It has been weeks since I posted last and I apologize - but I was quite busy with an extra round of travels added to the regular schedule. Since the last update my itinerary was a bit like this: Paris - Prague - Malta - LA - Germany - Paris - Sweden - DC.
So what was I so busy with? Well, mostly it was gaming related. On and offline, I don't normally talk about my interest in the gaming industry so it may come as a surprise that I've been playing games like Starcraft and Final Fantasy since I was about 10 years old. Twitchcon, Blizzcon, and Dreamhack were all in my schedule this fall to fuel my passion for gaming.
And just how passionate? Let these cosplay photos explain for themselves.
Couple goals?
My boyfriend as Mal'ganis from World of Warcraft or more recently, the Hearthstone edition of the character.
I was dressed as the rogue character Valeera also from the same games World of Warcraft, but based off of the Hearthstone rendition.
Bonus: Jaina Proudmoore cosplay. It's a blue themed mage from World of Warcraft, but DOTA 2 players liked it as well. I guess they do look very similar.
Blizzcon Nov 5-6 2015
Arguably one of the biggest gaming events in the world, attended by tens of thousands of people and millions watched online. Blizzard has the official stats, but just know that this event is consistently sold out within hours of releasing tickets.
We were invited by Blizzard as special guests so we thankfully avoided all that hassle and could lay back just to enjoy the event. My boyfriend had a spot on stage to play Hearthstone as a poker celebrity, since this popular card game is often nicknamed 'magic poker.'
On the main stream in our cosplay
Aside from the special match, we were able to go around the area and have a private tour of the office by the executive developer Hamilton Chu who helped arrange our trip. We watched matches, met people, and walked around in our costumes to take photos like all the other attendees.
Statue from Blizzard HQ
Our tour group
The two poker pros, ElkY and Daniel Negreanu, with the Hearthstone producer Hamilton who took us arond.
Main stage
Casting tables
Massive!
Kerrigan statue
For the Horde!
Dreamhack Winter Nov 26-29
This massive event takes place all over the world, but the biggest is the Dreamhack Winter taken place in the city of origin, Jonkoping Sweden. It's a large 'LAN party' which means the attendees bring their own computer setup to play games, watch movies, whatever - in the comfort of 20,000 other like minded friends. Sleep is rare, shower is even rarer in this event.
Posing in front of thousands of computers and trash
Feeling a tad bit out of place
JUST A TAD.
So why come?
The other major happening is the competitive ESports scene. Dreamhack offers the pro gamers a chance to compete for a large prizepool, oftentimes able to win over $100,000.
My boyfriend and I came for that portion of the event.
Shortly after Blizzcon, he joined Team Liquid as a Hearthstone pro gamer, one of the only people in any industry with two active teams as both profession poker player and as a pro gamer. Team Pokerstars and Team Liquid were both happy with the announcement.
The Hearthstone event was what we were here for. My name was on the list as well, although I never submitted my decks due to server issues. I opted to cheer on my boyfriend and watch the games.
Hearthstone
Competition area
The main 'stage' where games are streamed live
There are plenty of things to watch, especially on the last day. Several large finales of gaming competitions take place and the crowd goes wild.
CSGO stage
Computers upon computers
Some choose to upgrade their space with flashy lights
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