Page 6 - Southern California Gaming Guide • August 2021

Gameacon Video Gaming Expo at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage Agua Caliente Casinos is hosting Gameacon, a video gaming expo presented by
Gameacon is the only conference of its kind that combines the business-to-business networking and educational opportunities of the GDC with the entertainment and public feedback aspects of Magfest or Pax. Their mission is to promote artists in game creation by providing a space for them to showcase their work, the opportunity to reach an audience who craves to see it, and a forum to learn from each other.
Gameacon tickets at Agua Caliente Casinos are on sale with prices beginning at $20. Agua Caliente Casinos will also be announcing special events throughout the resort that will take place during Gameacon. For more information, go to Hotwatercasino.com/RM-Gameacon.
Black Dog Gaming at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage. The two-day ticketed th
experience is open to the public of all ages and takes place on Saturday, August 14 and Sunday, August 15th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gameacon will attract competitive gamers, video gamer enthusiasts, and all interested in the future of esports and technology.
The full exhibition floor featuring artists, developers, merchandise, and technology will take place in the Agua Caliente Ballroom, and include breakout rooms for panel talks, influencer meet
and greets, streaming celebrities, and tournaments running both days. Gameacon is also the home for fans of comics, movies and music. The packed agenda includes Cosplay, VR, AR, a Magic the Gathering Tournament, a Smash Brothers Tournament and special guest appearances including Veronica “Ash” Taylor from Pokemon.
Esports and gaming industries have experienced explosive growth in most recent years. An estimated 474 million fans worldwide watch esports, according to Statista, and is expected to grow nearly 22 percent by 2024 to 577.2 million. The number of casual gamers has increased as Newzoo reports there are
now 2.81 billion active gamers globally.
“Esports, with its millions of engaged enthusiastic
players all over the world, represents the future of casino business,” said Brian Bork, Senior Director of Marketing, Agua Caliente Casinos. “As leaders in utilizing cutting-edge technology to create gaming
and entertainment experiences, we are
happy to host Gameacon and bring
together the best and brightest luminaries
in the field, as well as offer the gaming community of all ages the opportunity to compete in tournaments, try the latest games and accessories, and have fun. Agua Caliente is always looking towards the future, and esports is the future now.”
Ari Fox of Gameacon added,“We are thrilled to be back at it for the Indie developer and the video gaming community at large. After a year and half of isolation there is nothing that beats in-person events. Gameacon should not be missed! We have Indie games that could be the next Rocket League, influencers, esports tournaments and great personal and business relationships that come from attending our events year-round. If you want to learn, prosper, and play in the video gaming industry, Gameacon is the way!”
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
AUGUST 2021
August 2021 Gaming News (Continued)