MAGFest 8 Begins 2010 In Gaming Nirvana

Submitted by KNN on 9 Jan 2010 - 6:39pm

Competition, camaraderie and technology melded together to offer fun, frivolity and enjoyment for almost 2,000 dedicated gaming enthusiasts who welcomed in the new year in an environment where the joy of the gaming experience was the highlight.

The Mid-Atlantic Gaming Fest (MAGFest), a festival for gaming aficionados (sometimes affectionately called nerds) began the new year in true gaming fashion by offering a plethora of 24 hour non-stop gaming events as well as entertainment by number of bands that provided music that only a dedicated gamer could thoroughly enjoy. The gaming brains of the enthusiasts, who took advantage of this 8th annual offering which is becoming more and more popular each year, can only be described as thoroughly fulfilled.

The “fest” was convened at the Hilton Mark Center in downtown Alexandria, Virginia from January 1-4. This luxury hotel's conference facilities were swelling at the seams and totally dedicated to this annual event. This classy venue complimented the vast array of gaming choices with accommodation not usually associated with the stereotypical image of a gamer.

Computer games included the classic genres such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong to the more current Modern Warfare series and everything in between. Board games were also available and included the intensely demanding Battlestar Gallactica, where the remnants of the human race race try to out think, outlast and conquer the Cylons who threaten our planet's last remaining inhabitants. Gaming was omnipresent. Arcade consoles filled a hall while tournaments and competitions proceeded 24/7 during the course of the fest. Panels were also convened with speakers such as Duke Nukem, presented by voice actor Jon St. John.

Other entertainment included performances by a dozen bands that specialize in gaming music. Bands included the OneUps, who possess the funk and musical talent to bring true “joy to the gamers ear.” Another popular gaming music band was A_Rival. Their music is described as “a blend of Hip-Hop and Nintendo Entertainment System audio synthesis with a mix of high-energy electronic genres such as Electro-house and Drum & Bass.”

Attendees were thoroughly entertained and exhausted with satisfaction. A comment from one attendee summed up the experience of most participants by saying, “it's a shame that sleep is a necessary bodily function, as I missed nearly 12 hours excitement over the course of the last four days. I can't wait for MAGFest 9.”

While no formal plans have been announced, it would appear that there is more than adequate interest in the development of this gaming experience in other regions of the country. Perhaps a “SuperGame” could even be developed as a crowning national event. Additional details are available about the 2010 experience at MAGFest.org Some photographs of an attendee's experience follow.

A satisfied “gamer” with his droid attached.