If all goes well and all the staffers make the trek, we'll be rolling four deep into the event as Staff Writer Jared Rosenberg, Contributing Editor Jennifer Zarichnyj, Contributing Writer Lauren Lewandoski, and I (News Editor Neal Ronaghan) will all be attending what will undoubtedly prove to be one of the more ridiculous New York City events Nintendo has put together.
In addition to the island getaway theme, there will also be giveaways, non-alcoholic drinks, and a special competition between Nintendo's Vice President of Corporate Affairs Denise Kaigler and Gossip Girl star Chase Crawford. There will also be competitions between attendees and experts in the sports represented in the game.
Wii Sports Resort will be playable to every attendee, so if you're in the New York area, be sure to stop by if you can and check out the game.
Naturally, we'll try to cover every form of media we can, so we'll keep the Nintendo World Report twitter updated, take lots of pictures and video, and hopefully do some other cool things.
MEDIA ALERT: NINTENDO TRANSFORMS TIMES SQUARE INTO A SPECTACULAR WII SPORTS RESORT – UPDATED
Simulated Beach Vacation on Manhattan's Military Island Gives Consumers a Dazzling Preview of Hotly Anticipated Game
WHAT:
Nintendo is transforming New York's famed Military Island in Times Square into an urban island getaway to celebrate the launch of the Wii Sports Resort™ video game. On July 23, anyone who visits this Manhattan landmark will be treated to a mini-vacation, complete with a sandy beach, swimming pool and tropical lounge - all smack dab in the middle of the city - plus a chance to play Wii Sports Resort in advance of its U.S. July 26 release date. Based on the imaginative Wuhu Island locale featured in the game, this interactive oasis will also offer game demonstrations, giveaways (while supplies last) and a bar serving tropical non-alcoholic drinks. Adding to the excitement, actor Chace Crawford will be making an appearance.
Wii Sports Resort is the next phenomenon in active-play gaming and the first Nintendo game to feature the control enhancements of the Wii MotionPlus™ accessory. While enjoying resort-themed in-game activities such as swordplay, basketball, table tennis and archery, players will experience the unique motion-sensing controls of the Wii system with greater precision and accuracy than ever before. Just as the original Wii Sports™ attracted millions of casual and nontraditional players to the world of video games, the new Wii Sports Resort delivers an inclusive, interactive entertainment experience that consumers of all ages can enjoy.
WHO:
Adults, kids, seniors, families, tourists, New Yorkers and consumers of all kinds
WHEN:
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Event: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Event will be held rain or shine
WHERE:
Military Island
7th Avenue and Broadway Avenue
Between 43rd and 44th streets, Manhattan, NY 10036
VISUALS:
Crowds gathering on a tropical island in the middle of Times Square
Chace Crawford competing against Denise Kaigler, vice president of Corporate Affairs for Nintendo of America, in Wii Sports Resort
Experts in various sports going head-to-head with fans in Wii Sports Resort
Visitors lounging on a simulated beach and enjoying Wii Sports Resort game play in the middle of Times Square
Kids and parents wielding Wii Remote™ controllers to participate in activities like archery, table tennis, golf and basketball at interactive game kiosks
Children and adults demonstrating the unique cross-generational appeal of the Wii console by playing Wii Sports Resort together
B-roll and photos available
