- Sketch
- |
- Exalted Mythic Member
There are some great ideas here... Trust me, there's nothing I'd like more than to have a FanFest every weekend in every town across the world. Unfortunately, that's impossible. It's also not that feasible for me to organize and coordinate a lot of events all across the globe on an ongoing basis in light of my other responsibilities here. Live will make things easier, but as you have said, it's just not quite the same and it obviously can't really connect that many people at once.
IMO, the best option is a little of both worlds - an event that is locally coordinated by people who live in the area and can physically take care of business but has Bungie involvement on a higher level for promotion, some prizes and Studio attendance. (and hell, maybe even some financial support)
I totally have plans to make FanFest(s) more accessible by having events AT LEAST on the East and West Coasts with a bonus event here in Seattle. (ironically we've never had a full blown event here in our own backyard yet it would be the easiest and have the biggest Bungie turn out ever) With some dedicated fans driving events in other locales, we will soon have a very broad reach.
The biggest hurdles/challenges with throwing these types of gatherings are:
1. Location - finding a suitable place that can accommodate everyone and has the necessary amenities and is accessible to a large number of people (i.e. convenient)
* This can be overcome with local help (people who know the lay of the land and the local spots) as well as influence/support from Bungie and Microsoft. I can help make it "offiical" and get people to support the plan. (in theory) **** Convenience is key here - Bigger cities, near major airports and freeways make it much more accessible and attendance more likely - so, not everyone will be able to have a full blown fest in their hometown.
2. Cost - Naturally it's not free to rent a huge space, get food, equipment, etc..
* I don't think it's unreasonable to ask people to pay a small cover charge to attend if that money goes directly into the fun that covers food, drinks, space rental, equipment, etc.. Heck, it could even be used to create a prize pool for a tourney as well.
3. Attendance - Getting the word out, hoping people who RSVP will actually show up, managing your max capacity in some kind of fair and friendly way, etc.. Even more of a challenge if an actual tournament is involved. noshows=pain in the ass.
* This is tough... Unless people "pre-register" with some sort of monetary commitment (which is impossible to do with younger, "average fans" who just want to show up) there's always the risk it will flop and there won't be enough money to cover the costs of the event itself. Having it in big(ger) cities, getting the word out on Bungie.net all can help generate buzz and get people through the door
4. Equipment - Xboxes, tvs, routers, cables, controllers, games, projectors, etc... This stuff isn't always easy to come by. I can come up with some essentials, but not enough for a good size party.
* People can bring their own equipment - nearly everyone who shows up will have an Xbox, they just need to bring it and a tv. It basically turns into something like a "bring your own computer" setup like they have at major PC events like the CPL. Security becomes an issue here though - but it can be managed. It's more likely to have this happen than for anyone (including MS) to cough up 50 Xboxes and tvs. Sometimes local businesses will help sponsor by loaning out equipment. Using a venue like a Lanwerx or some other game cafe location makes life easier since they have a lot of equipment onhand ready to go.
5. Staff - The core force behind the event - preparing the information, handling logistics, setting up the agenda, and then running the actual event.
* Plenty of great 7th Column volunteers in any major city... We just need dedicated people who are willing to step up and help make it happen. We can help on this end with web-based stuff (sign ups, information, promotion, etc..) as well just share experience...
6. Content - WHy should people come to the event? What's so special about it?
* This probably isn't a problem. With some Bungie backing, plenty of Halo LAN action, maybe a tourney or two, prizes and potentially some Bungie reps in the house, people should hopefully come....
So, this is totally feasible if people are serious and want to step up and help lead the charge in their cities and towns I'm willing to help where I can. It's not going to happen overnight, but if we commit to putting the effort into it it can definitely be done. Everyone has good ideas and intentions, but it takes time and actual effort to make something like this happen. I know we have people out there who are more than capable.
Woot! This is exciting, I would be thrilled to help out anyone with a solid plan. =)