Before there were iPhone apps, video games or computers, one of the best ways to spend time with friends and families was playing board games.

Few things were better than gathering around loved ones on a Friday night and forming fierce rivalries over hotels in Monopoly or 36-point scrabble words.

Those memories don’t necessarily have to dissipate with age, thanks to Hofstra’s Tabletop Gamers Club. If playing board games and meeting new friends is something that intrigues you, then look no further than this club, founded by Brenden Valliere and Tyler Ellis, who now serve as the president and vice president of the club.

Friendship was the foundation of this growing Hofstra community.

“We met through a mutual friend,” Ellis said. “I was talking to my friend about how much I love video games and she introduced me to Brenden.”

Ellis first came to Hofstra as a freshman two years ago. Back in high school, he was the founder of his school’s board game club but noticed there wasn’t a similar club when he arrived at Hofstra.

“That needed to change,” Ellis said. When the two friends first started gathering other people to play board games, they only had a few loyal members. Now between 25 and 30 students can be found participating in their game nights.

While a growing community certainly pleases Valliere, he also finds other enjoyment out of the club.

“This club really helps people develop social skills and form relationships with other people; that’s definitely one of my favorite parts about Tabletop,” Valliere said.

“Different board games can also help people develop different skills which is awesome.”

When asked about his future goals for the club Valliere said that one day, he sees there being different divisions of board games people can be in charge of – like role-playing or card games.

But he also wishes to continue the most important part of the club.

“I want this place to continue to be a healthy environment where people can make friends, hangout and have fun.”

The Tabletop Gamers Club meets every Thursday at 7 p.m., in Student Center Room 143.