Gamer Con March 2017

Dyr

Sephiroth_dude wrote: »

So there was wasn't any new games at this event? Minecraft on a PS 3? Not even a ps4 version LOL! No switch? And loads of two year old games? Why would you even bother? Sounds like a right sambles of an event and also sounds like the organiser didn't have a clue what he was at.

I don't know..I guessed it was mostly a combination of parents with little darlings who just had to see the youbetube celebrities and cosplayers who'd show up at anything so long as they can wear their party outfits


call me a cynic

uncle_sam_ie

Is anyone really surprised by all this? It was just another crap spectacular rip off Ireland production.

FatFreddy22

The Irish are seen as a soft touch for rip-off merchants. If this was France, the building would have been stormed and the organisers guillotined.

There needs to be some sort of consumer protection to stop these moneygrab events. Some review of the licensing procedure to ensure adequate facilities have been provided.
This cram as many people in bollox needs to be stopped.

Wonda-Boy

Cant see anywhere on the Gamercon website issuing refunds? Is it a case of going through my bank......?

Glebee

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Cant see anywhere on the Gamercon website issuing refunds? Is it a case of going through my bank......?

https://gamer-con.com/tickets/

This wording has changed again this morning. The keep moving the goal posts it seems. Time to get out the pitch forks...

me_irl

MvsC3 wrote: »

...then some emulators, son got to play Mario kart 64 for about ten mins, Mario 1 on nes,...

For such a big convention having an emulator + ROM(s) setup is a legal faux pas (I think).

I'm curious though, how did you know it was an emulator? Was it running RetroPie or anything that you could see?

um7y1h83ge06nx

I didn't go but from reading the comments here I could have had a better con by inviting a few of the lads over to mine and have our consoles, PCs and my retropie running while having a few cans and snacks.

Best of luck with the refunds, such a pity it turned out so badly.

Retr0gamer

me_irl wrote: »

For such a big convention having an emulator + ROM(s) setup is a legal faux pas (I think).

I'm curious though, how did you know it was an emulator? Was it running RetroPie or anything that you could see?

Flat out illegal actually and if it was Nintendo stuff running on it you'd be running the risk of legal action.

oceanclub

Shiminay wrote: »

The fact that the organiser threatened people who raised concerns ahead of time with legal action and then went on to produce this shtshow is telling.

Who did he threaten to sue and how far did he go (ie, just comments or did he have legal letters sent?). I hope people threatened go public in the media today.

P.

me_irl

oceanclub wrote: »

Who did he threaten to sue and how far did he go (ie, just comments or did he have legal letters sent?). I hope people threatened go public in the media today.

P.

Could only find these screenshots from the lads Twitter a/c.

The Murtaugh fella's tweets sounded like he had a vendetta. Or just wants to create some drama... Wouldn't surprise me with the state of modern youtubers / gaming.

https://twitter.com/WilltheMurt/status/843157968162119681

benny79

Its saying if your ticket was scanned for entry you wont be getting a refund! Joke.. I had family ticket but just went with my eldest lad Sunday as there was no way the Misses was bringing the youngest after the chaos of Saturday!

Got there at 8.30 got in in about 15 mins pure rip off to que for everything no staff or organisation.. By chance we were in the auditorium when the you tubers were on stage and one of them said her boyfriend was in the crowd, another youtuber, my son noticed him and went over a got pictures he was actually sound and made my sons day! but at €85 for a family ticket absolutely ridiculous..

I made a complaint at customer service, nice women also told me to email gamercon Im just looking for partial refund but doubt Id hear anything back..

ibFoxer

Charleigh Some Vista wrote: »

I didn't go but from reading the comments here I could have had a better con by inviting a few of the lads over to mine and have our consoles, PCs and my retropie running while having a few cans and snacks.

Best of luck with the refunds, such a pity it turned out so badly.

Funny you should mention this, we drove from Dublin to Tipp yesterday and more or less planned out a better con on the way home than the mess we had been to, and the plan we came up with more or less revolves around organic growth, and not trying to do all the things on your first rodeo.

