Game On

The grounds of Ayatti Resort in Greater Noida will play host to some unusual guests this week. Cosplayers (costume players),gamers,guitarists and the generally curious folks — all come together for the Indian Gaming Carnival,a first-of-its-kind event in the country. While cosplayers will cavort in their costume of choice (anime,video games or what have you),gamers will keep their thumbs and eyes glued on to the controllers and screens respectively. There will also be a guitar tournament,wherein would-be Hendrixes will audition at the venue and vie for the Rs 1-lakh cash prize. The total cash prize for 17 different games and the guitar competition comes to Rs 1.5 crore,a pretty hefty chunk of change.

The games one can participate in include the likes of Need for Speed,FIFA Soccer,Tekken,Counter Strike,Pool,Poker,Angry Birds and Call of Duty. There is space for 1.5 lakh gamers on the grounds. International teams competing will be coming down all the way from the UK,Russia as well as several South East Asian countries. Passes cost Rs 500 a day,though a Rs 1,000 pass will give the buyer access to all three days of the event,as well as the after-parties held on each day of the tournament.

Indian Gaming Carnival will be held on April 6-8 at

Ayatti Resort,Greater Noida