This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its unique location you may go to the hyperlink bellow: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-18/geektacular-nt-darwin-is-geek-culture-cool-nerd-community/106241848and if you wish to take away this text from our web site please contact us [ad_1] The pop cultural Zeitgeist was captivated by the latest Stanger Things finale, a long-awaited conclusion wrapping up the favored TV present that originally centred on a gaggle of nerdy youngsters taking part in Dungeons & Dragons.The sci-fi smash hit shortly shot up the charts and have become some of the watched Netflix exhibits of all time, according to IMDb.Out of the basement, into the mainstream: The resurrection of Dungeons & DragonsOnce the topic of "satanic panic" and seen because the epitome of nerd-dom, roleplaying recreation Dungeons & Dragons lastly hits the mainstream and is greater than ever.Has a surge within the recognition of this sort of media led to an uptick in geekiness, influencing how we really feel about nerd tradition?The reply appears apparent among the many crowd of Darwinites who packed right into a suburban library on Saturday for this yr's Geektacular — a celebration of geek tradition and the nerd group.Cosplayers donning inventive costumes remodeled Casuarina Library right into a world of Ghostbusters, Na'vi, medieval knights and iconic animated characters.The ABC attended the free group occasion with one burning query: is being a geek cool?Boosting the recognition of geek occasionsCosplay judges Shana Mcloughlin and Con Kosta Iliou — dressed respectively as music icon Prince and Sonic the Hedgehog villain Dr Robotnik — stated that they had observed a shift in attitudes surrounding geek tradition over time.Loading..."It's definitely become more mainstream, a lot of people are getting into more geek things like gaming, Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, board games," Ms Mcloughlin stated."There's so many fun things to do, and being a geek is awesome."In response to questions on a perceived resurgence of geekiness, Mr Iliou stated the group was all the time there — even when it wasn't cool to be a nerd."It's never gone away for me, it's always been something I loved," he stated."There's no maliciousness, it's all about fun."Attendees had the prospect to ask cosplayers questions on their craft, in a judgement-free zone. (ABC News: Pete Garnish)Tucked right into a again room of the library, David Moore — the founding father of Darwin's first e-sports league — ran a gaming part with PC video games, arcade machines and Mario Kart.He stated geek tradition had advanced past a easy pastime and now introduced profession alternatives, together with his personal enterprise which was based on gaming.Loading..."I run gaming events as part of my business — so anyone can do it," he stated."No shame in being a geek … whether you're into pop culture, movies, anime or gaming, just own it. "Just get on the market and do your factor; it is getting larger and higher."A welcoming groupLocal Ghostbuster Tim Read had one simple message for anyone considering connecting with their local geek scene: "simply do it".The NT Ghostbusters staff has all of the gear wanted to get the job finished, so who you gonna name? (ABC News)"The group will embrace you," he stated. "[As] cosplayers, we simply love with the ability to see folks's arduous work of their costumes, [that's] the place most of individuals's pleasure is, on this artwork kind," he stated.Some of this weekend's attendees introduced their complete household alongside; mother and father and kids alike dressed as much as rejoice shared pursuits.For some, this yr's occasion was a household affair. (ABC News)"There's lots of generational popular culture we will share — Doctor Who, Terry Pratchett, Red Dwarf," native mother-of-three Jo stated."It's simply one thing we will share collectively; it is not fairly often, with the era that we grew up in, that individuals can join on a pop cultural degree." [ad_2] This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its unique location you may go to the hyperlink bellow: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-18/geektacular-nt-darwin-is-geek-culture-cool-nerd-community/106241848and if you wish to take away this text from our web site please contact us