I like to play. No, let me clarify that... I love to play. When I work, I work very hard and very efficiently. However, I love my free time and enjoy playing as it helps me recharge my batteries to come back and work very hard the next day. I must live a life where I can balance work and play; too much of either drives me batty. In addition, these things allow me to use my brain in ways I never get to in day-to-day life, and keep my analytical skills sharp.

Board Games

One of my primary hobbies is collecting and playing board games. The sort of games I enjoy are not like Monopoly, Connect Four, or Parchesi, rather, I enjoy more involving games (many from Germany) such as The Settlers of Catan or Puerto Rico. In January 2006, I started a video series called Board Games with Scott where I teach people how to play games. I've also been on local TV talking about games athttp://scottnicholson.com/games/hourcny.html. Many of these games are reviewed over at boardgamegeek.com. I founded the Syracuase Boardgamers, a group that meets on Tuesday nights from 5-9:30. For more information on that group, visit http://syracuseboardgamers.com.

I've also created my own game called Tulipmania 1637. It's still in the production process.

Card/Tile Games

My partner got me a Mah-Jongg set for our anniversary, and I enjoy this asian tile game. It's similar to Rummy in play, but much more elegant than card games. I wrote an introductory piece about Mah-Jongg for a gaming journal, and have created a one-page reference sheet (in Word format) for use during play. I also enjoy the more traditional card games like Bridge, Hearts, Spades, and Cribbage.

Computer/Electronic Games

I also enjoy playing games on my computer and consoles. I have spent far too many hours on WoW and Everquest. I enjoy adventure games like Diablo and Baldur's Gate much more than the first-person Quake-like shooters. I've wanted to like the Civilization-type games, but grow bored of them quickly. I've never enjoyed the live-time strategy games. I enjoy my Wii, as the games are generally easier to play than those using the 16-button controllers of the Xbox or Playstation.

Roleplaying Games

I've spent a chunk of my life playing these games, although I'm not into them like I used to be. In college, I was heavily involved with the IFGS, a live-scale roleplaying organization where one dresses up in costumes with foam rubber weapons and runs around the woods saving the world. This organization did make a huge difference in my life and allowed me to take the first steps in being self-confident, and comfortable with who I really am. You can see me in silly costumes in part of my photo gallery.

It was through the IFGS that I started writing. I wrote many scenarios for that group, which led me to write some scenarios for the RPGA. In addition, I was a co-author of Chutlhu Live, a guide to live roleplaying in the world of H.P. Lovecraft. I'm more interested in Interactive Fiction than live-scale roleplaying, as it's more about telling a story and less about beating up bad guys.

I've written many scenarios and guides to effecting gaming. If you are interested in seeing and downloading some of them, many are available through this site.