Photo Play World Games 2004

Photo Play World Games 2004

The countdown has begun. On November 3 2003, the qualification for the players' event of the year, the Photo Play World Games 2004, will officially commence in as many as 21 nations and at the end of March 2004, the Photo Play world champions will be chosen in Alpbach, Tyrol. Over 400 players, operators and Photo Play distributors will be coming to the event.

The World games require top motivation and distinct community thought - the games are an international world championship and an outstanding tool to promote player relations on Photo Play. During the first World Games 2000 in Saalbach takings on average were twice as high as usual during the qualifying period, a target organisers say should be easy to achieve during the coming World Games. Players have until February 29 to qualify for this unique event. Extraordinary challenges and suspense can be expected.

"For operators, the World Games are a perfect opportunity to increase their takings as well as to position Photo Play as top medium at their operating locations on a long-term basis," said Marco Huter, Funworld's sales and marketing executive. "The network-thought characterizes all forms of young people's communities. Young people don't only wish to consume, they also want to participate actively. Photo Play's World Games offer the perfect activity and the Photo Play NET the best possible platform," said Mr Huter.

"Linkage places all opportunities into our hands. We are able to use our market positions advantage on an international basis all the way from the qualifying through communication to the stage-management of an event like this."

Funworld has prepared a special package for a corresponding promotion directly at the terminals. The package includes posters, table displays, stickers and T-shirts for the World Games.

The three-day live manifestation will take place in the scenic Alpbach in Tyrol from March 25 - 28 2004. Alpbach - pictured, is well known for its international congress tourism. Even the last World Games were marked by internationality. Participants from Holland had arrived in a special train and wearing a uniform dress. Other fans wore tattoos of the Photo Play logo on their cheeks. This time, the community thought is again to be carried through the different nations like the Olympic fire. Corresponding to this sporty highlight, the entry of the individual countries' teams will mark the opening of the games. Finally 130 players from 21 nations will compete for the champion title. Fans are welcome, however, they are required to book separately. Further qualifying places will be decided upon amongst the guests on site in a special tournament. In total, over 400 players, operators and Photo Play distributors from 21 countries are expected.

The international promotion has already begun with The World Games introduced during trade fairs in Madrid, Rome and Woclow (Poland) and soon to be mentioned during the IMA in Nuremberg and the ATEI in London.