Computer gaming isn't a solo laidback hobby anymore. The term "eSports" was coined because computer gaming has achieved a level that was previously reserved only for physical sports. Competitions and tournaments spanning countries and continents are the norm now, with big money at stake as the winning prize. The biggest of all these is the World Cyber Games.
The World Cyber Games is the premier gaming tournament in the world. Based on the concept of an e-Olympics the WCG draws nearly one million people and gamers from all six continents to one city and one tournament. Backed by major companies like Samsung, Intel and Microsoft, the WCG is no trifle. Not only is a game tournament, but it's also a youth festival which allows people from varied cultures to interact and have a great time. In fact the official ideology is "…to lead the development of the digital entertainment culture by promoting harmony of humankind through eSports and its embodiment in the Cyber Culture Festival" Conferences by the major powers in the tech industry are also organized, as well as exhibits from tech companies and organizations are major attraction at the festival.
The tournament itself is the largest of its kind in the world. Players are selected through preliminary tournaments held in member countries by WCG partners according to WCG guidelines. Winners are then taken to the World Cyber Games finals. Since its inception in 2000, most of the final have been held in South Korea, but lately it's moved to more exotic locations like San Francisco, USA and Monza, Italy. The 2008 edition is set for Cologne, Germany and in 2009 it'll be in Chendu, China. The nice part is that WCG has its own Players Village just like the Olympics. Last year's games had 700 competitors from 76 countries staying there.
The WCG keeps its games roster up to date with new sensations and old classics sharing the spotlight. The 2007 games not only had all time classics like Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, StarCraft: Broodwar and CounterStrike 1.6 but it also had new hits such as Command & Conquer: TIberium Wars, FIFA 07 and Need for Speed: Carbon. Console weren't left out either. Halo, Project Gotham Racing have been mainstays on the Xbox category with new sensations Gears of War and Guitar Hero making appearances this year. Winners don't walk away empty handed. In 2007 winners received gold, silver, bronze medals as well as thousands of US Dollars in prize money and that's apart from the bragging rights you get as a WCG participant.
All details are there for the world to see at www.worldcybergames.com.
Gamers in Sri Lanka haven't yet had an opportunity to try their hand at a true international event. That's a shame since our little island has more than enough world class talent to match anyone out there.
All that should change soon enough. Lanka eSports, a company that's totally dedicated to the development of eSports in Sri Lanka, has obtained official World Cyber Games affiliation from the parent organization of WCG; International Cyber Marketing. Lanka eSports is a company that's built and run by gamers for gamers. This is a company made of individuals that has a love for gaming and a love for the country running through their blood. So you can be sure that great times and greater opportunities are in store for the local gaming community from Lanka eSports very soon. |
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