Let the gamers begin.
A legion of enthusiasts are set to storm the world of GottaCon where gamers rule with an iron fist, or a sword, or a magic spell for that matter, almost anything their gaming hearts desire.
B次元官网网址淭here isnB次元官网网址檛 anything like it in Victoria,B次元官网网址 gamer Adam Ouellet. B次元官网网址淚f you think of the word game, it is thereB次元官网网址 You essentially get flooded with all these things and learn new hobbies B次元官网网址
The broad-spectrum gaming convention at Pearkes Arena features everything from miniature games, Lego, role-playing games and board games to video games and card games such as Magic: The Gathering, a favorite of aficionados, including Ouellet, who plans to spend most of, if not all of the weekend immersing himself in the 24-hour-a-day event.
B次元官网网址淚 literally brought my toothbrush, cleaned up in the bathroom and was there the entire time,B次元官网网址 he said of past GottaCon experiences. B次元官网网址淚 donB次元官网网址檛 plan on leaving. I come prepared.B次元官网网址
Counting sheep gives way to counting cards, as he looks forward to competing in MTG tournaments, and spending time with like-minded gamers in an environment where nothing else matters, at least for 50 hours straight.
B次元官网网址淲e always get people who come in and do not sleep and stay the entire time. People like the ability to come and play late,B次元官网网址 said event co-founder Evan Hatch. B次元官网网址淗ard-core gamers are (usually) night owls. When they are done they are complete zombies.B次元官网网址
Hatch, a gamer himself, says he is creating an event that he would enjoy attending as an enthusiast, and that is a big reason why he says fans flock to the event year after year.
B次元官网网址淓very detail is important to us because we are convention fans and we know what it means,B次元官网网址 the Saanich resident said.
B次元官网网址淭he benefit to the individual who attends is the excitement of spending an entire weekend doing their hobby and doing it with existing friends and reuniting with people from previous years. it is an annual getaway.B次元官网网址
Their growth is proof, with gamers from as young as four all the way up to more than 65 years old, flock to the event from across the Island and even from the Mainland. Positive word-of-mouth has helped the promotion grow from drawing 600 people in 2009 to an expected 1,800 gamers in 2013, all of which Ouellet experienced first hand.
B次元官网网址淭he truth of the matter is there is so many products and diversity you will find your scene or find something that interests you,B次元官网网址 he said. B次元官网网址淭he diversity will never leave you alienated.B次元官网网址
Whether you bring your computer to hook up to the 120 person LAN set up for gamers to duel on Startcraft 2, compete in costume contests, listen to the guest speakers, take in the debut of a live-action fantasy web series which debuts at GottaCon, or even purchase real hand-linked chain mail armor, Ouellet says there is something for every gamer.
B次元官网网址淚f you are afraid B次元官网网址榦h is this my sceneB次元官网网址, the truth of the matter is there is so many products and diversity you will find your scene,B次元官网网址 he said. B次元官网网址淚f you are looking to expand your interest and your interest is games I guarantee you this is the place.B次元官网网址
GottaCon runs 24 hours a day starting Friday (Feb. 1) at 5 p.m. to Sunday (Feb. 3) at 7 p.m. in Pearkes Recreation Centre. Day passes are available from $20 to $28 with three day weekend passes starting at $50.
For more information visit gottacon.com.