Kotaku
The Games Convention i Leipzig isn't just a media event like many conventions you'd be likely to find stateside. It's a celebration of all things gaming, and no where will that be more evident this year than the GC ART exhibition area, where full exciting exhibitions await those eager to delve into the art and history behind our favorite hobby. The "public_play" exhibition will feature 500 square meters of space dedicated to the theme of "digital play and public spaces". Telespiele 1972-2007 is a massive exhibit showcasing gaming systems and computers from the first Pong machines to the PS3. Machinima will of course focus on creating art from video games and will include both films to watch as well as a chance to create their own Machinima with expert guidance on hand to answer questions. Finally Digital Beauty - 3D Character Design will challenge visitors to determine if a series of 20 images are real or virtual, as well as providing workshops on 3D character creation. Hit the jump for more information on one of the top ten reasons I will regret missing Leipzig.
GC ART Draws in Visitors With Four Exhibitions on Digital GamesFollowing the successful launch of the GC ART exhibition area last year, GC 2007 (Games Convention) repeats its display of computer and console art once again. The exhibitions "public_play", "Telespiele 1972-2007", "Machinima" and "Digital Beauty - 3D Character Design" will be on view in Hall 5 from 23 to 26 August, providing visitors with a look at different aspects of digital games. Numerous workshops offer interested visitors the opportunity to try their own hands at creating minor artwork.
public_play
In conjunction with the Computerspiele Museum Berlin, GC ART presents the exhibition "public_play". Spread over 500 square metres, exhibits from international artists are displayed on the theme of "digital play and public spaces". The backdrop to this is various sights from around Leipzig, recreated with the aid of large-format projections and sound stages.
This 21st century playground will include works by the Leipzig artists Matthias Henning and André Greif. In their work "Gamblers" four computers play ludo against one another - a sociable gathering in which computers take the roles of the players. A further highlight of the exhibition is skipping over digitally-stretched ropes. The digital and the real combine in Pong, the first computer game from 1972. The Atari classic is set up in a manner that enables it to be played directly on a dress.
Telespiele 1972-2007
In the exhibition "Telespiele 1972-2007" the GC takes its visitors on a tour of the past. The 35-year history of digital games is attractively presented on a space of 200 square metres. Content ranges from the first "Pong machine" to the mass phenomenon that was the Commodore 64 and on to the current next generation consoles. However, it is not only hardware that is on show. Games, games magazines, manuals and numerous rarities never before seen in Europe are also on display here.
One section of the exhibition is dedicated to the computer history of the GDR. Items on display include the curious Z1013 computer construction kit, the popular KC series, the PC 1715 office computer, the educational computer A5105 personally promoted by Margot Honecker, Minister for National Education in the German Democratic Republic from 1963 until 1989, and the BBS 01, East Germany's sole games console.
The collection was established by journalist and author René Meyer, who is presenting the exhibits to a wider audience for the first time with the support of the Leipziger Messe.
Machinima
The influence exerted by computer games on film production can be viewed by GC visitors on the Machinima stand. Together with the project group "Animation in new media" (www.animationsprojekt.de) the Leipziger Messe demonstrates that computer games are not solely dedicated to entertainment. As a tool for creative work, they offer the opportunity to develop new forms of expression in art.
Daily film shows at the Machinima Gallery offer an ideal opportunity to pass the time. Entertaining, artistically-sophisticated and critical Machinima films are shown, under the motto "New Trends in Machinima". They offer an insight into the wide range of themes, genres and production approaches of the Machinima scene, as well as clarifying the current trends.
Those wishing to learn more about Machinima or that possibly have the urge to make films of their own can obtain useful information from the Public Forum. Well-known Machinima producers and experts offer their opinions on themes such as "What is Machinima?", "Creative Gaming" and "Machinima production with MovieSandbox". In addition to practical help for beginners and those more advanced in the world of digital film making, they also provide a cultural classification for the Machinima phenomenon.
The third component of the exhibition this year is provided by the Machinima Laboratory. Here GC visitors can try the different types of Machinima film making out for themselves, as well as garnering tips from the experts.
The artificial word Machinima is composed from "machine", "cinema" and "animation" and refers to films created with the aid of games engines. The first Machinima were enabled with the aid of the programme LMPC (Little Movie Processing Centre) by the Leipzig physicist and programmer Uwe Girlich, who analysed the structure of the game engine Quake in 1996. LMPC allows users to create or alter film-like scenarios.
Digital Beauty - 3D Character Design
What creative minds can create with computers and specialised software is scarcely different to reality. The exhibition "Digital Beauty - 3D Character Design" displays 20 images created on the PC and poses the question to visitors: "virtual or real"?
Workshops are held each day of the GC for all those curious as to how it works, or who wish to try their hand at 3D character design. At the workshops Ronny Jesse, winner of the award "Animago 2006" in the category "Digital Beauties", explains how an own "character" is created in small stages. Participants are accompanied through the various stages on the PC.
