The gaming craze “BarCraft” will once again come to Sydney after over 1000 people attended the past two installments.
On March 3, Circular Quay’s Paragon Hotel will house the event in which gamers share drinks and watch professional StarCraft II matches that are broadcasted on TV screens.
StarCraft, a military science fiction real-time strategy video game, has over six million followers globally, many of whom participate in the BarCraft social event.
Paragon Hotel will host the “Hot6ix GSL Finals” live from Korea. The Hotel expects over 450 people at the event following the success of the 2011 BarCraft evenings, described as “electric” by the 350 plus gamers.
A spokeswoman for Paragon Hotel said the atmosphere of BarCraft is crucial to its success.
“Like mainstream sports, the core attraction of BarCraft is the social atmosphere,” she said.
“The two previous BarCraft events have been electric…the atmosphere during BarCraft is so friendly and accessible, with both guys and girls getting really involved.”
“BarCraft offers an explosive atmosphere that is irresistible to any StarCraft fan,” said BarCraft fan Jacob Smith. “I love BarCraft because it brings people together to watch and enjoy the game.”
Another BarCraft enthusiast, Matthew Wu, also said the atmosphere is the major attraction of BarCraft.
“BarCraft isn’t something that can be written about effectively. You need to attend an event, have a few drinks with other StarCraft fans and chill out – that’s what makes BarCraft special and unique compared to watching it at home,” he said.
The General Manager of Paragon Hotel, Craig Wesker, was surprised at how much support BarCraft generated.
“Honestly, it was a gamble [hosting the events] but at the same time it sounded extremely interesting and unique for a hotel to host. With a lot of scepticism, I thought it was worth a try,” he said.
Mr Wesker said on the night of the Rugby World Cup semi-final in October 2011, only 100 rugby fans attended Paragon Hotel while 300 attended BarCraft.
“That was when I knew it was a great event,” he said. “We hope to be hosting BarCraft every six weeks and we love the energy it brings.”
By Fabian Di Lizia
