Wacken Open Air Introduces Full Metal Gaming Village

After introducing an esports arena in cooperation with ESL last year, Germany’s Wacken Open Air is now opening its own gaming area, dubbed the Full Metal Gaming Village, during the festival’s 30th anniversary, Aug. 1-3.

“World of Tanks”, “DOTA 2”, “Days Gone”, “A Year Of Rain”, “Felix The Reaper” and “Iron Danger” are among the array of games metal heads – many of whom are gamers – can check out this weekend in Wacken, Germany.

Star guest and Grammy nominated TRIVIUM frontman Matthew K. Heafy will host Full Metal Gaming and join in the action alongside fans and fellow musicians. 

“Metal and gaming have been a part of my life since I was a child,” Heafy said, adding, “I am beyond excited to announce that I will be partnering with Wacken Open Air and Full Metal Gaming so we can together further combine metal and gaming.”

Chinese-American cellist sensation Tina Guo will perform her interpretations of well-known gaming anthems at the village, and there will be a lot more program, gaming fans can pick from.

Wacken Open Air co-founder Holger Hübner commented: “With our newly created ‘Full Metal Gaming Village’ we aim to continue building a bridge between two worlds”, explains the festival promoter. 

“Scientific studies and our own surveys have raised our awareness to the fact that many metal fans are also enthusiastic gamers. That insight leads us to offer and promote gaming at this anniversary edition of the Wacken Open Air again.”

Pollstar understands that last year’s cooperation with ESL to create an esports arena on the Wacken site was discontinued.