Saturday 15 December 1997 ZEB.
Since early morning, the ZAGE Events Building (ZEB) had opened its doors to the public—specifically to those lucky enough to hold tickets to the much-anticipated ZAGE End of the Year event. The moment attendees arrived, they were greeted by a massive surprise: the ZEB itself had undergone a major transformation. The building's structure had been significantly expanded, its modernized architecture standing tall and massive. Many fans were stunned by the scale of the upgrades, from the widened interior halls to the improved lighting and sound systems that now made the venue feel like something out of the future.
What really set the tone, however, were the dozens of newly added event booths lining the main concourse. From game demo stations and photo zones to merchandise stalls and interactive exhibits, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and discovery. It wasn't just an event—it felt like a celebration of everything ZAGE had accomplished.
To make the experience even more inclusive, the event was being streamed live through YaDo subscirbtion channel TV and subsidiary of ZAGE . For special occasions like this, YaDo temporarily turned its full programming toward event coverage. However, it was smartly set up to give viewers a choice: they could either tune into the ZAGE End of the Year stream or continue watching their usual YaDo subscription content uninterrupted. This dual-broadcast system allowed fans from all over the country to be part of the excitement without missing out on their favorite shows As for the USA and Europe, Nickelodeon would be live-streaming the event in a similar fashion to YaDo, since both are subsidiaries under the ZAGE umbrella. This coordinated effort allowed ZAGE fans around the world to tune in live, regardless of region, making the event feel truly global.
It was clear from the very start: ZAGE wasn't just running an event. They were setting a new standard.
First, before the main events kicked off, ZAGE began selling their highly anticipated exclusive merchandise—and as always, it sold like hot cakes. Long lines formed almost instantly, with fans eager to grab limited-edition items before they disappeared. This was no ordinary merch booth; it had the energy of a collector's convention. The demand was so high that staff had to manage crowd control in certain areas just to keep things moving smoothly.
The merchandise lineup was impressive and diverse. There were plushies of fan-favorite ZAGE characters, limited-run action figures, collector-grade Gunpla kits, and even RC PRO-AM Mini 4WD sets styled after characters and vehicles from classic ZAGE Anime titles. ZAGE toys like MARIN dolls and Hot Wheels were also on sale, attracting collectors and fans alike. What surprised many was the appearance of exclusive ZAGE-themed LEGO sets The collaboration between the two companies brought fresh, imaginative set designs based on popular ZAGE franchises, and fans were thrilled to see the building blocks reimagined through the lens of ZAGE's creative universe. On top of that, apparel like exclusive T-shirts and hoodies flew off the shelves within the first few hours. The real standouts, though, were the ultra-rare Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! cards made in collaboration with ZAGE—cross-branded and holographic, driving trading card fans into a frenzy.
Even more surprising was the addition of food-based ZAGE merchandise—snacks shaped like in-game creatures, drinks themed after iconic characters, and candy sets styled like Kirby or Slime from Dragon Quest. These edible tie-ins not only amused fans but made the venue feel like a theme park. The entire merchandise area had an electric vibe, with fans swapping stories and showing off their hauls. It elevated the event's atmosphere to another level.
Right after the merchandise rush came one of the cornerstone activities of the day: the ZAGE Fighting Game Arcade Tournaments. These matches were held for each of ZAGE's major fighting game franchises and drew an enormous crowd. Players arrived in peak form, many of them returning competitors from previous years. The audience roared with each clutch combo, comeback, or critical finish.
The energy was undeniable. Not only did the players show incredible growth and skill, but the event itself marked a noticeable leap in the professionalism and popularity of the E-Sports scene within the ZAGE community. What used to be casual competitions had now grown into a legitimate, hyped-up spectacle—complete with shoutcasters, live commentary, LED screens, and cheering fans.
It was clear this wasn't just a side event anymore—it was one of the beating hearts of ZAGE's growing cultural presence.
At the Fighting Game Tournament, the energy was electric as always. The air practically crackled with excitement, and the matches were nothing short of fire. One thing was clear—the players had stepped up their game significantly from last year. The crowd was treated to more intricate strategies, higher-level mind games, and plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments. Each ZAGE fighting game title featured its own dedicated bracket, and the level of competition was intense across the board.
As tradition dictated, the grand winner of the fighting game tournament earned the rare opportunity to face off against Zaboru himself. In past years, this was often more ceremonial than competitive—Zaboru would easily dominate the match and put on a show. But this year was different. To everyone's surprise, Zaboru didn't breeze through the final match. The tournament champion actually pushed back, delivering clutch plays and forcing Zaboru to go full throttle. The crowd erupted during those exchanges, and it was clear to everyone watching: the skill gap was closing. The community was evolving, and even Zaboru had to respect the level of competition now.
Adding to the momentum of the day, this year marked the debut of two new tournament categories: StarCraft and Counter-Strike. Though both were in their early stages and hadn't yet reached the prestige of the fighting games, the turnout was still impressive. Dozens of teams had already formed proper rosters, many of them adopting official team names and showcasing coordinated strategies.
