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As one of the media partner for DreamHack Malaysia and Indie Youth Fest, I always think about the possibility of gaming become a part of independent lifestyle. While the future of gaming seems bleak, Go International Group offered an opportunity for the gamers to play on the World's Largest Digital Festival, DreamHack

I was there for the whole 5 days since their set-up until the wrap up of the event. Honestly, I have to give full credit to Jasmine Low, Nikki Yeo and their team for making DreamHack Malaysia a reality.

OK, here's the start of my review for Indie Youth Fest. I only covered the gaming part since I couldn't manage to cover the music area at the Rainforest.

Gaming Day 1

Apparently I arrived at Highstreet after Friday prayers with my little bro, Q who is kinda excited and hoping to join TrackMania Nations (yeah, at the expense of his big brother la).

During that time, there was a Counter Strike 1.6 Open Tournament involving several of the teams who qualified for the DreamHack Malaysia Final Qualifier including LZ (or known as LengZhai) and 8075.

Apparently, as I waited for the registration for TrackMania to be opened, a message comes in. It's from Phil @ DeathAdder, my Singaporean shoutcaster who were invited to shoutcast for DreamHack Malaysia. Oh shoot, I quickly run to fetch and ended up trapped in a traffic jam, fetched Phil at Corus Hotel and only managed to return to 1 Utama at 9.00 pm. I thought my quest is already over with my lateness.

However, Lady Luck is on my side. Q told me that there are 6 people who registered (including the brothers) and all are automatically qualified for semi finals the next day. Fuh, what a lucky day.

After the day wrapped up, I sent Phil to his accommodation at Lisa De Inn, Section 17 and return home with another day to pass by.

Gaming Day 2

For Gaming Day 2, the Open Tournament ends with LZ proves that they are the team to beat after winning RM 1500, beating 8075 in process. While a cheeky 3rd-4th placing happened, ended up with the so-called suburban guys, Kampung Gaming beating the so-called urban guys, Bandar Gaming

After that, the Trackmania Semi Final kicks off with all 6 participants put up their skills and precision to qualify for the final. Q ended up early as he's not used to the tracks but a good exposure for him. Strifemare became the first to qualify, followed by Yea Han, and the final battle goes between me, Chapree and Moots.

It ended up with I am going for my 2nd ever final in E-sport career, this time, the podium is surely my first ever! (It only known later that Chapree and Moots purposely lost to get the headset. Damn it!)

After the tournament, the Trackmania guys joined the Blogger Review contest, courtesy of Cherlyn, and we were treated to.....

A nice and yummy Double Scoop Sundae for free, thanks to Baskin Robbins!
P/S: Nadira would kill me for sure about this :P

Some of the bloggers opted for Sakae Sushi for the two plates of small sushi. It seems that we have a good bargain since the Sundae costs about RM19.25 including tax :P

Well, I guess you're bored to know more, so shall we jump to the final day then?

Gaming Final Day

This is the big day for all teams and finalist for Go.ESC TrackMania and DreamHack Malaysia CS 1.6 Grand Finals. Before we go to the big one, we proceed first to my battle for supremacy in TrackMania Nations.

The battle is based on DreamHack Summer 2009. I gave a good fight during the first map which is Jigsaw Falling Into Pieces. However, when the map changes into Blizz A and Blizz C, there comes my nightmare. I quickly flunked in the process. So, the battle is down to Strifemare and YeaHan85. Strifemare managed to do a Massa and coveted the title of being the champion for TrackMania.

But there's one thing for sure:-



We proved that 1 Malaysia existed earlier in gamers' hearts!
While in Counter Strike, LZ proved that they are the best team in Malaysia after winning the Grand Finals beating RV with a tight score of 16-14. Unfortunately, it was later known that this is LZ's last competitive year before retiring. So much for a legendary team like them.



Anyway, here's some spontaneous picture during Indie Youth Fest at the gaming area:-






Apparently, Rina Omar was surprised that I got 3rd in TrackMania, with a fact that I taught her how to play Guitar Hero during the warm-up!




A big thank you, merci beaucoup, syukran jazilah to Go International Group for making the gamers dream a reality. As we spoke recently, there are more things to come for the youth. So stay tuned to their Doppelganger project monthly!