14th GAME CITY opened in the town hall by Vice Mayor Wiederkehr

2023-10-13 13:00:35

After a three-year break: focus on health and the cosplay parade

Vienna (OTS) – “Just play” is the motto of the Game City in the town hall in 2023. The major video game fair in the Vienna town hall had to be suspended for three years – mainly due to the pandemic. Now the moment of good news has come.

Vice Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr The free event opened with great joy on Friday afternoon: “During these three days, the town hall will be transformed into a fitness center for the soul. Because having fun and enjoying yourself, discovering new things together and laughing – that’s good for the immune system. There is also a health area for the first time. There, children, young people and adults can get tips from professionals on how they can take care of their health while playing video games. Because the best high score is still a healthy life.”

From October 13th to 15th, 2023, over 100 exhibitors will be exhibiting the latest video games on 15,000 square meters and visitors will be able to test them extensively. Over 300 employees offer visitors a varied program: there are competitions, talent competitions and information stands. At Rathausplatz, game fans can fortify themselves at various food trucks and skateboard on a skate wave with the help of trainers. In the arcade courtyard there is a laser tag and a dance game, as well as deck chairs for relaxation.

Compete with Austria’s top e-sports athletes

In the Volkshalle you can compete with the best e-athletes in the country in a football simulation. In addition, local game developers are presented and sought out, as are older computers on display. The Gamer Health Area and advice zone is located in the Wappensaal: A multimedia health platform is presented there and personal trainers can help you learn exercises with a so-called parallel ball. Advice centers there also provide information on the subject of addiction prevention and how much screen time, for example should be and how to ensure a healthy gaming approach as a parent.

“Playing at Game City is possible for all age groups. Families and children aged four and over can also try out selected games and analog games in the children’s zone on the first floor; a wide range of games is available for young people,” added Vucko SchüchnerManaging Director of WIENXTRA, which organizes Game City together with the City of Vienna.

The cosplay parade marches from the Museum Quarter to the town hall

A highlight of this year’s Game City is the cosplay parade. Around 70 costumed cosplayers will walk from the Museum Quarter across the ring to the Game City town hall on Saturday from 2 p.m. Cosplayers (Costume/Play) try to look like their heroes in video games or films using costumes and/or make-up. In the event of inclement weather, the parade will take place on Sunday, October 15th at 2 p.m.

Jennifer is the first female mayor of Game City

For the first time, a cospayer was also elected mayor of Game City. Vice Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr ceremoniously presented cosplayer Jennifer with a sash before the gamers could enter her gaming palace. Even before its release, visitors to Game City can test the 2D adventure of “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” or meet other well-known gamers. The international conference will also take place in the town hall at the same time Future and Reality of Gaming – FROG“, which offers academic discourses, lectures and workshops around gaming.

Die GAME CITY at a glance

Datum: October 13th to 15th, 2023
Opening hours: Friday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m
Ort: Vienna Town Hall, 1010 Vienna, entrance via Rathausplatz
Participation: Admission to GAME CITY is free, take your ID with you