PRESS RELEASE:
Punching wood. The Nether. Creepers and endermen. If these terms have been bandied about your dinner table over the last few months, chances are that you have a young person who is into Minecraft. This enigmatic game has become a cultural phenomenon across the globe, and has captivated the imaginations of young people. This summer, eSportsAVL and Tek-Kids hope to bring the game to life in a whole new way for Asheville youths.
They will be hosting a series of gaming events at the Grey Eagle (185 Clingman Ave) that are targeted at young fans of the game. These events give gamers a chance to socialize and play the game together. “This game has a rich history of online collaboration and competition, but there have been very few opportunities for gamers to meet up in person.” says Tek-Kids founder, Ian Riddell. “I have been running the Asheville Computer Programming Club for over four years now, and since Day One, most young people who come down to the club are interested in learning more about Minecraft.”
These events, called Minecraft Saturdays, are taking place at the Grey Eagle from 12noon to 3pm this Saturday (June 18th) and two weeks later, on July 2nd and are primarily aimed at gamers between the ages of 8 and 14. Children over 8 can be dropped off at the event and picked up at the end.
“There will be some structured tournament-style play as well as the more free-ranging play that the game is known for. We have a private, protected server for our participants. We have built many of the same mini-games that kids can find on well-known servers. Games such as Spleef, Parkour, Survival Games, and Master Builders.”
“Minecraft has all of the hallmarks of a cultural movement.”, says Riddell, “Kids who love the game have their own language. They have their own style of dress. They have their own celebrities. And they obsess over the minute details of the game for hours. Meanwhile, grown-ups are left scratching their heads going ‘I don’t get it but she really loves it’”
The events will emphasize the positive aspects of competition, and will actively encourage socializing. “These events are electric! A lot of people might imagine a silent room with kids crouched over their screens, but it’s the opposite. Kids are talking loudly. They are running back and forth to watch the action on each other’s screens. They are meeting new people. We play music. Plus the Grey Eagle has an enclosed outdoor area where kids can get fresh air and take a sunshine break and hot food is served all day long.”
Attendees are expected to provide their own gaming device. The admission is $15. Attendees can visit tek-kids.com for more details and to sign up for the mailing list.
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