Chennai is set to host the Versus Festival, a unique event dedicated to reviving the nostalgic feel of arcade gaming along with celebrating modern gaming, anime, and more. Slated for May 19 at the IIT Madras Research Park, the festival promises a day filled with nostalgia, competition, and community spirit.
The festival is a nostalgic nod to the late 1990s and early 2000s, when arcade gaming parlors were a popular hangout for youths. However, modern gaming parlors, despite their advanced technology, often miss the charm of their predecessors. Versus Festival steps in to fill this gap by providing not just games but an ambiance reminiscent of the old gaming parlors, complete with the iconic sounds of arcades and enthusiastic crowds.
Founded by Adhithya Mahesh of the Indian Fighting Game Community and presented by esports banner Daijoubu, the event is organized in collaboration with several community groups, including Sunshine House, Circle of Love, The Chennai Scene, and SSB India. The festival's hybrid identity offers something for everyone—from hardcore gamers to cosplayers and artists.
Mahesh highlights the supportive role of the Tamil Nadu Government and the Electronic Sports Authority of Tamil Nadu in backing such initiatives, which is significant given the inclusion of esports in the Asian Games. The festival not only aims to promote the fighting game tournament culture in India but also serves as a platform for various sub-communities with shared interests in gaming, anime, and Southeast Asian culture.
Attendees can look forward to participating in tournaments for popular games like Street Fighter 6 and Smash, with the exciting addition that these competitions will be live-streamed. Competitors from across six states and even international players from West Asia and Bangladesh are expected, with cash prizes up to ₹1 lakh on the line.
Besides gaming, the festival will feature a free arcade gaming zone, panel discussions, and workshops on topics ranging from prop-making to sushi-making, led by experts like Adithya Ashok and Derek D’Souza. Art, food, and shopping stalls will also be part of the festival, ensuring a comprehensive cultural experience.
Tickets are available for ₹763 at skillboxes.com, and further details about the event schedule and workshop registrations can be found on the Versus Festival Instagram page.
