My First NASAGA: Antonio Ruiz Ezquerro
By Antonio Ruiz Ezquerro, PhD
My first experience at a NASAGA conference was only made possible thanks to the generous contributions of donors supporting their scholarship program. Without knowing what to expect, I was quickly welcomed by friendly people who were just as passionate about games as I am. As a gamer and game designer, I often get the classic follow-up question when I mention my love for board games: “Like Monopoly?” And the answer is yes… but also a huge NO. With nearly 88 years since its release, Monopoly is beyond outdated. Its repetitive mechanics, excessive playtime, and over-reliance on luck don’t even scratch the surface of how much analog games have evolved or the wide variety of experiences they now offer. Now, I’m not saying that liking Monopoly is bad; I’m just saying that liking Monopoly means you have bad taste… and we can’t be friends. Fortunately, at NASAGA, this was not the case.
NASAGA was filled with people who love games just as much as I do: people who aren’t afraid to explore new games, mechanics, and challenges. They see the power of games not only as tools for entertainment but also for education, professional development, therapy, and self-discovery. Participating in eye-opening workshops, I found myself immersed in historical roles, from being a tailor in 1767 Spain during the Jesuit expulsion, to the breadwinner for a household during the Black Plague in the 1300s, to a data scientist trying to combat fake news and AI-generated images. I also had the chance to facilitate games focused on leadership learning and to playtest our latest educational game, which was invaluable for observing the game in action and noting both its successes and areas for improvement.
I also loved NASAGA’s social component. Chasing rubber ducks and joining game nights gave me a relaxed way to network and get to know other attendees. Through these playful interactions, I connected with others beyond a typical learning environment. I’m a firm believer that one of the best ways to truly get to know someone is by playing with them. During play, people reveal their patience, humor, resilience, adaptability, and creativity. At NASAGA, I found welcoming people who were generous with their ideas, genuinely curious about others, and always eager to collaborate.
By the end of the conference, I felt energized and inspired, despite catching only two hours of sleep to make my red-eye flight home. I’m excited to continue building these relationships and look forward to contributing to and participating in future NASAGA conferences.
Dr. Antonio Ruiz Ezquerro is a dedicated leadership educator and innovative game designer originally from Mexico City, now residing in New York. His research focuses on leadership, pedagogical development, game-based learning, leadership in games, and student development theory. Antonio currently serves as the Assistant Director at the Office of Student Involvement at Colgate University, where he advises several student organizations, and is an Adjunct Professor at Florida State University’s Leadership Learning Research Center for the Undergraduate Leadership Certificate in Leadership Studies, allowing him to teach several courses, such as Leadership Theory, Leadership and Change, and Contemporary Issues in Leadership.