Gaming Expo most popular event | Coffs Coast News | Local News in Coffs Coast
Gaming Expo most popular event
THOUSANDS of people converging on the Coffs Coast – to head indoors – is not quite what we expected but the majority of voters have that in mind for our region’s signature event.
Following Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey’s recent visit to Coffs Harbour, where he suggested we need a “big event” to put us on the national tourism map, we asked Advocate readers to decide what that might be.
Our two-week poll came up with 28 finalists and a “Gaming Expo” emerged as the most popular choice.
The idea was posted on our website by “david20” from Coffs Harbour.
So what is a Gaming Expo and what benefit would it bring?
It has nothing to do with poker or roulette for example, gaming in this case is online and interactive computer games such as the juggernaut role-playing game World of Warcraft.
If you have never heard of it, you might be surprised to know that it has well over 11 million monthly subscribers worldwide including a huge Coffs Coast contingent.
The Advocate’s poll result does not necessarily suggest the majority of online voters were young; gaming has no age, class or gender barrier.
“At a local expo, the computers would be linked to each other and the combantants would not have to go on-line to play each other,” said Matt Molloy of Coffs Harbour’s EB Games.
“But the big winners on the day would be the merchandise sellers.
“Today, people expect the t-shirts, caps and other paraphernalia when they buy a game. Without the merchandising, many would not play.”
The notion of a gaming expo certainly fits Minister Hockey’s main criteria of filling a niche market.
And its economic potential?
In the US, the pinnacle of all gaming events is the Electronic Entertainment Expo held in Los Angeles every year.
More than 41,000 people from 78 countries descended on the LA Convention Centre in June this year for the gaming extravaganza known more commonly as E3.
Mr Molloy said online gaming is huge on the Coffs Coast with one of his own staff spending five hours a day – or night – playing World of Warcraft.
“Actually, that makes her a pretty conservative player,” he said.
“It takes the player into the realm of magic.”
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Posted by Dizzy_diana from Toormina, New South Wales
05 November 2009 12:32 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »
Will the Gaming Expo present for Coffs Harbour the image of a Healthy Lifestyle for the future of our children?
Australia is at present in a crisis with a large proportion of Australians now being diagnosed with health conditions, most of which are relating to a less active lifestyle.
I don't know about the rest of you.... but I was old enough to remember when television was first introduced....and then came the technology of television games and then online entertainment.
Is it only a coincidence that the children of our Australian population has now become less active since television and games have come on the scene? Or do we have our heads in the sand?
Does the Poll results only reveals that the majority of the Coffs Community who have online access like sitting in their lounge room and are avid Gamers?
Surf Life saving Championships would certainly be a great way of promoting a Healthy Lifestyle....but I am sorry to say that Gaming Expo will not.
The Coffs Harbour community has a rare opportunity to promote an image for a Healthy Lifestyle here....by getting out there, be more active and enjoying the wonderful views and scenic beauty of this region.
Dancing to Music can also be a good start to encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Visual Arts can not only include just paintings but a wide range of art. We have Galleries throughout the region...that includes Bunker Cartoon Gallery displaying the unique cartoon art; Cooinda Gallery in Sawtell,displaying Australian Indigenous Art; Southern Cross Pottery where there is a beautiful display of Ceramics Art; The Yellow Shed; ButterFactory in Bellingen; Lake Russell Gallery; Jeffrey Baker Art; Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery; and the list goes on .....
Can we not expand and diversify with what we already have that is already established in Coffs area..... with Music festivals and "Art" exhibitions.
I would like to challenge all the Coffs Coast Advocate readers to go to the Yellow Pages and find the long list of Galleries in this region (on page 41).
Then on your next day off....get out there and visit not only those beautiful galleries and broaden your cultural experiences...but also enjoy the beauty of the scenic views of the Coffs region and listen to the "Music" along the way.
Don't sit at home and Play Games!
Posted by mia_h from Emerald Beach, New South Wales
06 November 2009 7:48 a.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »
All this says to me is there are big flaws in the polling process. What group is internet connected, time rich and motivated for a bit of a laugh to vote up something in their own interest on the local papers website? Young nerds unite!.
Still as ridiculous as this selection is, at least its not more bloody sport! Please Coffs Coast let us not throw the keys to our city at another damn football team!
Posted by duk242 from Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
07 November 2009 11:59 p.m. | Suggest removal » | Post reply »
What about an outdoor rave festival?
I'm sure if the council would support us in running the raves then it would help get people active and in the outdoors.