Durban gaming expo has geeks in its sights
AMID the esports industry beginning to see top earners rake in almost as much as Wimbledon tennis champions, computer gaming events are soon to become part of Durban’s tech landscape.
Recently, a social gaming event organised by Geek Patrol, a division of the Durban-based IT company Immedia, inspired a 13-year-old Empangeni boy’s dream to become a professional computer gamer.
Connor Howes won the night’s Lan party which saw some of Durban’s best computer gamers compete playing Call of Duty – a first-person shooter video game.
Connor’s performance has inspired moves to make him a brand ambassador for a popular gaming equipment brand, and the youngster now views gaming as a possible future career.
Professional gamers not only get highly recognised profiles in the IT industry, but are also building business empires out of virtual reality gaming, said his father Richard Howes.
Geek Patrol is now planning similar, albeit smaller, expos and social gaming nights.
“We want to create an inclusive and inspiring geek culture in the Durban community and are launching #Geekgamingnight as an event that has something for everyone,” said Geek Patrol managing director Kemlyn Pillay.
“We don’t only consider those who prefer desktop-based gameplay but also consoles such as Xbox or Playstation. More people than ever are accessing compelling multiplayer games like Minecraft, Clash of Clans and the Facebook favourite, Farmville, on smartphones and tablet apps.” said Pillay.
The next #Geekgamingnight is planned for early December and will include a Lan party, a popular Fifa tournament on Xbox, virtual reality demos, an expo of the latest gaming hardware and a Geekiest Tee competition.
“There are fantastic prizes to be won, guided demos of the latest gadgets and devices, and branded swag from brands such as Asus, Cooler Master, Gigabyte and Samsung,” said Pillay.