IAHGames held the largest game party ever in South East Asia on a humid Saturday of 16th June 2007. The venue of the party was Zouk, a renowned discotheque famous for its vibrant night parties. The party ignited at 1pm when the gates were opened and a queue of more than 100 metres long began snaking its way inside.

Gamers were treated to a dizzying array of baroque designs and game related decorations inside. Ceiling-high draperies and twinkling chandeliers were anchored against walls and 2 life-sized monsters welcomed the gamers. The DJs also blended in fast-paced game soundtracks to create a carnival feel. Cosplayers and models dressed in Granado Espada costumes were also strolling all over the party venue.

At 2pm, the first ever Granado Espada PvP tournament began. With 16 teams congregated from the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore, the preliminary rounds began with an intense tempo. While the teams were aiming for one another’s throats, the rest of the gamers busied themselves with other activities. Real-life quest stations were crowded with participants eager to complete their quest cards in a bid to win the quest rewards. Cosplayers were also constantly surrounded by people taking photos while they struck poses and put on their best smiles.

At the hour of three, Mr. Kim Hakkyu, the creator of Granado Espada, made a grand entrance amid a fanfare performance by a 30-piece school band. After a brief thank you speech in appreciation of gamers who play the award-winning Granado Espada, Mr Kim proceeded to autograph the first 200 Limited Signature Boxes sold.

The party turned itself up to a new high when the PvP tournament entered its featured match and semi-finals. The competition took centre-stage when a cross-nation featured match-up between a Malaysian team and a local team was beamed across a giant screen as well as more than 20 plasma screens all over the party venue. The crowd cheered and gasped at the intense action, with the most excitement always coming near the end of a match, as one team met their doom. Brilliant commentary also accompanied the live broadcast of the remaining matches, giving it a soccer final atmosphere. After an adrenaline-packed 30 minutes of hard core strategizing and fighting, the inaugural PvP Champion team of Granado Espada was finally crowned.

Towards the end of the party, it was clear that IAHGames had achieved what it set off to do: throw an opening bash befitting the game’s grandeur. Everyone who attended the party had fun and left the place with something to bring home. Everyone was a winner and IAHGames could not have done it without your support.