The 6th edition of the largest gaming event in the region has started.
Reboot Infogamer, the most significant event in the region dedicated to the video gaming industry, started in Zagreb yesterday. More than 17,000 square metres of area in five halls of the Zagreb Fair welcomed the world’s largest developers and manufacturers of gaming consoles and computer hardware, who came to present their new products to all those who want to explore virtual worlds, reports Jutarnji List on November 22, 2017.
This year’s Reboot InfoGamer, expected to be visited by more than 80,000 people, is the largest so far and thus represents the final realisation of the vision of Damir Đurović, who launched the Reboot magazine six years ago. “We knew immediately that we could not stay in the media business alone. Since we had visited countless events around the world, we decided to produce such an event in Croatia,” explains Đurović, co-owner and director of the magazine.
Everything started six years ago when the initiative for the revitalisation of the former Info Fair was launched. Bojan Markov and Slavica Ladić, project leaders at the Zagreb Fair, called Reboot and wondered if they would be ready to organise an event dedicated to video gaming as part of the re-launched Info Fair. Đurović agreed, and that year the event covered more than 400 square metres.
“We filled the Hall 7 of the Zagreb Fair thanks to our contacts which we had gained over the years. PlayStation was there, Samsung as well, and UVI eSports organised several tournaments in competitive video gaming, and that was it,” explains Đurović, adding that the event was organised at their own expense and did not charge for the tickets. Although the Info Fair was soon discontinued again, it turned out there was keen interest in video games in Zagreb and beyond.
Reboot grew over the years. One hall soon turned into three, and Đurović’s team managed to break the resistance of big developers from coming to Croatia’s small market. It may sound strange, but Croatian video game developers also had to be persuaded to come to the event and present their work. “They were surprised when they came because previously they all thought they were the only ones being involved in video game development,” Đurović explains.
The next goal was to turn Reboot InfoGamer into a global event that could be comparable to PAX or Gamescom. “In addition to the largest exhibition space ever, the eSports tournament of the Vip Adria league and socialising with YouTube stars, visitors will be able to enjoy the first appearance of Nintendo at InfoGamer and try the most powerful video game console in the world – Xbox One X. That and the number of visitors shows that we are in league with the biggest events in the world.”
For that, a lot of effort and cables are needed. “For everyone to have access to the Internet, it takes almost 10 kilometres of network cables. Additionally, there are more than 3,000 connectors for more than a thousand different televisions, computers and gaming consoles,” he explains. “We will install approximately 200 square metres of LED screens and also open six major stages throughout the fair. Without the help of our partners from the Zagreb Fair and Ultra Studio, it would not be possible to organise such an event.”
Reboot InfoGamer has a vital role in the regional video game industry. “Although it is primarily targeted at consumers and the promotion of the latest products, fairs such as Reboot InfoGamer serve to create business contacts and promote tourism in the city where the fair is taking place,” says Đurović. “Just take, for example, Gamescom in Cologne. According to estimates, the city earns hundreds of millions of euros, and the total turnover associated with the event often reaches a billion euros.”
The event is essential for independent studios because they can present their games to players and see how they react. “Our region has been recognised as a potential gold mine, and world-famous companies are coming here,” adds Đurović.
The importance of the Reboot InfoGamer is demonstrated by the fact that other regional cities have for some time tried to lure the organisers. Đurović has repeatedly rejected their offers and says he will remain loyal to Zagreb. “We are creating awareness that video games are an essential cultural and civilisation moment of modern society and an artistic product which the mankind had not known before.”
Translated from Jutarnji List.
