Video game enthusiasts are hitting the start button on a new concept for the city. Big-screen gaming is coming to the Prince George Playhouse, and it is a spectator event as much as a gamer competition.
Power Up Prince George is a charity video game event happening Saturday to raise funds for children in medical need. One of the organizers, Kelsy Polnik, said it was "the largest video game event ever held in Prince George, but they won't just be playing games, competing in events and sharing their passion for gaming culture. They will be fundraising and raising awareness for the Child Development Centre."
Participants can sign up to compete in competitive tournaments for Smash Bros (Wii U), Ultra Street Fighter IV (360), Counter Strike: Global Offensive (PC) and Mario Kart: Double Dash (GCN).
"The finals for the tournaments will be displayed in the playhouse theatre on the massive projector with live commentators for each respective game," Polnik said.
The benefits to the community are threefold, according to Power Up Prince George creators. Gamers get a chance at a rare form of fellowship and fun, it shows the public just how interactive and legitimately competitive these games are (and as a bonus to that point, how artful the games are in their animation and theatrical presentation), and using this form of personal entertainment in a public way that helps children in especially critical need.
In keeping with the theatre/sports atmosphere of this event, the public will be treated to concessions, flash tattooing, door prizes, cosplay components, and a lot of on-site gaming in the free-play arcade that audience members can do as well.
Tickets are on sale now at Game Quest (4158 Cowart Road). Admission is $20 for competitors and $15 for spectators. There are also family rates for spectators and team rates for participants. Competitors must register in advance.
