As Munzee has grown over the years, the game has evolved in so many more ways than any of the co-founders could have imagined. We’ve certainly had our fair share of growing pains, but in its essence Munzee has tried to stick to its core goal of getting people out into the world. No one knows this better than those players who have been with us since the beginning. This week’s Player of the Week is Corey Mark (SpySmurf).
Who are you?
SpySmurf, aka SpySmurf. Husband, father of 2, and self-confessed 80’s guru.
Where in the world do you live?
Mooroopna, Victoria, Australia. A small country town with a population of 8,000 nestled in the “fruit bowl” of Victoria. A short distance from Shapparton that is striving to be the Munzee Capital of Australia!
How long have you played Munzee?
Since 2012.
How did you find Munzee?
I stumbled across a Munzee sticker inside a Tupperware container that was hidden in a tree stump. The sticker was a “swap” item that I exchanged and carried around in my wallet for some time before I jumped online to see what this Munzee thing was all about. With the assistance of a good mate (Rubik80), things escalated quickly!
What do you most enjoy about Munzee?
- Getting out and about and walking with my kids (collingwood14 and PrincessKitty). It’s a great way for them to exercise without even realising it. We have stumbled across some great locations doing this.
- The growth of the game locally. Initially it was mostly Rubik80 and I placing Munzees around the Shepparton area and waiting for visitors to come down. The interest has certainly grown, and the number of people chasing munzees locally has increased over the past year. It has been great to meet up with new players at the events we have held, especially kids and parents out and about together.
- I have really enjoyed the challenge of chasing specials across the map and where they bounce to next. Rubik80 and I had a few crazy times earlier on with the occasional mid-week, late night run that often took us on a 3 hour round trip to cap a piece of piñata, for example. It is now a litter easier since the number of greenies locally has grown.
- The dedication of the MHQ staff, and the visit that Rob took Down Under in 2015 to help celebrate the Australia Day event. That was a great effort and appreciated by all that attended the event. We might try and encourage Louise or Matt for the next? (Editor’s Note: Let’s get #LouiseAndMattToAustralia trending.)
- The support from MHQ in raising awareness and funds for great causes such as those via the RMH and heart virtuals. I think rainbow virtuals would look awesome of the map in support of Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation (organ & tissue donation) locally if something liek that was possible down the track.
What is on your wish list?
- Capturing more badges and specials. Trying to work out how does one get that tricky glitch badge? I am now also attempting the capture and deploy super streak. Let’s hope I don’t muck it up on day 276 or something like that.
- I would love to pay a visit to MHQ in downtown McKinney. Perhaps have a quiet ale or 3 with the team over lunch.
- It’s not easy being green! For MHQ to continue to keep the love for the greenies alive as has been done with the Back to the Future and Frogger days. A few more double/triple point days throughout the year that encourage people to get out on foot would be great.
Tell us about yourself!
I am 46 and married to a supportive wife who doesn’t mind the odd Munzee trip as well. I have 2 children (James and Tilly) who join me on most Munzee trips. We have a pet rabbit called Poppy who surprisingly doesn’t Munzee. It may be an issue with not having opposable thumbs.
My background is nursing, and I currently work as an intake clinician and bed juggler for a community-based rehabilitation program. It’s a great and rewarding job, and I work with an awesome and caring team.
Other hobbies include:
When not on a Munzee trip, I enjoy collecting and listening to records, wandering the Commonwealth in Fallout 4, and testing my stamina in what we call a Mad Cow Mud Run (bit like a Tough Mudder) with Rubik80. The next one is in March, and I feel the pain already!
Any last words?
I am somewhat humbled by being nominated for POTW and appreciate the time to tell my story. My life and work experience has often shown me that the loudest voices are not always the ones that need to be heard. Munzee is like most things in life, so do what makes you happy!
SpySmurf also included some socials, so cap away!
Who are you?
The amount of game play this past weekend was amazing, and we had a huge number of entries for the 12 escaped Leprechauns! So without further ado, here are the winners!