Of gamers and play-offs

Dhaka experienced a crazy gaming tournament as over 200 game freaks played a part at the preliminary rounds of the 'Game Craze' contest co-organised by Gigabyte and eBiz that shook the BCS City on July 6

Only 19 qualified for the final event held the next day. Besides the participants, over 1000 gamers were present to feel the heat on both days.

The immense excitement and overall response from the city's gamers were greatly appreciated by the coordinators and organisers of the event.

"This enthusiasm portrays that the nation's youth are not lagging very far behind in the PC gaming sector," said M H Mishu, coordinator, Game Craze and In-Charge, Game Addicts Segment of the monthly eBiz.

The tournament was a random idea that popped out from some of the gamers associated with eBiz's gaming segment. Finally, with the help from Gigabyte, the tournament turned into reality.

"We wanted such a venue where a large number of computers and immense speakers along with participants and audiences can be easily accommodated," said Mishu.

The application process started just three days before the preliminary rounds.

"Despite the short amount of time, we received applications from over 3,500 gamers of all ages from all over the country," said Mishu.

Science and ICT Minister Moyeen Khan unveiled the event on July 6, where 200 participants played Unreal Tournament, one of the most popular first person shooter games.

The chosen 19 qualified from 20 rounds while the rest returned home with attractive souvenirs.

The odds in the game were raised against these gamers during the final segment of Game Craze on the following day.

Wahid Hossain of Narinda fought his way to the fourth place while Shakawat Hossain Molla from Lakhsmibazar secured the undaunted third position.

Murshid E. Saqlain, from Shyamoli, was the Game Craze runner up while Md. Ashik Sharif became the Unreal Champion and also that of the Tournament.

A gaming PC was awarded to the Champion while other attractive prizes were awarded to other three position holders.

Despite overall appreciation of the event, a gamer pointed out that the games given away as souvenirs and the Unreal Tournament itself were pirated version, instead of the original one.

"The coordinators could have easily looked into the legal matters as they have already obtained a sponsorship from a reputed brand like Gigabyte," said Rony, a gamer at the tournament.

The organisers of the event, however, replied that they were not doing anything illegitimate through the tournament.

"We are not doing anything wrong as there were no ulterior motive behind this tournament, apart from creating awareness among the youth and inspiring them," said Mishu.

The organisers of the event are also planning to organise a nationwide gaming contest in the near future.