As we approach the new year, I've been reflecting and decided to write a post about my personal MyGamerXP highlights of 2014.

1. Twitter's Gaming Community

This year I decided to attempt using twitter as a way of finding and interacting with other gamers. I'd tried the popular social network several times over the years, but never really understood it. I always felt it was a bit one-way in terms of conversation. There is a lot of crap on there! Numerous people splurging out random nonsense.However, one day something just... "clicked". It finally seemed to make sense and I have discovered what feels like a whole new world; filled with interesting, funny and knowledgeable gamers who's passion equals my own! Finally, somewhere I fit in! I can talk about games as much as I want and there is always someone out there with something interesting to say.This year I have found some really great people on Twitter. One particular highlight was on Halloween when someone from America sent me a HUGE box of various sweets and treats, all for free (refused to accept any form of payment). Such a kind gesture that was completely unexpected. I've received game codes, interacted with people who have made games I love, arranged online gaming sessions and much more. Twitter has been an enjoyable method of discovery and I'm finding great new people on there all the time!

2. Acquiring Some Important Retro Games

By what feels like pure chance, my Uncle was visiting my parents at the same time that I was picking up my old Sega Mega Drive. Before leaving, he noticed the console on the dining room table and said "You don't still play that old thing do you? I have a bunch of games I was going to throw out this week". I couldn't believe it! Not only that, but upon picking up these games I discovered that a number of them were some of my most cherished games from my childhood - great games that I remember playing with my cousin back when I was little. I did post a video about it, but some notable classics include:

• Comix Zone
• Altered Beast
• WWF Royal Rumble
• The Terminator
• Road Rash

3. Winning a Nintendo Game Boy and a Copy of Duck Tales (CiB)

During the Summer, a site called Games You Loved were running a YouTube competition featuring various retro gaming prizes. I don't usually have much luck with competitions, but I thought "what have I got to lose?" and registered, thinking little else of it and certainly not expecting to win the top prize! To my amazement, (and quite predictably from the title of this piece) I won! I made a video documenting the event/prize which you can see here if you wish. I er... still need to work on my video and presentation skills. So I apologise in advance.

4. My Invite to the Play Expo and Other Gaming Events

I've never been to a gaming event before... ever! So this year I was surprised to receive invites to a few shows in the UK and Europe. Unfortunately due to several commitments and personal reasons, I was unable to make all of them. I did manage to attend Play Expo in Manchester though which was absolutely incredible!I got to play great retro classics (both on consoles and arcade units), meet with indie developers, try out the Nintendo Virtual Boy (for the first time ever), rack up loads of streetpass connections on my Nintendo 3DS and purchase some great collectables/games. I would love to attend more events in the future, so fingers crossed for 2015!

5. The New and Improved Website

This website has really evolved over this year. As some of you already know it started off as "GXP Blog", but in November I re-launched it as My Gamer XP. I've put a lot of time and effort into this site and as a result have had some amazing feedback and interactions with gamers around the world. It has allowed me to connect with people in a way that brings me joy each day.I have some exciting ideas for 2015 and beyond, and I'm really looking forward to the journey ahead.Do you have any great gaming or community highlights from this year? If so, let me know in the comments below!