THUNDER BAY - Whether you are a casual or hardcore gamer or simply like to stay on top of all the latest tech trends, a new event coming to the city will be sure to scratch that digital itch.
The city announced it will hosting Quest: Thunder Bay’s First Annual Tech and Gaming Event later this month.
“We saw an opportunity to work with some really wonderful partners in the tech and gaming industry and create something new for Thunder Bay that hasn’t really been happening locally on any kind of large scale up to this point,” said Leah Prentice, manager of community and cultural development with the city. “We are looking to reach a new market that is absolutely huge in Ontario.”
The two day event will include expo gaming tournaments hosted by the Ontario eSports League and feature the popular games Fortnite, FIFA, and NHL.
The tournaments will be exhibition play but Prentice said this is just the first year for Quest and that could change in the future to include qualifying matches for larger competitions as the event grows.
“We see great potential for this event to grow over time,” she said. “Our long-term goal would be to have gamers come from however far we can attract from. This first time we are anticipating it’s going to be mostly local gamers, but I have been told we have some pretty accomplished local gamers as well.”
Prizes will be up for grabs and there is a registration fee of $20 per player per tournament entry. Players must register by 5 p.m. Sunday, May 26 and spaces are limited. Gamers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to register.
But there will be a lot more to see beyond high-caliber gaming. The city is working with local software developer Qwantech and Science North to bring family friendly and interactive demonstrations related to coding, virtual reality, and robotics.
Prentice said she is anticipating approximately 2,000 people to attend Quest but added organizers may be pleasantly surprised with the turnout.
ThunderCon, which also includes elements of gaming, continues to attract thousands of participants every year, but Prentice said Quest will be a very different event.
“We are looking at it as a very different event in terms of programming,” she said. “This is very much technology and game specific. We are aware there is a market locally for technology and gaming.”
Quest will be held at the Fort William Gardens on Friday, May 31 from six to 10 p.m. and Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. General admission is free.
For more information visit the Quest: Gaming and Tech Event website.