Everything was promised- i read an interview with Ferdi on irishtechnews from November last year where such things as first views, some early access previews and some first plays from the major studios were promised, and none of it delivered on. Interestingly one of the partners listed back then was Creative, who also were nowhere to be seen, much like Logitech- there has to have been something more to that than simply lacking floor space, as if it were floor planned any way correctly there was room for everything there, the missing two and more.

Simply put, i don't believe you necessarily have to have big game experience to play in a big game, but you sure as sh!t get some practise in first and don't just run on to the field unprepared, and this is what happened at GamerCon: It was oversold, no question; Even if it was only sold for capacity it was completely understaffed inside; Mismanagement of the queues outside, and nobody inside knowing exactly what protocol was. This should have been sold as something to build on, not the absolute max from the off- 75% ticket sales with a 25% walk up, 1 in 10 as VIP and give a lanyard for quick detection, timed game seating- trying to be fair to everyone by limiting play time to 15/30 minutes, depending on the game. There's plenty of other things that could be done but it's a small sampling.

I think GamerCon, could be rescued, but not under current management. Unfortunately anything that has Ferdi's name attached will be toxic now, and while i sympathise because i'm sure there were a certain amount of good intentions, he really only has himself to blame, because he is the face of the whole thing and until i am told otherwise, the book stops with him. I feel a different event, ran correctly, and allowed to build over time, would be a far more attractive proposition for the gaming community as a whole and it's certainly something that i would be willing to get involved in if it were needed.

oceanclub

me_irl wrote: »

Could only find these screenshots from the lads Twitter a/c.

Ah, I'd seen those but was wondering were there any more and any related just to criticism.

P.

Jet Black

They're going to discussing it on 4FM today at 1pm.

Skerries

this was a twitter entry about the length of the queue

Sunny Dayz

Skerries wrote: »

this was a twitter entry about the length of the queue

The red circle is where they were letting people in. The part between the two buildings Park Lane, the queue went the whole length of the Convention centre building right down to the road (at the bottom of the pic), and then looped back up that lane along by PWC. On Saturday anyway.

d31b0y

That's not even fully accurate either. Between the two buildings, you were snaked back on yourself three times with barriers.
Not single file either. There were groups three, four and five wide.

This is what I joined on Saturday. After about two hours we were about half way which is when we gave up.

vrt12

Anyone who got into the event applying for a refund? Doubt I'll get it but am thinking about it anyway. If everyone does maybe something will happen. Might make this con artist unemployable. not sure how to word it. "It was shoite" might not be enough.

Vinyslpinners

What a great event and a credit, very pleased with the tour around the building. I have to admit it was nice to stop and admire the view! I don't think there is anything I can say at all on this that hasn't been covered, for reading reference check the CSGo subreddit, disaster altogether. For your lite reading pleasure: http://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/gamercon-founder-defends-convention-after-12766230

0ph0rce0

Have a listen over on 4fm.

Some women saying her hair and makeup was done and couldn't hack that in the rain

My god

sniper_samurai

0ph0rce0 wrote: »

Have a listen over on 4fm.

Some women saying her hair and makeup was done and couldn't hack that in the rain

My god

Sigh, putting this rubbish on the air when there are so many people with genuine grievances.

I expect Liveline will be much of the same.

IRL_Sinister

0ph0rce0 wrote: »

Have a listen over on 4fm.

Some women saying her hair and makeup was done and couldn't hack that in the rain

My god

While it is, no doubt, an ignorant comment from someone on Ireland in mid-March you need to also be appreciative that Cosplay was promoted and encouraged and having to wait for hours would make people somewhat sympathetic to the comments. Also relevant if their children were dressed up.

Vinyslpinners

She was talking about her cosplay to be fair. Good listen though, let the hiding commence whatever way you wanna take that! I can't wait to hear the good experience callers!

0ph0rce0

IRL_Sinister wrote: »

While it is, no doubt, anot ignorant comment from someone on Ireland in mid-March you need to also be appreciative that Cosplay was promoted and encouraged and having to wait for hours would make people somewhat sympathetic to the comments.

