CariGamers show skills

Marketing manager for Cari- Gamers, Darrien Jones explains that last Sunday’s tournament which took place at the Papa John’s St James location, was a strategy game that can be played on mobile phones, tablets and laptops, opening up participation to a wide cross-section of players.

He says that these skills can be applied to real life, as the game teaches players how to read and interpret their opponent’s strategy and analyse behaviours. Thus, you learn over time when is the right time to take risks and capitalise on opportunities.

Jones explains that some gamers play for fun, while the more seasoned enthusiasts play competitively so they can be recognised amongst their peers.

Internationally, gaming which is considered an e-sport is a billion- dollar industry, where the stakes are high and players vie for a prize pool of US$20 million in team sports such as Dota 2.

The Global Games Market Report reveals that gaming is expected to generate revenues of US$108.9 billion in 2017, exceeding last year’s statistics by $7.8 billion. Digital games account for 87 per cent of the market and mobile 19 per cent with players in the Asia-Pacific region contributing to one quarter of the global revenue.

Tournament director Chris “The Duckman” Salloum said Hearthstone is a [strategy] game where the object of the game is to reduce your enemies’ “hit points” to zero. Fundamentally the game isn’t a challenge to understand, but it takes time to master. It requires quick calculations and anticipating your opponent’s play, several turns in advance. “It is similar to other mentally taxing games such as chess. Players also have the opportunity to create innovative combinations of cards to win,” he said.

Salloum said many more events were scheduled for this year. A Dota 2 Pubstomp, which is a free event, takes place on August 12 at 22 Sports Bar, Long Circular Road, St James and another Hearthstone event is scheduled for the Christmas season.

In terms of the legislation around gaming in TT, the laws are still a bit ambiguous, to the extent that some of the international creators of the games do not allow local players to compete for championship points.

This makes very talented local players ineligible to compete for prizes on the international stage.

“There is a lot of potential in TT for gaming and it’s growing.

We do not want local players to be left out on the international arena. We hope it is something that will receive more attention and be addressed in the future.” Salloum says.

The question on everyone’s lips is probably, how can a novice get in on some of this gaming action? Jones said the ability to learn the game and adapt depends on the individual.

“E-sports like any other sport requires the investment of time.

You must treat it like a job and practise. It depends on how bad you want it.” Hearthstone winner, Nicholas Francis who goes by the name of “Heaven” in the gaming world says it feels great to be ranked the top 29 player in North America this season. Francis has attained the rank of “legend” in every season placing him among the best in the world consistently.

To new players, he advises that watching streams helps a lot and, of course, practise. “I love Hearthstone and I have been playing since 2014. I play for fun, but also like to compete professionally,” he says.

Winners are as follows: 1: Nicholas “Heaven” Francis 2: Kevin “Silentasasin” Jardine 3: Amresh “DookieDooks” Dookran 4: Anshuman “MagicTurtle” Sarran-Persad For more info: http://www.

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