PREVIEW: The City Arcade is a Minecrafters dream
Ever since bursting onto the scene in 2011 (although hardcore MineCrafters will tell me it’s been around since it’s developmental stage in 2009) Minecraft has become the third most popular computer game of all time, just behind Tetris and Wii Sports.
In September of last year Microsoft bought Mojang, the Swedish firm behind the hit game, for a cool £1.5bn after the company had sold over 54 million copies.
MineCraft even has its very own convention, MineCon, which has been held each year since 2011. This year’s event netted a Guinness World Record for “largest convention for a single video game” when it attracted over 10,000 visitors to the 2015 London MineCon.
One thing in particular that is obvious from the game is that it is not ageist. It has been able to attract gamers of all ages, male or female, whatever their profession, whatever their gaming backgrounds may be, it’s attracted them all. Crucially this is probably why it has been soooo successful since 2011.
Just type Mincraft into YouTube and there are thousands of videos of tutorials or just people playing the game. Some YouTubers have even been able to make a career off the back of the hit game. One guy in particular which is constantly being played by both my kids is ‘Stampylonghead’ aka Joseph Garrett. Garrett became a millionaire simply by filming himself sitting in his bedroom playing the cult game and uploading clips for his legion of fans. His YouTube channel is one of the top 10 most viewed worldwide hitting up to 170 million views a month!
Derry’s very own mini MineCon was held last year in the Guildhall and was a great success. Attracting gamers of all ages - including my two sons aged 4 and 8 - it is no wonder the event is back again this year. Returning for a second year, the ‘City Arcade’ is promising to be “bigger, better and Minecraftier” than ever spanning three days and being held at the Millennium Forum.
There will be dozens of Minecraft stations, Minecraft tournaments and casual play on both PC and X-Box, with late night gaming for the grown-ups. There will also be costumes, stalls, live entertainment and also YouTube celebs who will be appearing on the Saturday.
This is certainly going to be a must for all gamers out there, young and old alike.
>> The City Arcade will be on from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September. You have the option of purchasing a day pass costing £6, a weekend pass for £13.50 or indeed a family pass (4 people) priced at £44