This wasn't anyone in cosplay. She went with the kid. But i can understand that alright.

Edit: sorry didn't hear say anything about cosplay. Didn't here her mention that??? She did. My bad

IRL_Sinister

0ph0rce0 wrote: »

This wasn't anyone in cosplay. She went with the kid. But i can understand that alright.

Oh, right. I'm not listening so wasn't aware she explicitly stated it wasn't Cosplay.

sniper_samurai

Vinyslpinners wrote: »

She was talking about her cosplay to be fair. Good listen though, let the hiding commence whatever way you wanna take that! I can't wait to hear the good experience callers!

That makes a difference alright from a bit of whinging. Hair and make up for cosplay can take hours for more elaborate work.

Vinyslpinners

0ph0rce0 wrote: »

This wasn't anyone in cosplay. She went with the kid. But i can understand that alright.

Edit: sorry didn't hear say anything about cosplay. Didn't here her mention that.

Could have sworn she said that, I think that queue frazzled me though !

Vinyslpinners

Refund without the booking charge if through Eventbrite. Paypal refund meant to be better. I was seeing another Stardust with this event to be honest.

sniper_samurai

Vinyslpinners wrote: »

Refund without the booking charge if through Eventbrite. Paypal refund meant to be better. I was seeing another Stardust with this event to be honest.

Well thats to be expected, the booking charge is Eventbrites cut and is separate from the ticket price.

Vinyslpinners

To be honest though, I'm just disappointed that it tarnishes any attempt in the future. Some great things going on around the country this doesn't help at all.

Dyr

Bambi wrote: »

Just do a Paddy Cosgrave and blame the venue, the vendors, the support companies and everyone bar yourself then demand Enda Kenny gets involved next time.

lo and behold..

http://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/gamercon-founder-defends-convention-after-12766230

"There were also issues with queues within the building. This was not under GamerCon’s direct control – the Convention Centre Dublin are responsible for people management and public safety within their building. The Convention Centre Dublin were fully aware of the ticket sales and expected numbers of attendees."

Andrew76

Vinyslpinners wrote: »

For your lite reading pleasure: http://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/gamercon-founder-defends-convention-after-12766230

He's laying a lot of the blame on the Convention Centre reading that article. They were aware of the number of tickets sold and it was their responsibility to look after people once inside the door.

The only good thing to come out of it was the number of folks that turned up showed there's great appetite for this kind of thing. GamerCon indeed.

MvsC3

me_irl wrote: »

For such a big convention having an emulator + ROM(s) setup is a legal faux pas (I think).

I'm curious though, how did you know it was an emulator? Was it running RetroPie or anything that you could see?

I don't know exactly if they were emulators as I didn't get to play them, but the controllers that the players were using to play golden axe (1989) were 2x six button arcade joysticks joined together that the manufacturer was advertising could be made for sale, no Sega mega drive visible. there was a megadrive there with sonic 2 on it and I think another one with altered beast.

Glebee

MvsC3 wrote: »

I don't know exactly if they were emulators as I didn't get to play them, but the controllers that the players were using to play golden axe (1989) were 2x six button arcade joysticks joined together that the manufacturer was advertising could be made for sale, no Sega mega drive visible. there was a megadrive there with sonic 2 on it and I think another one with altered beast.

Fcuking hell, Sonic 2 and Altered Beast. I know it was Retro but thank Christ I did not get in..:)

MvsC3

Retr0gamer wrote: »

Flat out illegal actually and if it was Nintendo stuff running on it you'd be running the risk of legal action.

MARIO KART was on an actual N64, most games were ran on the appropriate hardware, it just looked to me like some of the games could have been as I didn't see the consoles and the joysticks were arcade style and could be ordered for sale, they probably weren't emulators at all, just what I thought from looking briefly at them.

