With today’s opening, Vice Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr gives the starting signal for the 15th Game City. From October 11th to 13th, Vienna City Hall will become a huge gaming arena that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Over 100 exhibitors offer programs for all age groups on 15,000 square meters – with free admission.
Vice Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr welcomed the visitors: “The Game City is pure joy: Where city politicians usually walk down the corridors, we now see children and young people running enthusiastically through the town hall. For three days there will be gaming fun for the whole family in front of and in the town hall. Whether you’re trying out the latest games in the magnificent ballroom, playing Pac-Man in the retro area or trying out exciting board games – there’s something for everyone. As in the previous year, the focus is on health this time: In three Gamers Health corners, visitors can find out how important breaks are, which snacks support gaming and which movement exercises or eye training are good for you. I am particularly pleased to visit numerous school classes, because fun is an important part of education and life. By the way, there is a children’s corner for the little ones from 4 years old. I warmly welcome everyone: let the games begin and the fun never end!”
The one chosen online Game City Mayor Vanesh (Vanessa Radosztics) ceremoniously received a sash from Vice Mayor Wiederkehr and was proud of her new role: “It’s an honor to take on this position as a liaison between the gaming and cosplay community and have a great time with my friends here at Game City. I’m there every year, and after last year “I am even more pleased that I won the election this year!”
Experience the magical world of Harry Potter and Super Mario novelties
At Game City, visitors can expect the Austrian premiere of Super Mario Party Jamboreewhich can be played at the Nintendo booth before the official release. Warner Bros brings the magical Hogwarts feeling to the town halls with games based around Harry Potter. There are also exciting young games from local developers to discover in the FM4 Indie Area. In addition to the big game titles, FM4’s indie area is once again presenting the most exciting young game projects from local game developers.
Exciting e-sports tournaments and gamers health
If you want to prove your skills against the professionals, you have many opportunities to do so at Game City. In the Volkshalle you can compete in several challenges every day with the country’s e-athletes. On all three days there will also be e-sports competitions on the stage in the Arkadenhof to get excited about.
There are also gamer health areas on the festival stairs, in the arcade courtyard and in the coat of arms hall: multimedia health platforms are presented here and personal trainers provide playful information about nutrition, exercise and mental health. Advice is also given on the subject of addiction prevention and, for example, how much screen time should be and how to ensure healthy gaming access.
Popular cosplay parade
Another absolute highlight: Tomorrow, Saturday, October 12th, the popular cosplay parade will transform Vienna’s city center into a vibrant sea of color made of fantastic costumes! Together with Vienna Comix, the detail-loving cosplayers will parade from the Museum Quarter to the town hall at 2 p.m. and celebrate their favorite characters from games and anime. In the event of inclement weather, the parade will take place on Sunday, October 15th at 2 p.m.
Trade fair: Games as an educational tool and future challenges
A total of over 300 employees ensure everything runs smoothly and offer a diverse program: e-sports competitions, competitions, talent competitions, cosplay performances and exciting insights into the future of gaming at the international FROG (Future and Reality of Gaming) conference. . The theme of the parallel trade fair is “Gaming the Apocalypse”. Discussions include what skills can be learned in games in order to better deal with the challenges of the future or whether games can be used as an educational tool to provide information about crises.
Wienxtra managing director Vucko Schüchner emphasizes: “The focus of Game City is on sharing things together – talking to each other, listening, spending time and simply sharing fun and joy. Especially in times when what divides us is often emphasized, it is even more important to strengthen what unites us. As organizers of Game City, we attach great importance to promoting the joy of playing together and responsibly. The fact that the city of Vienna is making this event possible in the town hall – and all with free admission – makes Game City a very special experience.”
In the Wienxtra children’s zone on the first floor, even the little ones aged 4 and over can playfully discover the world of games and board games. Advice offers provide information on how to use digital games responsibly and in an age-appropriate manner. Main partner Media Markt offers fun in the ballroom and presents the latest technology highlights from the gaming scene, including virtual reality headsets.
At the town hall square and in the arcade courtyard, game fans can fortify themselves at various food trucks. There is a large scooter course in front of the town hall. And movement games such as laser tag and dance games also invite you to take part in the arcade courtyard. The stage in the arcade courtyard offers a colorful supporting program with games and tournaments, as well as performances by cosplayers.
Game City 2024 at a glance
- Datum: October 11th to 13th, 2023
- Opening hours: Fri 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sat and Sun 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m
- Ort: Vienna Town Hall, 1010 Vienna, entrance via Rathausplatz
- Participation: Entry to Game City is free
- Infos is there under game-city.at
- Don’t forget your photo ID: There are areas for people aged 18 and over.
Press photos will be available shortly at: https://www.wien.gv.at/presse/bilder