Handheld Gaming Social 🎮😃

Important Information: ⚠️

• Please confirm your attendance. An early RSVP helps make the event run smoothly for the organisers.
• A link to the WhatsApp group for this event will appear in the comments in the week it takes place.
• Members are responsible for any gaming possessions they bring.
• Guests must be 18 years old or older.
• If you require reasonable adjustments, please in form us in advance.

What to expect: 🤔
Hey, Listen! Join us for a relaxed atmosphere focused on gaming and social connection. Whether you’re here to discuss your favourite games, share your collection, or jump into a Mario Kart lobby, the environment is designed to be welcoming to gamers of all skill levels. Everyone is here!

Whilst it will be more common to see modern consoles like the Switch and Steam Decks, nostalgic systems from the DS and GameBoy family are also welcome. To make the most of the session, ensure your handhelds are fully 'powered up' and your games are updated before you arrive.

It’s dangerous to go alone, so even if you don't own a handheld, you won't be left out of the fun, as we will bring additional systems and controllers so that everyone has the opportunity to take part. If you are more of a gaming spectator than player, you are also welcome to join us and cheer on your favourite gamers.

The conversation doesn't have to end when the event does. If you find yourself wanting to arrange follow-up gatherings, outings, or themed meetups, our WhatsApp community is the place to do it. It is the go-to spot for members to propose new ideas and stay in touch between events. You can join the community by clicking here.

The plan: 💪🏼
We will meet inside the Westgate Social at 2 PM, where the organiser will post a more precise meeting spot in the comments section upon arrival. Once gathered, everyone is welcome to jump into the games or simply relax and spectate while socialising with the group.

Q&A 👀
Here are the answers to the most common asked questions relating to this event:

What makes the Oxford Social Circle unique to other groups? ⭕
We believe in quality over quantity! Unlike groups that operate as businesses, our community is built on a social model rather than a profit-driven one. We aren’t interested in making grand, exaggerated claims about being the "biggest or best" in Oxford just to inflate our numbers; instead, our genuine goal is to help residents across Oxfordshire build authentic social lives through our dedicated WhatsApp community. While we maintain firmer boundaries than other groups, these are intentionally designed to prioritise safety and transparency. By requiring recognisable profile photos and insisting on accurate RSVP updates, we actively discourage "troublesome" individuals and significantly decrease the frustration of an inaccurate number of attendees—because at the end of the day, no one wants to show up to an event expecting 80 people only to find 20 attending!

I'm new and feel anxious. Is this group not right for me? 😨
Attending for the first time is pushing you out of your comfort zone, so it is normal to feel anxious. The good news is you won't be alone as we always have a mixture of new and old faces. Regulars are very welcoming and it takes only 2-4 events for most members to feel settled in. Our advice is to give it shot and reflect afterwards if the event is right for you.

Why is it important members update their RSVP (and not gatecrash)? ✅
Keeping your RSVP status up to date is about being a respectful member of the community. "No-showing" or showing up unannounced creates several issues:

• Venue Limits: We risk overcrowding a venue, which can lead to safety hazards or members being turned away at the door.
• Financial Impact: Some venues can charge us booking fees or require minimum spends based on our expected numbers. If people don’t show up, the event organiser may face unnecessary costs.
• Setting Expectations: Accurate numbers help other members know what kind of atmosphere to expect (e.g., a quiet get together vs. a large party).
• Basic Courtesy: It is simply polite. Think of it this way: how would you feel if you arranged to meet friends, and they didn't show up without letting you know?

What games should I bring with me? 🎮
A WhatsApp group will be posted in the comments to discuss this the day before the event. However, the safest games to bring that most gamers have and enjoy are usually Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros, on the Nintendo Switch.

I'm not good at gaming, should I give this event a miss? 😞
Please understand that there are no expectations on any members to be great at gaming, with the prime focus of this event being to socialise and have a good time.

How will I find you? 🧐
To find us on the day, simply check the events comments section for a description of where we are located and what the organiser is wearing. In addition, we will also post a link to a WhatsApp group in the comments the day before the event. If you are late, or cannot find us, it is highly recommended that you join this, as we will be sharing a live location tracker there to show you exactly where we are at all times. Please note that once the event kicks off, we’ll only be answering questions through that WhatsApp group.

Where will I be able to park? 🚗
Whilst it's not impossible to find parking in Oxford, the limited availability, as well as costs, can make parking incredibly challenging. Therefore, we encourage members to use the most convenient public transport available.

Can I bring additional people with me? 👩🏻‍🤝‍👨🏽
Yes you can, providing they are aged 18 or over. You are also responsible for any potential problematic behaviours from guests you bring with you. Please put them as +1 when you check-in so we can try and find us enough space.

What is the Westgate Social? 🤨
Westgate Social is a large social area on the ground floor of the Westgate, connected to Junkyard Golf. It offers a variety of opportunities, such as socialising, dining out and bringing your own games to play.

What food options are there? 🍔
The food options available are:

• Benitos 🌯
• Ned's Noodle Bar 🍜
• Slice & Dice 🍕
• The Chicken Shop 🍗
• Burnout BBQ 🍖
• Yogoo! 🍨

Is this a dating event? 👩‍❤️‍👨
Whilst we recognise and accept that relationships do form in social settings, we ask members to be mindful that this is not an event specifically for dating. Therefore, if your only reason for attending is to find your soulmate, this event will not be the right event for you.

I've joined the WhatsApp Community, but I haven't been approved to join any of the groups! When will you accept these? 📳
Whilst anyone is welcome to join the WhatsApp community, for safety and privacy reasons, the groups are restricted to members who have attended at least one event with the Oxford Social Circle. If your WhatsApp profile does not contain your name and/or recognisable image of yourself, you will need to confirm to the lead organiser, Kevin, for your request to be approved.

Why must all members have a recognisable profile photo in the Oxford Social Circle? 🤳🏻
In the past, we have found that problematic incidents have all involved accounts with fake profiles or no photos.
To keep the Oxford Social Circle a safe space for everyone, we require all members to maintain a clear, recognisable photo of themselves at all times.
We understand that some members may have concerns due to their profession or personal experiences. While we empathise with these situations, we cannot make exceptions. Our responsibility is to ensure the collective safety of the entire group by maintaining a transparent community.

If my gaming possessions go missing, will I be compensated? 💰
As we are not a business, members are fully responsible for their possessions and won't be compensated if they were to go missing. We encourage you all to be mindful of what you bring and carry your games and consoles at all times.

Who's the best fighter in Super Smash Bros Ultimate? 🤯
If you are a beginner, Kirby is a good character to start with, but the organiser's personal favourite is Young Link.

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