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Diversity is the name of the game at Multiplay i49

Faith August 24, 2013 Event

Roll the clock back around 10 years and i19 at Newbury Racecourse was largely populated by teenage boys with camping equipment and Antec 900 chassis. At the Telford International Centre for i49 in 2013, the biggest surprise was the make up of the audience. KitGuru presents the photographic evidence that geeks exist in all shapes and sizes.

There will always be early adopters in every market.

But to really succeed, you need to open up and diversify your audience.

Alongside drawing the biggest crowds ever seen at a UK LAN gaming event, Multiplay also managed the greatest diversity seen at i49.

Here's the evidence.

Companies like GameTee offer cool fashion for cool folks - and they were drawing a broad cross section of gamers looking for the visual edge
Companies like GameTee offer cool fashion for cool folks – and they were drawing a broad cross section of gamers looking for the visual edge. Hardcore gamers, friends and family – all drawn in by the designs

.

Without any special timing, a photo of the OcUK stand results in the capture of multiple ladies
Without any special timing, a photo of the OcUK stand results in the capture of multiple ladies

.

Down on the floor of the gaming arena itself, multiple teams now have female members and support
Down on the floor of the gaming arena itself, multiple teams now have female members and support

.

Each year, Multiplay pulls in more and more people with its friendly blend of serious gaming and mindless fun
Each year, Multiplay pulls in more and more people with its friendly blend of serious gaming & mindless fun

.

Industry statistics show that a vast number of ladies now game, we're hoping that events like i49 will encourage them to come right and compete with the boys head-2-head
Industry statistics show that a vast number of ladies now game, we're hoping that events like i49 will encourage them to come right and compete with the boys head-2-head

.

Multiplay's warm-n-welcoming environment draws a broad cross section of enthusiasts
Multiplay's warm-n-welcoming environment draws a broad cross section of enthusiasts

.

You're never too young to have a blast
You're never too young to have a blast

.

KitGuru says: Very impressive. The future of gaming looks very healthy if Multiplay i49 is anything to go by.

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2 comments

  1. [email protected]
    August 25, 2013 at 10:34 am

    I like how the “broad cross section” are all white males

  2. faith
    August 25, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    Sorry if you’re not familiar with the Multiplay series Error101… The jump in diversity this time around was really impressive and it’s something that everyone – including the show’s organisers – are hoping to see more of. In the UK now, we have a pretty even balance between male and female gamers – but the boys tend to play competitive shoot-em-ups more, which has traditionally been the main kind of event for corporate sponsorship. Minecraft has helped redress the balance – but there’s plenty more to be done.
    If you have ideas on how to attract an even bigger/broader crowd… We are all ears 🙂

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