When we want to get away from it all we often turn to games. The escapism baseball provides is a major part of why it’s America’s pastime, right? The modern world provides us with plenty of options when it comes to games on our phones, our computers, and of course console gaming.

Some of us are filling the absence of sports with, well, digital sports. Others are using the escapism of casual, non-competitive gaming. Through the video games we are playing, you can get a tiny sample of our staff’s personalities.

On Monday, we gave you R Staff Picks for some movies to keep you occupied. Tuesday, we shared the TV shows that are making us smile, laugh, and learn, through it all. We shared the playlists keeping us company in our home offices on Wednesday. We hope you’ll give them a look and listen.

Always together, We R Tacoma.

Video Games

Delaney Saul, Illustrator: I have been playing a lot of Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch because it’s nostalgic and entertaining. It brings me back to when I was a kid. I love all the Mario games. I play on Switch with my roommate or just against the game itself when I am playing Mario Deluxe or Odyssey.

My favorite character is Princess Peach because we look alike. I always picked her when I was a kid. My second is Shy Guy because he matches my swag.

AJ Garcia, Director of Media Relations and Content Development: I lean on video games because I find it therapeutic to disconnect from everything around me. Especially in a time like this, being able to shut off my thoughts and emotions for a while is helpful. I’m a huge fan of the Far Cry series. It’s an action/adventure first person shooter with each game taking on a different environment and new characters while staying committed to the core of what makes the series so fun. Far Cry 5 (PS4/Xbox One/PC), set in rural Montana, is my recommendation for someone looking to mess around with a huge map, gorgeous graphics, and a story worth sitting through the cut scenes for.

Anthony Phinney, Technical Director: I’ve spent some spare time filling the void of not having sports in my life, by reconnecting with old friends while playing sports games online. My favorites are NBA 2K20, Madden 20, Fifa 20, and MLB The Show 20.

Dave Clark, Content Creator: Magic the Gathering: ManaStrike scratches my Magic itch when I’m on my phone. My dog and wife aren’t into the collectible card game phenomena, so I wanted to find a way to get some of the depth of the world’s leading card game into my life while they are my only companions. The faster pace of ManaStrike, versus Arena, means a quick match lasts just a few minutes.

Hannah Hall, Premium Experience and Event Manager: I love watching my husband play Call of Duty (lucky him).

I am on a Mario Kart kick right now, and my brother pestered me into playing Animal Crossing, which was actually pretty fun. Some of my other favorites include Overcooked on the Nintendo Switch and Crash Team Racing.

Aaron Oda, Inside Sales: The game I’m binging is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. They recently came out with a Battle Royale mode where you fight over 100 other players on one map where the last one alive wins. Hank Foster, from the sales team, and I play at the same time. This is the only game mode I’ve been playing within the game.

I’ll mix in a sports game here and there like Rory McIlroy PGA Tour.

Tomorrow, we’re giving you R Staff Picks for the books we’re reading.

Previously we shared the movies, shows, and music we like.

About the Tacoma Rainiers

The Tacoma Rainiers, Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Tacoma has been a member of the Pacific Coast League since Cheney Stadium opened in 1960, and has been a Mariners affiliate since establishing the Rainiers moniker in 1995.

The most up-to-date news and notes about the Tacoma Rainiers and Cheney Stadium can be found at WeRTacoma.com, or by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand), Instagram (@tacomarainiers) and liking the team on Facebook.

About Tacoma Defiance

Tacoma Defiance is the USL Championship affiliate of reigning MLS Cup Champion Seattle Sounders FC. You can follow The Future of Champions on Twitter (@TACDefiance), Facebook, and Instagram (@tacdefiance). We are #DefiantlyTacoma.

COVID-19 Information

More information on social distancing and how to prevent the spread of Covid-19 can be found at Tacoma-Pierce County Health. The most up-to-date information on how COVID-19 is affecting events at Cheney Stadium can be found here.