The second annual Game On event was held today with numbers surpassing last year's and showing promise for the future.
Five Points Theatre was packed with gamers and pop culture fanatics as not only was there cool merchandise on sale but also video game competitions. Nicole Markle is from the Creative Economy Department in the City of Barrie and was on-hand to over-see the event at Five Points Theatre, and maybe to get a little gaming in herself.
"I'm a huge gamer, I am a total nerd and I love it; I have been playing for years," said Markle. "That's another reason why this event is so near and dear to me because I know how much joy I personally get from it and I want to help others get the same feeling out of it."
The theatre had a Rocket League competition which was open to those 16 years of age and older and saw winners receive prizes.
"For those who don't know, Rocket League is massively popular with competitive gamers and is players all over the world," said Markle. "Essentially it is soccer with vehicles and you play it just like a soccer game but you control cars instead of humans. It is one of the most popular eSports out there right now."
eSports (electronic sports) are competitions using video games and have gained so much popularity that it is estimated that 427 million people will watch eSports in 2019.
While there were virtual reality experiences at Game On, the classics were also out today as well, with classics games being played in the theatre basement and a Dr Mario high score challenge and a Super Smash Bros battle. Markle believes the event will be even bigger next year as more people continue to experience it and the desire for more variety arises.
"We paired up with the Barrie Public Library Comic Con and we have a second location for Game On at the city hall rotunda which has people participating in a scavenger hunt," said Markle. "It's all about providing people with a fun day out and new experiences."
Game On continued to 4p.m. Saturday at Five Points Theatre and city hall.
