FANS and hardcore players from as far as Thailand, Indonesia and the United States came to check out and compete at the first ever Darkmoon Faire here.
The competition is the real-life version of its World of Warcraft online gaming world namesake, where players meet in arenas to pit their characters against one another.
The Faire here is the first one in Asia to date, though it has been travelling around the US and Europe so far.
It is one of the main attractions of the three-day Licence2Play gaming exhibition, organised by Singapore Press Holdings' Sphere Exhibitions.
Mr Corle Huffman, 32, who flew in from the United States to play, said his Singaporean teacher opponent 'surprised' him in his aggressive play mode, and almost killed off his characters, represented by miniature toys and trading cards.
His opponent, who wanted to be known only as Mr Thio, said he got 'a sinking feeling' when he learnt that he was paired against Mr Huffman, who is a two-time champion in the US.
'I read his articles and learn from him online,' he said. 'I never expected to play against him.'
Numerous visitors also made a beeline for the electronics, such as flatscreen television sets and DVD players that were on sale. The first man in the queue for the bargains had arrived at 5.30am on Friday.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development, Youth and Sports Teo Ser Luck was the guest-of-honour at the opening ceremony on Friday morning.
Licence2Play runs from now till Sunday at Suntec City Hall 603. Visitors can join in game challenges for the popular online multi-player MapleStory game, listen to talks from experts on cyberwellness or casual gaming, as well as see cosplayers dressed up as game characters.
