Spotlight articles highlight different StreetPass groups across the world. If you are a StreetPass group leader and would like to be interviewed for the Spotlight series, please contact us.
Noah Roman, founder of StreetPass Los Angeles, was born and raised in the City of Angels. He’s an avid gamer, but a Nintendo fan first and foremost. The original Nintendo Entertainment System was the 23 year old’s first game system and that connection forged a fascination that continued through the GameCube, Nintendo DS and Wii years. Now a proud Nintendo 3DS owner, Noah also loves photography and basketball. If you see him outside the Staples Center during E3, be kind and don’t mention the Lakers.
Why did you decide to start StreetPass Los Angeles?
I was excited as much, if not more, than anyone about the Nintendo 3DS. After learning about how StreetPass works, I felt it would take sheer luck to come across anyone in the exact same location with a 3DS. Once I read the article introducing the first StreetPass group, I became excited! It was a fairly new concept, with only a few cities having started their own StreetPass group, patterning off of StreetPass DC. I was unsure as to whether I should start one for Los Angeles. I felt that such an iconic city just had to have a group. So, I created the Facebook page and Twitter account and off we went! I just had to be a part of this massive movement that continues to grow every day.
How are you getting the word out about your group?
I think the few articles spotlighting StreetPass DC crossed everyone’s news feed and I assume people in Los Angeles scanned Facebook to see if a group had been created. Little by little, the group started to grow. 50. 100. 200! We currently have 215 fans of the page, which makes us one of the most populated StreetPass groups in the world! Our page continues to spread by word of mouth and every meet up we have, new faces keep popping up! I do plan to make up some sort of flyer to distribute at various GameStop locations, as I already have the support from a couple stores. I might even promote our page with a paid advertisement on Facebook, but we’ve had so much success thus far without it, I don’t feel it is critical at this point.
In your opinion, which games have the best uses of StreetPass?
Currently, I think Nintendogs + Cats and Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition use StreetPass the best. This seems to be the general feeling amongst 3DS owners. I haven’t heard which future major games, especially first party titles, will use StreetPass, but I am hoping that developers take notice as to how StreetPass can ultimately affect a game and make it all the more enjoyable to play and share.
If you could update any game for any system to include a StreetPass feature, what game would you choose and how would you update it?
I am a pure Nintendo fan. That being said, I would update Mario Kart DS to have StreetPass functionality. I think it could be implemented the same way it is for Super Street Fighter IV. Instead of having two fighters fight it out wirelessly, two racers could have some sort of drag race. Players would be able to customize all aspects of their preferred karts to be as fast as possible. Everything from costumes to wheels would be available to choose from. Those options could be unlocked via Cup progress/performance. I really hope Mario Kart 3DS will have StreetPass capabilities, but I’m sure it won’t be a deciding factor as to whether or not it will fly off the shelves.
Do you have any advice or encouragement for other StreetPass groups?
Nintendo fans are out there, and believe it or not, many owners of a 3DS are unaware that these groups exist. Spread the word any way you can of your group’s existence. Also, when I organize a meet up, location is key! I’ve had four events and all have been at different places, with great backdrops. I take a lot of photos at my events and always have a group photo to commemorate the meet. If you go on our Facebook page, you’ll see our many group photos! Also, try to spice up your events by having little competitions. I host Mario Kart tournaments at my events and they have been a huge hit! I’ve given out small prizes for winners in the form of gift cards. Our last competition had 16 racers compete and it was very exciting! I’ve also done a scavenger/treasure hunt which was very fun! Just make it enjoyable for everyone in attendance.
Click here to visit StreetPass Los Angeles on Facebook!
