This was the first published (print) video games article I had written for Gamefreaks magazine last year.
Black Box Session January 2006
By Julie Gray
Organisers of last year’s local World Cyber Games and Electronic Sports World Cup events are expanding their focus on console gaming with a revival of an event called the Black Box Session in Auckland.
The fifth successful Black Box Session was held on 21st January in Botany Downs, Auckland. Black Box Session 4 was the first since 2003, attracting some 60 players last August. January’s BBS5 saw around 75 players in total. BBS tournaments include Tekken 5, Halo 2 and Gran Turismo 4 with Pro Evolution Soccer 5 and Halo 2 attracting the largest contingency of players.
Unlike PC LANs where players are expected to bring along all of their own equipment, the BBS event provides most of the equipment for the players in a comfortable ‘lounge-type’ environment. A BYOC (Bring Your Own Console) area is used for players to play Halo 2 and non-tournament console games in their own time, with tables and chairs for PSP and DS tournaments as well.
While some of the world’s best video gamers attend the Black Box Sessions, like global top-tenners David Beaton (Halo 2) and Stuart Cannan (GT4), the emphasis is on fun and social interaction rather than competition and winning. Tournament results are downplayed, and the winners receive the latest games and other prizes in private and without fanfare.
The Black Box Sessions are backed by Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sega and Atari, who provide games as prizes for tournaments. Altec Lansing also provides gaming audio systems for prizes and tournament setups. Sponsors are thanked on the website, www.blackboxsession.co.nz, and in the forums.
PSP demo pods and preview code also feature as side entertainment.
The next BBS competition will be held on 6th May, and from Easter 2007 an annual all-weekend version will be held at Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, Mt Wellington.
For more information visit www.blackboxsession.co.nz
