Apr 13 2009, 01:18 PM
A total of 274 people played video games for 40 hours non-stop at the Cyberfusion 2009 event yesterday to break the previous world record set in California last year.
CYBERJAYA: It took more than 1,500 cans of energy drink but Malaysia is now in the Guinness Book of World Records.
This is thanks to 274 people who played video games for 40 hours non-stop at Cyberfusion 2009 yesterday.
Organisers Cyberview and Advanced Micro Devices added two more hours to the original 38, and the players agreed to it, despite feeling sleepy.
So it was that the previous record of 36 hours by 203 gamers, set in California last year, was broken.
Guinness World Records adjudication executive Talal Omar said to achieve the longest local area network (LAN) party, it would take strong determination from the players.
He said almost every player brought along a "good-luck charm", such as figurines and dolls, and pillows to drive them to complete their "mission".
"Hopefully, Malaysia's achievement can be listed in the Guinness Book next year since we can only have 4,000 records in the book," he said, adding that Guinness received some 1,000 applications for records every week.
Cyberview managing director Datuk Redza Rafiq said when the gamers breached the 38-hour play time, they were excited and one could feel the expectancy in the air when they continued playing for the additional two hours.
"We continued to supply them with food and drink as well as making sure the venue remained conducive for them," he said, laughing.
Redza said 291 people from as far as Penang had signed up for the event but 17 dropped out due to fatigue.
When the new world record was announced yesterday, all those in the Multimedia University grand hall stood up and did a Mexican wave, shouting jubilantly.
The oldest player was Mohd Irman Mohd Nawawi, 36, who said he had a great time playing for 40 hours with the youngsters.
"At first, I was intimidated by the younger players, but I learnt a lot from them and they learnt some things from me, too. Being here is like attending a geek Woodstock and I had a fun time.
"Still, after 40 hours without sleep and shower, I have to attend to these basic needs fast," he said with a laugh.
Another player, Elaine Tan, 18, said she also could not wait to hit the shower.
Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Fadillah Yusof presented prizes to the gamers.
Present were Advanced Micro Devices Export senior executive managing director Datuk Dr Mohd Sofi Osman, Multimedia Development Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Badlisham Ghazali and Multimedia University president Professor Dr Zaharin Yusof.
sos - http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Mon...icle/index_html
Quote
0.0286sec
0.64
6 queries
GZIP Disabled