MvsC3

Glebee wrote: »

Fcuking hell, Sonic 2 and Altered Beast. I know it was Retro but thank Christ I did not get in..:)

Altered beast was VIP ticket holders only


Only jokin😊

hungry hypno toad

Any Amigas in the retro section?

MvsC3

Glebee wrote: »

Fcuking hell, Sonic 2 and Altered Beast. I know it was Retro but thank Christ I did not get in..:)

Altered beast was VIP tickets only


Only joking!

MvsC3

hungry hypno toad wrote: »

Any Amigas in the retro section?

It wasn't E3 Las vegas

Gonzo

I was meant to go to this but in the end we all backed out of going a week before the event, so glad i dodged that bullet now.

The numbers that showed up for the event goes to show that such an event is very much in demand in this country. Unfortunately the events of this weekend will not be forgotten and any similar event in the future has probably been damaged, even if it was run properly by another organisation. There would be many parents who would never bring their kids to something like this again.

MvsC3

hungry hypno toad wrote: »

Any Amigas in the retro section?

Not that I seen, few N64s, few Snes, nes, megadrive, a GameCube, dreamcast, PlayStation one, an upright arcade cabinet running Marvel Vs Capcom 1, and a cocktail table cabinet that wasmy running whilst I was there

moonlighting

I kinda miss going to lan events. I remember the scene died down a few years ago. Is anybody organizing lan events anymore or is it just a case of game company's not supporting lan play.

drawnacrol

The worst thing about this is its caused massive damage to any future cons. 24,000 people were hoping to attend which shows there is a huge demand for events like this. You could easily have separate kids and adult events.

In a country where many delusional people almost see gaming in a similar light as drug use this will only further damage it. I wouldn't expect another gamer con for a long time regardless of who runs in it. Not to mention every parent in the country who reads up about this sham will even want to risk something like this in the future.

pilly

drawnacrol wrote: »

The worst thing about this is its caused massive damage to any future cons. 24,000 people were hoping to attend which shows there is a huge demand for events like this. You could easily have separate kids and adult events.

In a country where many delusional people almost see gaming in a similar light as drug use this will only further damage it. I wouldn't expect another gamer con for a long time regardless of who runs in it. Not to mention every parent in the country who reads up about this sham will even want to risk something like this in the future.

I was going to suggest separate child and adult events but thought I'd be torn to shreds, glad you brought it up. Surely for the adult gamers they'd prefer a separate event?

Potential-Monke

From my experience at Insomnia last year, which was a new event in Ireland (albeit with years of experience from other events), the best part was the evening/night with the quiz, a few drinks and banter. I would be all for an adult only portion, set in the evening/night, keep the day time for the kids. I'm even tempted to look into organising one myself at this stage.

Glebee

Potential-Monke wrote: »

From my experience at Insomnia last year, which was a new event in Ireland (albeit with years of experience from other events), the best part was the evening/night with the quiz, a few drinks and banter. I would be all for an adult only portion, set in the evening/night, keep the day time for the kids. I'm even tempted to look into organising one myself at this stage.

i know somebody whos looking for a job.....:)

Potential-Monke

Glebee wrote: »

i know somebody whos looking for a job.....:)

He can keep looking!

Generic Dreadhead

Vinyslpinners wrote: »

She was talking about her cosplay to be fair. Good listen though, let the hiding commence whatever way you wanna take that! I can't wait to hear the good experience callers!

Yeah heard this too. She did say it was for Cosplay

FAILSAFE 00

Is there any replay we can access of this interview.

Retr0gamer

Bambi wrote: »

lo and behold..

http://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/gamercon-founder-defends-convention-after-12766230

"There were also issues with queues within the building. This was not under GamerCon’s direct control – the Convention Centre Dublin are responsible for people management and public safety within their building. The Convention Centre Dublin were fully aware of the ticket sales and expected numbers of attendees."

That's not how the law works. The organisers are responsible for health and safety with regards to crowd control and security and as for ticket sales they would have been recommended that number of tickets by the venue based on the information provided by the organiser. If they provided the wrong info then it's their fault especially after turning down offers from the likes of DCC for help.