Video game store GAME announced that they will be partnering with Razer and game service provider Multiplay in order to launch a UK Starcraft II tournament. Craig Fletcher, Managing Director for Multiplay, is confident that the tournament, entitled Farewell to Wings of Liberty, will be a
“great send-off to the current version of the game”, while also serving to “welcome the brand new Heart of the Swarm expansion to the community.”
Gamers who felt they had the skill required were given the opportunity to sign up for one of the 512 places in the tournament. Over a period of two weeks, knockout online matches will slowly reduce the numbers until two finalists are left. Both weeks will have games commentated on by renowned Starcraft shout-casters Adam “Madals” Simmons and Robert “Pughy” Pugh, with live broadcasts available on GAME’s Twitch channel along with highlights uploaded to the company’s Youtube account. Fans will also be able to follow the tournament through GAME’s official Facebook page and Twitter account.
Once this elimination phase has finished, the last two players will duke it out in front of a live audience at London Barcraft’s Heart of the Swarm launch event on March 11. Prizes for the finalists and other high ranking players will include Razer’s Starcraft II themed peripheral range and GAME reward points, which can be redeemed in store for vouchers. Participating players will also have a chance at winning prizes in categories such as “Best Sportsmanship” and “Plays of the Tournament.”
Anna-Marie Mason, Marketing Director for GAME, feels that “competition is part of gaming DNA,” and is excited by the chance to partner with Multiplay and Razer in order to “give the UK Starcraft… communities an opportunity to test their skills.” Anna-Marie is also hopeful that this event will help “support E-Sports in the UK.”
