One of the core tenants of Techpedition.com is right there in our slogan “Technology News with a Southern Flavor” and when something southern and techy comes around, we just gotta spread the word. I’m pretty excited to talk about Red September 4. Red September 4 is an annual fighting game tournament held in the Jackson area. I had a chance to chat with one of the Tournament Organizers (TO.) David Favre and he gave me the low down on what is quickly becoming an iconic southern gaming event.
Techpedition: What is Red September and, as a gamer, why should I be excited about it?
David: Red September is the only true major Mississippi fighting game tournament. Four years running, we have delivered some of the hypest events in the south. All of the surrounding states that attend these tournaments constantly tell us how much they love the Mississippi tournaments. If you are a fan of fighting games, I can promise you that you will have a very fun day. In fact, a fan of gaming in general can appreciate the fighting game community.
Tech: 4 years, and running huh? How has the turnout been in previous years, and how fierce is the competition?
David: The scene has grown significantly since the beginning. Our first tournament might have had 40 people. Our last major tournament here had over 100 people. We expect Red September 4 to have over 125 people in attendance.
Competition is very strong. For example, there are players from Louisiana that have placed 2nd in worldwide competitions. We have a guy coming that just recently beat Justin Wong 3-1 in a finals match.
Tech: That’s impressive, Fighting games are really going through a renaissance right now, and it seems like everyone has their favorite fighter. What’s the mixture of games that will be played.
David: Old and new. This year we decided to have a few throwback classics such as Capcom vs. SNK 2, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Street Fighter 3: Third Strike, etc. The main draws this year will be the newest Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition, and of course Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3. There will be something for everyone at Red September.
Tech: Wow, that’s a nice grip of definitive fighters right there. Tekken Tag Tournament 2 just hit stores, I imagine everyone has been cramming the past week in preparation. That one should be pretty interesting.
David: Yes, that game is going to be very interesting. The good thing about Tekken though, is that each game plays -almost- like the other, so it’s not like they are going to have to learn an entirely new fighting system or anything.
Tech: I’m curious, Is there alot of overlap in the talent pool? Like are the Third Strike guys only good at Third Strike, or do they have pretty decent skills across the board even the 3D fighters?
David: Yes, somewhat. There are a few jack of all trades that perform well in just about any game we run, but for the most part each person has a “main” game that they excel in. For example, Cedric Washington from Jackson is good at all fighting games, but he is one of the best in the world at Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, so that is what you will see him focus on.
Tech: What platform will everything be played on?
David: Playstation 3. The main reason for this is because the largest fighting game tournament in the world uses PS3, and for those players who do not prefer an arcade stick, the gamepad on PS3 is better suited for fighting games over the inferior 360 D-pad.
Tech: Yeah that 360 D-Pad is garbage. Where is Red September being held this year?
David: At the Ethnic Heritage building at the Ag Museum in Jackson, MS. Its a huge venue this year, over 4000 square feet and can easily hold 300 people.
Tech: You’ve had a very active Facebook thread going. Are you expecting the trash talk to get nasty?
David: Absolutely. In fact, even more trashtalking is done on our state community page. Anyone can join our Mississippi community. Do a facebook search for “Mississippi Fighting Game Union.” There are some guys from Louisiana that are going to bring more hype than you’ve probably ever seen. The trash talking is going to be very entertaining, and it’s all in good fun.
Tech: I think you might have your slogan for next year. Red September 5: “More Hype Than You’ve Probably Ever Seen!”
David: I like that! Here is a clip for you to check out. A member of our last tournament made a little video of part of the tournament.
I hope you guys will be able to attend/film/interview people at the tournament.
Tech: That’s the plan, how late will you guys will be there? I know the invite says 11:30.
David: It will last until the last minute, for sure and then we will probably get groups together to go eat, and go to someones house nearby to keep playing.
Tech: I find that things like Red September help bring legitimacy to both the region and competitive gaming in general.
David: The scene has really evolved in the area. Years back, nobody really tried to organize events because we honestly didn’t think Mississippi had many players. We were dead wrong. Mississippi is strong. All the credit goes to Narada Pollard. He had the idea to start these tournaments, and the first Red September was his child.
Tech: What is this I hear of Twitch.TV being there?
David: Yes, it will be professionally streamed by a man from Arkansas named Mark White, otherwise known as Rawkus. The link to the stream will be: http://www.twitch.tv/rawkusx. He streamed our last major tournament as well, and it’s in the archives for anyone to view. Top tier commentary, top tier competition. And a very nice and quality stream.
Tech: Sweet, that means the world will see how the south throws down.
David: Exactly. We are very proud that all of the surrounding states have supported us through the years. We aim to run a smooth and entertaining tournament.
Tech: Well, David it was great chatting with you, I hope the turnout is great!
David: Thank you, hope to see you there!
Red September 4 is happening all day September 22nd at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum. Get there early to claim your bracket spot!!!!