After a successful test at Manchesters Trafford Centre, 3DS StreetPass team MeetMii held their first official event at Manchester Piccadilly Gardens on Sunday May 8th 2011. Cubed3’s Mike Mason and Ross Marrs attended to see how the team had expanded the experience since Aprils test event.
A much more central location, right in the heart of Manchester city centre, offered a fine space for MeetMiis launch event. Unlike the Trafford Centre test, where the squad of StreetPassers were almost hidden away, this months gathering was simple to find, positioned right next to Piccadilly Gardens with a logo-emblazoned gazebo announcing its presence.
As well as the StreetPass antics and general chit-chat with fellow Nintendo 3DS fans and gamers, MeetMii incorporated several new activities to expand its scope, pushing it closer to being an event rather than a mere meet up. A drawing competition was open to the under-16s in attendance, challenging them to sketch their favourite Nintendo characters for the chance to win a 3DS game. A page of lovely Pikmin produced a copy of Puzzle Bobble Universe for the lucky winner.
A Street Fighter IV tournament was also on the cards, the victor taking home a 3DS accessory pack. A friendly tournament was held for less serious battlers, and the spectator mode was put to good use by anybody who wanted to watch the on-going matches. For those not looking to get involved in contests, MeetMii had the excellent idea of laying out a jumbo A1-sized AR card, allowing attendees to battle five foot high dragons to their hearts content.
A touch of security was added by the presence of a community support officer, who was taking down names and 3DS barcode IDs for Immobilise, the UK national property register. Anybody who wrote down their details gained not only peace of mind should something unfortunate happen to their system, but also a free MeetMii t-shirt to wear with pride. By looking at how many people left their Immobilise details, the team were able to confirm the attendance of at least 57 people.
– Mike Mason, Reviews Editor
I first heard about MeetMii through promotion of the first event on Twitter and, of course, Cubed3, and after hearing positive feedback, I was keen on the idea of attending myself. After it was announced that the next event would be taking place at Manchesters Piccadilly Gardens, I made my mind up that I would definitely go along.
After a pleasant two hour train journey, I arrived at Manchester Piccadilly station and proceeded to get a bit lost and confused. After gazing around for a minute or two, I managed to spot Cubed3 member Craig Shipton. We made our way to Piccadilly Gardens and kept our eyes peeled for the MeetMii gazebo. Luckily it wasnt too difficult: as we got closer I saw a number of people dressed in white and blue attire, complete with MeetMii logos across their chests.
Upon arriving, we were greeted by Michael and Keith Davidson, the minds behind MeetMii – and what fantastically nice people they were! They were very welcoming and talked to us about the event, as well as guiding me to the community support officer representing Immobilise – a nice inclusion to make sure everyones 3DS systems were under safety. Attendees that registered their system were given a free t-shirt in a size of their choosing. I also put my name down for a Street Fighter IV tournament that would be taking place later on in the day.
I whipped out my 3DS and started taking in my very first StreetPass hits. They came rushing in, and it was quite exciting to see for the first time. Craig and I sat down and enjoyed the friendly, happy atmosphere whilst I showed him some features of the 3DS and gave him a chance to see the 3D in more detail. Under an hour later we were joined by Cubed3s Mike Mason and his partner, Vikki (ShinyRainbow). After some pleasant chatting, I was ready to take part in the Street Fighter tournament. This was one of two competitions held to encourage everybody to get involved, the other being an under-16s drawing competition, and prizes were on offer for each. As for my participation in that Street Fighter tournament… I went out in the first round.
The MeetMii team even put down a large AR card so that attendees could shoot down a huge dragon, get their photo taken with a giant Mii, or use the various other AR features. A photographer took snaps during the event, which was very convenient and saved everyone else from taking photos. I definitely feel Nintendo should be supporting MeetMii, since it was practically free advertising for 3DS – throughout the day I noticed a number of members of the general public jostling up to the group, asking to try out a 3DS.
Overall, I felt MeetMii was a great success and the team are doing a fantastic job. Not only was it a great way to get StreetPass hits, but it also gave like-minded people to a chance to gather and talk about the 3DS and videogames in general, and the multitude of activities highlighted that it was an event for everyone. With a bit of polish – perhaps having drinks and food available to buy – and further support, I feel that MeetMii has great potential.
– Ross Marrs, General Writer
MeetMiis May StreetPass event showed growth in all areas over the April outing, and it is clear that the team have the desire, councils willing, to take the events across the UK. There are no announced details of the next event as yet – MeetMii are currently evaluating how to go forward – but Cubed3 will keep you informed when more is revealed.
