Chicago Museum of Science and Industry Presents “Game On”

Posted by: Kurt Uhlir at March 3, 2005 6:34:14 PM

On March 4, the U.S. debut of Game on: The History, Culture and Future of Video Games, presented by Exelon, Proud Parent of ComEd, will open at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. This major exhibition explores the vibrant world of video games from 1962 to today and the impact that this popular entertainment form has had on contemporary culture around the world.

In an interactive environment full of 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 that have been created in Japan, the United States and Europe. A look at advancements 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 art and technologies work together to create amazing new experiences. Along the way, children and adults alike will be enthralled by the interactive and dynamic world of gaming as they have the opportunity to play more than 100 games that illustrate the exhibit content.

Game On is sponsored by EB Games and SoBe. The exhibit will run through September 5,2005.

“Video gaming is a $10 billion industry that has had a profound effect on our culture today,” said John Beckman, the Museum’s manager of temporary exhibits. “Visitors to Game On will be able to play more than 100 games that illustrate how far games have come both artistically and technically, and see how the video game phenomenon has influenced aspects of popular culture around the world.”

Game On consists of 16 “levels” or areas, each one introduced by a different member of the “Game Family” — a mother, father, sister and brother who lead museum goers through an exhibit tour. As guests move through the exhibit, they will discover the key creative people who make games happen, including graphic designers, concept artists, 3D modelers and engineers. The illustrations of Chicago artist David Lee Csicsko 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 genre’s 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; rare artifacts such as original publicity materials and early merchandise; and old arcade favorites like Space Invaders, Donkey Kong and Galaga.

It takes up to 100 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 sound effects and composed music for games. Visitors will be able to listen to more than 50 recorded video game tracks and play games that have made music their theme including Rez and Chillingham, a game for the blind. 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.

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, such as Incredible Technologies’ new Golden Tee LIVE, and Electronic Arts’ NBA Street Vol.2 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 EyeToy, PlayStation 2’s USB camera technology — a revolutionary new type of game interface from Sony .

Game On was organized by Barbican Art Gallery, London in collaboration with the National Museums of Scotland. The exhibit will have additional charge of $5 per guest. Tickets can be purchased online at www.msichicago.org or by calling (773) 684-1414. To ensure a positive experience for all ages, Game On will not feature any mature (M-rated) game content.

About The Museum of Science and Industry
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. Extended hours — 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays — will be offered from March 21 to April 3 and from May 28 to September 5. 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. 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.

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