The StarCraft matches were a battle of resource management and tactics, while Counter-Strike brought fast-paced, explosive action that kept the audience on their toes. Despite being first-year additions, both tournaments became instant hits and drew sizable crowds. Their presence signaled that ZAGE was serious about expanding its E-Sports focus beyond just fighting games. With this diversification, the ZAGE End of the Year event was evolving into a true gaming festival, offering something for every kind of competitive gamer.
Each game's tournaments were primarily in the Semi-Finals stage, which meant the number of matches played wasn't overwhelming. This pacing worked well for both players and spectators. More importantly, the format didn't require fans to wait long between matches, thanks to the multiple gaming booths operating simultaneously. Each booth was equipped with live displays, dedicated shoutcasters, and seating areas so people could walk up, sit down, and watch the matches unfold in real-time without missing a beat.
This setup helped maintain a steady flow of action across the venue and gave the event a much more dynamic, festival-like rhythm. Spectators could drift from one match to another, catching exciting plays across different games without ever feeling like they were stuck in a long queue or forced to wait for the next round.
As for the competitors, winning meant more than just glory. The rewards were impressive. Each tournament champion received a hefty cash prize—enough to make it worth every hour of practice leading up to the event. But beyond the money, perhaps the most coveted prize was the iconic ZAGE Champions Card. Designed and created personally by Zaboru himself, the card was a limited-edition collector's item, featuring custom art and special feature to get any one ZAGE games for free. Only a handful existed in the world, and owning one instantly elevated a player's status in the community. It wasn't just a trophy—it was a symbol of elite status within ZAGE's competitive scene.
Next came the highly anticipated Cosplay Event—one of the most colorful and energetic highlights of the day. It was more than just a costume showcase; it was a platform where passionate fans displayed their creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication by transforming into their favorite ZAGE characters and pop culture icons. The entire hall buzzed with excitement as fans, photographers, and judges admired the effort put into each outfit.
There was a dazzling variety on display, ranging from crowd-favorite sexy cosplays that turned heads—like Chun-Li, Mai Shiranui, and Morrigan, portrayed by cosplayers who brought both flair and charisma—to incredibly accurate, high-effort costume builds. Characters like Spider-Man, Doomguy, Megaman, and even RoboCop were brought to life with jaw-dropping detail. Zabo-Man cosplays, inspired by ZAGE's very own original characters, made a strong showing as well, with fans showing deep appreciation for the character's legacy.
But the biggest surprise of all was the winner: a cosplayer who portrayed RoboCop with such uncanny precision it almost felt like the cyborg had stepped straight out of a game set. From the armored suit's shine to the slow, mechanical movements and even the voice modulation, everything was on point. The cosplayer didn't just wear the outfit—he embodied the character flawlessly.
The judges were thoroughly impressed, and so was the crowd, erupting in cheers when the winner was announced. And the prize? No joke—it wasn't just bragging rights. The winner received an exclusive ZAGE Platinum Merch Package, some insane money, and a custom, one-of-a-kind collectible figure designed by Zaboru himself. It was a reward worthy of the effort, and a moment that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
The events were a huge hit overall, with attendees of all ages enjoying every moment of their visit. Many walked around proudly carrying bags full of exclusive merchandise, still buzzing from the incredible cosplay showcases and the adrenaline-fueled eSports matches. The energy inside ZEB remained consistently high throughout the day, helped in no small part by the outstanding venue setup. The air conditioning was cool and plentiful, making the packed halls comfortable even during peak hours. The bathrooms were not only clean but surprisingly well-stocked and maintained, something that didn't go unnoticed by grateful attendees.
Food courts were strategically placed around the venue, offering a wide selection of meals, snacks, and drinks to satisfy everyone's tastes. Despite the massive foot traffic, cleanliness was maintained impressively, thanks to a well-organized cleaning crew working around the clock. Everything ran like a well-oiled machine, and fans couldn't stop talking about how smooth, welcoming, and immersive the experience felt. It was clear to everyone that ZAGE had pulled off something special.
Now, as night fell, a gentle transition began. The hustle of the earlier events slowed as the final segment of the day approached. The announcement was made that today's festivities were drawing to a close, but that the event would continue into tomorrow, promising even more excitement. The least today highlight? The highly anticipated showcase of ZAGE's December game releases and revealing the last 2 KOF games.
Taking the spotlight for this grand finale was none other than Zaboru himself, stepping up as the event host. To the audience's delight, he appeared on stage fully dressed as Alucard from Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. His costume was flawless, complete with flowing cloak, silver-lined armor, and long platinum-blond wig. But it wasn't just the look—Zaboru committed fully to the character, speaking with a cool elegance and even mimicking Alucard's composed gestures. The crowd went wild, cheering and laughing in admiration.
"Hello, everyone! I hope you're enjoying the night so far," Zaboru said with a bright grin, his Alucard persona briefly slipping into his usual playful charm. "Now then, without further ado, it's time to unveil what you've all been waiting for… the next two games in the King of Fighters series!"
The crowd erupted with cheers, waving glowsticks and shouting in excitement.
"But that's not all," he added, raising a finger for dramatic effect. "We've got a surprise for you. Another game—yes, a completely new title—is also set to release later this month. But you'll have to wait just a little bit longer, because that reveal comes right after the KOF trailers. So sit back, enjoy, and get ready for something special!"
Then the screen are showing Rival School Trailer.
To be continue
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