GAMEAPALOOZA | PREVIEW
Making its bow in Cardiff on Sun 3 Nov is the hotly anticipated Gameapalooza 2013. Taking over Moon Club, Cardiff for a day this event promises to be a haven of retro gaming, comedy and music, with the hottest local talent displaying their wares.
The brainchild of local games enthusiasts James Reicheld and Jack Cooper, Gameapalooza has been born as the follow up to the successful Cardiff Retro Party, held earlier this year in Ten Feet Tall. That event was warmly welcomed by Cardiff’s burgeoning gaming community, who have long called for such an event for a city with a thriving video game culture.
Having run several comedy and gaming nights around Cardiff over the past few years, a surprise meeting led Jack and James to combine forces in an attempt to fill this void and bring a unique gaming event to Cardiff. And with their first attempt, Cardiff Retro Party, proving a hit earlier this year, Gameapalooza appears to be a natural progression, with a larger venue and greater variety of events to keep all entertained.
With top local comedians such as Jordan Brookes and artists such as Alone performing, Jack hopes this event can become a lasting fixture on the gaming calender for years to come. ‘We hope to bring Gameapalooza back year after year. There has been such a change in the video games scene over the last few years. It has become much more diverse and social and Gameapalooza celebrates the variety that can be found throughout the Cardiff scene, from comedy to retro gaming and live music.’
It’s clear that this is an event that will appeal to all, no matter your tastes or interests; beyond the gaming events and tournaments that sit at it’s heart, Gameapalooza will also host a full line-up of music acts including the inimitable Happy Funtime Video Game Band, notorious for their funked-up covers of famous video game tunes. Should you delve further into the entertainment on offer, you will find a selection of Cardiff’s hottest local comedians on show, alongside local games developers showcasing their latest offerings. Having managed to assemble such a tantalising array of entertainment that will surely hold something for all, and with pre-event games tournament already being held around Cardiff in the build up to this event, it is no wonder Jack is expecting the maiden Gameapalooza to sell out, and beyond that, is keenly anticipating a larger event returning for 2014.
So whatever you’re interests, whether it be the latest offerings from South Wales indie games developers, danceable post rock or a fine range of comedy, Jack is conveinced there will be something for everyone; ‘This is more than just a gaming festival, and we hope that Gameapalooza can become established across the UK as the premier gaming festival. There’s so much going on, for everyone.’
Gameapalooza 2013, The Moon Club, Cardiff, Sun 3 Nov. Tickets £8. Info: www.gameapalooza.co.uk
words: JAMES AYLES