Game On! Z43’s Annual Party, 2018 “The Next Level” Edition

The annual Zurich 43 party, this year with the gamer theme “The Next Level”, was held at Halle 622 in Zurich-Oerlikon on Friday 19 January 2018. The enormous main hall of this event venue famous for its unique and authentic industrial vibe was fitted out as a games arcade/darts pub/pool hall/dance floor mash up. Partyers, many decked out according to the “Gamer Extravaganza” dress code, entered via the foosball and air hockey zones in the front section of the hall, through the center section with darts and virtual reality stations, onward between pinball machines and pool tables to the dance floor and stage at the back. The exquisite food was prepared and served “flying style” by Franzoli Catering, starting with an apéro riche of tasty tidbits followed by delectable salads. Specialty food stations scattered around the rim of the hall were especially popular. A wide variety of small-bite desserts were offered, with more sweets set out around the hall on tiered serving plates. A mix of bar stools, couches with low tables, and bistro seating offered plenty of options for socializing while enjoying the scrumptious food and wine offered by attentive servers. The dance floor was open the whole evening with music by Christian Niederer's PLAN followed by Fresh & Cool.

Niels Kuster, the game master and host of the evening, took the stage in a Pacman suit, after a video introduction showing Z43 Pacman gobbling up competitor “Ghosts”. Niels summarized Z43’s success stories of the past year for the partiers – including special guests, the global sales distributors – while gently roasting the people who made the successes possible. The party continued into the wee hours with more dancing.

Many thanks to Jacqueline Pieper, Sibyl Akrong, and the rest of the team for once again planning an unforgettably fabulous party!

Celebrating "The Next Level" at this year's Z43 party.

The massive main hall at Halle 622 in Zurich-Oerlikon.

Hello, Super Mario and Dream-Man!

Serious "Gamers extravaganza".

Where is your Luigi-outfit, Antonino?

Flying visit from the dark side of the force.

Our ladies in black, Graziella and Virginie.

Mike, Sven, and Peter refreshing memories.

Livio, Eduardo and Livia having a good time.

Wow-plates created by the Franzoli-crew.

Who doesn't like air hockey?

Utmost concentration at the pinball machines.

Playing in style like a pro.

Venturing into the virtual world.

Christian Niederer's PLAN in action.

Shine!

Fresh & Cool in action.

Warming up the dance floor.

UD and Henner clearly feeling at home.

Nitin getting new movie ideas from Tolga and Harry.

Eric taking a breather from the games.

Attention everyone: Pacman is about to start!

Niels Kuster "gently roasting" his employees.