Gamers from all over Ireland take part in the national finals of the World Cyber Games.
The country's best gamers compete for a place on the team to represent Ireland at the World Cyber Games. Players from across the country have gathered in the Digital Hub to take part in the games.
Gaming is a hugely lucrative global industry.
Stephen Brennan, marketing manager at the Digital Hub, describes the international growth of the games industry. Last year, the gaming global market was worth between 50 and 60 billion dollars. One of the games being played at the Cyber Games 'Halo 3' had the largest media launch in history grossing over 150 million dollars.
The competitors are predominantly male with hardly a woman to be seen at the events.
The stereotype of the young male gamer certainly holds through.
Team Captain Richard Smith says that worldwide about 20 per cent of players at the top level are female.
Seven winners from today's competition will go on to represent Ireland at the World Cyber Games Finals taking place in Germany in November.
Gamer Mark Kenny says that all the best players from around the world will be at the finals. He is hopeful that Ireland can get a medal as the team has improved year on year.
Outside of the competitions, gaming enthusiasts live out their rock star fantasies on Guitar Hero.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 6 September 2008. The reporter is Sandra Hurley.
