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08-26-09: Why Video Game Events are becoming the Theater of the 21st Century |
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As the Gaming Industry continues to swell past the Music & Movie
Industries in 2008-2009, expect to see Competitive video game events
become the Theater of the 21st Century. Hosting events around the
nation since 2005, the TGN staff list the growth factors for 2009:
- Average
age of gamers is on the rise. As players from the 70's, 80's & 90's
mature, the average age of the gaming population is on the rise. What
does this mean for "live" events? With 45%-65% of TGN attendees between
the ages of 18-34, players can (and will) travel to events. Our
youngest player was 7 years old (Houston, TX - June '07) our oldest was
"over 50" (a Doctor/Lawyer 2v2 team in Knoxville, TN March '06). As
member of our generation, Generation Next, mature, don't expect to see
players "outgrowing" games. The Generation Next motto: "I'll drop my controller when someone prys it from my cold dead fingers."
- As Console / PC Gaming
dwarf the Music & Movie Industry, Competitive gaming is becoming
more accepted and is on the rise. If you've ever been to a live event,
then you know how fun it is. As we have gone across the United States, a noticable following began
building up. Teams/Players began coming to all events saying "I'm
Addicted." The environment is 2nd to none and the atmosphere is unlike
anything else.
- For
the Glory! When we 1st began hosting events in 2005, we had a team fly
in from Cailifornia. During the teams free time, they came over to the
TD station and began chatting. The team was stating the fact they spent
$1200 just on air fare, plus hotel accomadations, food, etc... After
pointing out the fact that even if they took the $2000 for 1st place it
would hardly cover the trip, the team gave a confused look and replied,
"Yea, but we can get the Glory of a win." This is the attitude many
gamers have, in fact some gamers have told us "as long as we can beat 1
team, we will go home happy," and "We may not win, but we just want to
kick someones ass, and it doesn't matter who,"
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Meet interesting people, get beat by a Girl Gamer, forge new
friendships, have fun: The Competitive Gaming Industry attracts players
from all walks of life, from the streets to the geeks, and its not all
guys either. Almost all TGN events have Lady Gamers attend. The recent Halo 3 Halloween event, in Nashville,
brought in a few FINE ladies (one of whom was painted blue and dressed
as Cortana). Lady gamers are not easily beaten, so do not expect an
easy win if you encounter one. All ages & Skill levels attend TGN
events and the environment will be kept so it is enjoyable for all.
- The
Money & Sponsorships: Earn a spot on a Pro Team - get sponsored.
The top 5 teams/players from each TGN event forms the given area's regional based Pro team. Pro teams are sponsored by leagues such as The Gaming Nation, as long as a player can finish in the top 8, he/she gets
the earned recognition. Cash paid to the winners the day of the event
also causes a steady following, a following which builds with each
event.
What drives you?
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