dressing up as their favorite video game or anime character, also known as cosplay, for event.

“If you plan on gaming at home then you might as well hang with us on a Friday night,” said Gaming Guild President Alicia Jun, a junior liberal studies major.

Anime FX approached Gaming Guild to put on the event. It seemed natural as both clubs share similar interests and a number of members. “We were totally down with it.” said Jun.

“Games and anime are related in a way,” said Jeremy Marucut, a senior political science major and treasurer of Anime FX. “People who like anime like games and vice versa. We just naturally blended.”

The Gaming Guild had yet to throw an event for its members and Anime FX wanted to throw one last event before the semester ended.

Karaoke was another popular activity during the event, aside from games. Several attendees entertained the room by belting out tunes ranging from anime theme songs to popular hits like “Let it Go” and “I’m on a Boat.”

The main event was the Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament. The game was chosen due its popularity in the club and on campus.

“It’s a reliable tournament as opposed to any other game where it’s hit or miss. I know there are a lot of Smash players here.” Morrison said. The game attracted a total of 35 participants.

A few lucky Gaming Guild members won a voucher for a PC game during a raffle.

Due to the limited budgets of both clubs, much of the equipment such as the televisions, consoles and prizes were donations and contributions from club members. Jun said she paid from some of the raffle prizes out her own pocket.

But the expenses paid off, with many enjoying the event.

Jenni Milan, a freshman physiology major, enjoyed the event. “It’s fun. I wish there was food but I get to meet new people and new friends.”

Milan said that she was stressing over upcoming finals but this event as was nice distraction and an awesome way to procrastinate.

The game night was a last hurrah for Anime FX officers that are stepping down and introduce the new club officers.

Marucut is stepping down from his position due to his upcoming graduation. He said, “I feel pretty sad (about stepping down). I recently got into social club life. I want to see the club continue but time is an issue.”