For computer game enthusiasts, Ohio University Southern was a sort of mecca this weekend, complete with treasure trove of prizes.

Approximately 40 computer game enthusiasts participated in the first Unreal Tournament - an event based around the computer game "Unreal Tournament."

Rick Eid, Information Technology Coordinator for the university's Center for Innovation and Leadership, said the tournament allowed participants to match their computer game skills against other game aficionados and win more than $7,000 in prizes, the top prize being a home theater system complete with a 51-inch HDTV screen. It also allowed the university to showcase its computer offerings.

"We

have game design classes and we also have a computer science technology program. We want to make people aware of the degree and the design classes," Eid said.

In addition to the prizes, tournament-goers were treated to round-the-clock food from Pizza Hut of Ironton.

In the game, participants start with a basic weapon and use that weapon to "kill"

their computer game opponents and collect more advanced weaponry. If a participant is "killed," he or she is reintroduced back into the game but loses all of his or her advanced weapons and must start over again with a basic survival tool.

"We're here to compete and hopefully to win," participant John Landino said. He and his brother, Mike Landino, came from Detroit, to play. They've taken part in at least 10 such tournaments this year. "We're very pleased so far. And the prizes are excellent. It's definitely been an enjoyable experience."

For David Clagg of Ironton, it was the thrill of winning and the camaraderie with friends that enticed him to take part. "I know a lot of these guys," Clagg said. "So you get to yell at your friends and kill them at the same time."