By Corbin Hosler, Multimedia Editor
The Night Elf Hunter is exploring the forests of Azshara, searching for an elusive Shredder needed to chop down trees. The trees are needed back at the Darnassian Base Camp to complete construction on an Alliance construct. Finding the appropriate amount of lumber will complete the quest, granting the Hunter valuable experience so she can reach her next level.
“Her.” “She.”
Those are the words that stick out when players encounter Samantha Davis’ World of Warcraft character. The most defining characteristic of Davis’ character is not what it does inside the game; it’s who is behind the screen on the other end.
Davis is one of relatively few women who venture into the male-dominated World of Warcraft, where more than 80 percent of all players are male.
That’s not a problem for the acting freshman.
“When people find out that I play World of Warcraft, they’re shocked by it,” she said. “At first I was embarrassed, but since then I’ve gotten over it because a lot of people actually think it’s cool.
“I think it’s kind of fun that this is my nerdy side that a lot of people don’t get to see.”
Davis began playing the game about a year ago after a friend installed a free trial of the game on her computer. She initially played only with her friend, but one day, while passing time in her room, she booted up the game and began to investigate herself.
“I really like doing the five-player dungeons in the game because you get to interact with other people and work as a team,” she said. “Working with other people to accomplish a goal is a lot of fun.”
When Davis isn’t participating in OCU productions or dances, she proudly admits that she likes to log on and spend some time questing with her Night Elf.
“When I’m having a stressful day, it makes everything go away for a little bit,” she said. “When you’re playing you’re not just numb because you have to use your brain, but it’s a nice outlet to chill and pass the time. I’m strange, but it’s cool and I love it.”
This article originally appeared in the Jan. 12 issue of The Campus newspaper.
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