Start the tally.
Not that it’s a contest or anything, but put one notch on my party belt. Local video-game publisher Gamecock Media hosted their second annual EIEIO pre-SXSW party. Low temps and turnout made for a less than crazy party vibe, but it wasn’t for lack of trying on Gamecock’s part.
Showing up fashionably late (the party informally started at 8am [!] and I showed at 8pm) Stubb’s looked like a post-apocalyptic hoe-down with straw strewn about and pockets of bundled-up partygoers. Dressed in costumes (as they often are), the Gamecock employees supplied all the necessities for excessive partying: a mechanical bull with a modified rooster head, a farm theme, crowd-pleasing (read mediocre) bands, booze, and, of course, game demos. Spotlighted games (which I’m embargoed from talking about) included the political spoof Hail to the Chimp, the long-awaited Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball, and more.
With a name like Gamecock you have to expect the wrath of God every now and again. These guys have had their share of both good and bad luck (read our cover story “Betting the Farm” for more on Gamecock’s run-ins with fate).
Whatever about it, that’s party No. 1 for me: A low-key primer for more blessed parties to come.
This article appears in March 7 • 2008.
