GameFest coming to Spokane

Downtown Spokane will play host to online gamers in April during the inaugural GameFest competition.

While it could start small, organizers hope the event will grow the same way Hoopfest and Bloomsday have.

The reason behind GameFest Spokane 2006, to be held April 14 and 15 at the Spokane Convention Center, is to take advantage of the city’s downtown wireless HotZone, said Robin Toth, an economic planning specialist with the Spokane Area Economic Development Council. The EDC is serving as GameFest coordinator.

The event will include a gamer job fair and game expo, with presentations on developments in the gaming industry by several regional company executives.

Keynote speaker will be Jason Robar, who was a game developer for Microsoft and now is a manager with Secret Lair Studios in Issaquah, Wash.

The convention center game competition will include categories for handheld, PC and console systems, said Toth.

Gamers need to register to take part, with registration costing $30 before March 1 and $40 after that date, said Toth. Information on the event, with a link for registration, is at www.gamefestspokane.net.