gamescom

From 19 - 23 August 2009, the German Case Modding Championship (Deutsche Casemod Meisterschaft DCMM) will take place at gamescom in Cologne for the first time. Ten thousand fans of the creative art of modifying computer cases are expected to turn up to see around 60 creative modders present their own PC constructions to the public and compete for the title of German champion. During the five-day trade fair, various categories will ensure a spectacular and action-packed DCMM programme. At the new 24-hour live modding contest, which is to be held in Cologne's trade fair centre, teams will compete to modify computer cases in front of spectators using power tools.

After four successful years in Dortmund's Westfalenhalle, DCMM will be taking place at gamescom in Cologne in the future. Michael Wegner from DCMM organiser PlanetLAN GmbH comments: "Games and case modding are closely related. As the leading European trade fair for the games industry, gamescom thus provides the optimal location for the German Championship in a location that is easy to reach." During the five-day trade fair, various categories will ensure a spectacular and action-packed DCMM programme. From Wednesday to Friday, a live 24-hour modding contest will take place for the first time, during which four teams will compete against one another. On each of the three trade fair days the teams have eight hours to transform identical grey computers into unique and incomparable specimens. The 60 most creative individual constructions in Germany will be exhibited on Saturday and Sunday. A jury made up of experts will judge the categories "Case mods" (case modification, alteration), "Case cons" (case construction, individual construction), "CE mods" (modified consumer electronics) and the results of the live 24-hour modding competition. At the same time, visitors to gamescom will choose the most spectacular creation in Germany. On Sunday afternoon (23 August 2009), the German modding champions will be awarded prizes in a large presentation ceremony.

The German Case Modding Championship (Deutsche Casemod Meisterschaft DCMM)

Since the first championship in 2002, computers have been transformed using car tyres, monsters, beer crates, logs and rockets, and disguised as aliens and spaceships. Up until now, each championship has surpassed the creativity displayed the year before. Any creative artist who has individually adapted their computer, DVD player, console, MP3 player or other devices from the consumer electronics sector can register to enter the German Case Modding Championship at no cost. The categories "Case mods", "Case cons", "CE mods" and the live 24-hour modding contest are judged by an expert jury. The most spectacular creation in Germany will be determined by means of a spectator vote. Visitors to gamescom can look at, photograph and film the exhibits.

Business, entertainment, festival and more

The gamescom concept addresses all target groups for modern PC and video games, from intensive players to the dynamically growing group of casual gamers, which includes players of all age groups. The European games industry will present the world of interactive entertainment in the gamescom entertainment area (Halls 6 to 9). Countless world and European premieres from the area of interactive entertainment are expected. "Celebrate the games" is the motto of the gamescom premiere in 2009. This will be carried over into the gamescom festival, which will take place in the city after the conclusion of the trade fair. The festival will be opened on 19 August by the German band Die Toten Hosen. Countless other musical guests and extensive games opportunities await visitors from Cologne, Europe and the world. In addition to sufficient hotel room allotments, the gamescomCamp, located on the Rhine in direct proximity to the northern entrance of the fairgrounds, offers visitors a campground feeling during gamescom. Countless travel services and offers will mean that visitors from both Germany and abroad can travel to Cologne affordably and effectively using all means of transport.

The games celebration in Cologne will open with the Game Developers Conference Europe (GDCE) from 17-19 August 2009, the event highlight for international developers.

Press tips

You can find further information on gamescom - the trade fair and event highlight for the international interactive entertainment industry - at www.gamescom-cologne.com . The latest news is also available as an RSS feed in the press area.

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Your contact for the German Case Modding Championships (Deutsche Casemodding Meisterschaft DCMM) is:

Michael A. Wegner

PlanetLAN GmbH

Lyrenstrasse 13

D-44866 Bochum

Tel: +49 (0)2327 / 83 114-11

Fax: +49 (0)2327 / 83 114-99

E-mail: mw@planetlan-gmbh.de