Museum of Science and Industry Debuts Game On
people near chicago might want to check this out
http://wire.ign.com/articles/588/588018p1.html
Game on: The History, Culture and Future of Video Games, will make its North American debut at the Museum of Science and Industry on March 4, 2005. This major exhibition explores the vibrant world of video games from 1962 to today and the effect that these games have had on our contemporary culture.
In an interactive environment full of projected sights and sounds, Game On details the game design process, including conceptual drawing, character design and sound. The exhibit also investigates how geography and culture play a role in game development by examining games in Japan, the United States and Europe. A look at developments in gaming hardware— from the colossal computers of the early 1960s to the recent consoles such as Xbox, GameCube and PlayStation 2—helps to illustrate how content and technologies work together to create amazing new products. Along the way, children and adults alike will be enthralled by the interactive world of gaming as they have the opportunity to play more than 125 games that illustrate the exhibit content.
Game On is powered by Exelon, proud parent of ComEd, and sponsored by EB Games and Pepsi.
"The video gaming industry has had a unique influence on the world's culture," said David Woody, the Museum's director of design and development. "Visitors to Game On will discover how the video game phenomenon emerged from both an artistic and technological perspective, not just in the United States, but around the globe. They will also be able to see how that phenomenon has influenced other aspects of popular culture, including movies, magazines and music."
Game On runs through September 5, 2005. The exhibit consists of 17 "levels" or areas, each one introduced by a different member of the "Game Family"—a mother, father, sister and brother who take museumgoers through an exhibit tour. As guests move through the exhibit, they will discover the key creative people who make games happen, including graphic designers, programmers, 3-D modelers and engineers. The illustrations of Chicago artist David Lee Csisko will bring the Game Family and the exciting, pulsating world of video games to life with a flurry of color, movement and characters.
"Game On gives kids a new view of an industry that has come to the forefront of our popular culture," said Jean Franczyk, the Museum's vice president of Education and Guest Services. "Many children today have grown up with video games, but now they have a chance to learn about the history, science, art and technology that is behind those games."
In Level 1: Early Games, guests will learn about the genres first games. The area features the 1962 game SpaceWar!, the first game to be developed on a computer with a vector monitor; 1972's Pong; and rare artifacts such as original publicity materials and early merchandise.
It takes up to 40 people to build and market a successful game, and in Level 4: Making Of, guests will learn why. The game design process from concept drawing to packaged product will be examined in this area, focusing on some of the most important games of recent times including the Pokémon phenomenon and Tomb Raider. Each display will include original artwork of character sketches and environmental designs.
How does sound and music enhance the game experience? Level 9: Sound will explore early music from the 8, 16 and 32-bit eras, sound effects and composed music for games. Visitors will be able to play games that have made music their theme including Rez and Space Channel 5. Additionally, this area looks at how game developers and publishers are now showcasing new bands and artists in their game titles, and even hiring film composers to write game soundtracks. Guests will be able to listen to tracks that illustrate this music.
Level 10: Chicago Style will demonstrate Chicago's role in the video game world, which has been significant ever since Midway Games starting publishing arcade games in the mid-1970s, including Space Invaders in 1978 and Pac-Man in 1980. Guests can play games like Incredible Technologies' Golden Tee Live, 2005 from these native developers.
A range of emerging technology and content trends will be showcased in Level 14: Future Games, indicating the shape that gaming may take over the next decade. This section will include Japanese "communication games," PlayStation 2 USB camera technology—a revolutionary new type of games interface from Sony— and the latest 3rd generation phone technology.
Game On was organized by Barbican Art Galleries, London in collaboration with the National Museums of Scotland. The exhibit will have an additional charge of $5 per guest. To ensure a positive experience for all ages, Game On will not feature any mature ("M" rated) game content.
The Museum of Science and Industry's mission is to inspire the inventive genius in everyone by presenting captivating and compelling experiences that are real and educational. Located at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, the Museum is open every day of the year except December 25. Regular Museum hours are 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. General admission pricing is $9 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and $5 for children ages 3-11. City of Chicago residents receive a discount on general admission; general admission is free on Mondays and Tuesdays through March 15, 2005. The Museum is supported in part through the generosity of the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit the Museum's Web site at www.msichicago.org or call (773) 684-1414 or (800) GO-TO-MSI outside of the Chicago area.
I'd love to go to Chicago just to see this exhibit. It seems like it's well done and would be a great time to spend a few hours.
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Originally Posted by orangemage
