Picture an energetic, vibrant competition featuring a 100-ish square foot LCD stage, red dodgeballs, video game rules, and streamers going head to head—that was the captivating scene at PAX Aus 2024, where the Red Bull Gameball Royale made its Australian debut. As spectators filled the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, they witnessed a unique fusion of physical sport and digital gaming that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
What is the Red Bull Gameball Royale?
Originally launched in Germany, the Red Bull Gameball Royale is a captivating hybrid event that combines the action of dodgeball with elements commonly found in video games. The arena, a dynamic LCD floor, adapts throughout the competition, engaging participants in real-time challenges that add excitement and strategy to the traditional game of dodgeball.
The Rules of Engagement
Gameball Royale incorporates classic dodgeball rules—players are out if they’re hit by a ball, but catching the ball results in the thrower’s elimination. However, the twist lies in technological inclusions reminiscent of popular video games. For instance:
- The playing field shrinks after the first two minutes, creating a more intense atmosphere as players are forced into closer quarters.
- Power-ups appear on the floor, such as the “Extra Ball” icon, allowing teams to gain additional ammunition, and the “Revive” icon, enabling teams to bring eliminated players back into the game.
In an effort to maintain authenticity, the Australian Dodgeball Federation was on-site to oversee the matches and provide insightful gameplay analysis.
The dynamic LCD floor changes while including power-ups. (Photo: TechAU)
Who Competed?
The three-day festival provided fans with opportunities to engage in friendly scrimmages, but the highlight was undoubtedly the live tournament featuring beloved Australian streamers. Notable gaming personalities like Kathleen “Loserfruit” Belsten, Lachlan “Lachlan” Power, Grace “IAMFALLFROMGRACE” Short, and Elliott “Muselk” Watkins took the helm as team captains, stepping out of their digital domains to showcase their skills in a physical arena.
Bridging the Gap: Video Games and Physical Sports
The Red Bull Gameball Royale isn’t the first time gaming and physical sports have intersected. In 2019, a Fortnite tournament was held at the Australian Open, in which Loserfruit participated, cementing her dual skills in both the virtual and physical realms. Her experiences with tennis made it easier for her to transition into dodgeball.
What Streamers Thought
When approached by Red Bull, captains like Loserfruit expressed enthusiasm for the experience. “It sounded like fun,” she said, embracing the opportunity to mix competitive sports and gaming. IAMFALLFROMGRACE echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how it showcases that gamers can break stereotypes by participating in physical activities.
“This event is honestly a dream. I’m always trying to bring that crossover of fitness and gaming,” she mentioned, highlighting the importance of Red Bull’s involvement and its connections to the athletic community.
Preparing for Battle: Training and Strategy
Surprisingly, while some teams, like Loserfruit’s, opted for minimal training, IAMFALLFROMGRACE took a more serious approach by coordinating with the Australian Dodgeball Federation for professional training. Loserfruit mentioned she would prioritize warm-ups to prevent injuries, while Lachlan said they relied on high school dodgeball memories to guide their strategies during the competition.
Yet, IAMFALLFROMGRACE’s determination to prepare thoroughly proved advantageous as her team honed specific tactics during practice sessions, ensuring they capitalized on each participant’s strengths.
IAMFALLFROMGRACE captaining her team during the Gameball Royale (Photo: Samuel Costin / Red Bull Content Pool)
Skills Transfer: From Screen to Court
Many streamers echoed similar sentiments regarding the skills they brought from gaming to the Gameball Royale. Loserfruit noted that focus and strategy under pressure, characteristic of competitive gaming, were transferable to dodgeball. IAMFALLFROMGRACE remarked on how the “gamification” of the event mirrored the principles found in popular video games, enhancing her team’s awareness of power-ups and zone dynamics.
Lachlan reinforced the significance of communication and strategy among teammates, crafting a dynamic plan based on their strengths, much like forming roles in a digital squad.
The Vibe at the Venue
As the competition unfolded, the excitement in the venue was palpable. Loserfruit described the warm-ups and exhibition matches leading up to the tournament as “actually so fun” and noted that the crowd thrived on the energy. Enthusiastic spectators lined up to get a great view, eagerly anticipating the onset of matches.
The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered for the matches (Photo: TechAU)
What’s Next for Gameball Royale?
The future of the Red Bull Gameball Royale appears bright, with captains like IAMFALLFROMGRACE and Loserfruit expressing hopes for future iterations of the event. They envision possibilities beyond dodgeball, from obstacle courses to other competitive sports, all aiming to continue bridging the gap between physical fitness and gaming. Anyone interested in catching the competition can view the highlights on Twitch.
Ultimately, in this thrilling mix of gaming and real-world sport, Loserfruit’s team emerged triumphant, noting that it was a testament to the immense potential of bringing gamers into physical competitions. Looking ahead, everyone in the gaming and fitness community is left wondering: What will the next Gameball Royale bring?
Loserfruit celebrates her team’s victory at the Red Bull Gameball Royale (Photo: Samuel Costin / Red Bull Content Pool)
