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| Orlando Science Center Present Otronicon Event Orlando Science Center (OSC) is joining forces with multiple partners in the electronic gaming and digital media industries, including Full Sail Real World Education, to develop Florida's ultimate video game experience. Otronicon, a 10-day exploration of electronic gaming and simulation is planned for January 20-29, 2006. OSC is working closely with presenting sponsor Full Sail and others to transform all four floors of the Science Center with gaming stations and interactive exhibits of the latest games, gadgets and technology. Additional support for the event is being provided through a grant from the Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Advisory Council. The event plans to entertain guests with multiple levels of activity, including displays, games, competitions, seminars and demonstrations that bridge the gap between video games and the simulation industry. OSC is continuously recruiting additional support from Orlando's burgeoning digital media industry to develop an intriguing selection of workshops on everything from game design to addressing parental concerns about excessive game playing. The event will celebrate the merging of art and science through interactive electronic games and simulations. One focal point of the event will be a national HALO 2 tournament where winners from previously held regional qualifiers will compete for substantial cash and prizes. Amateur competitions are also planned, appealing to everyone from veteran gamers to first-time players. Event organizers are designing Otronicon to attract a broad audience spectrum to help the public better understand both the depth and breadth of interactive electronic media. Other exceptional event activities will include one of the largest and longest PC LAN parties ever attempted in Florida including a 36-hour or longer continuous weekend session. A "Hot Box" Competition will allow competitors to strut their stuff by showcasing their "tricked out" PCs and demonstrate the latest in customized PC gaming capability. Several gaming pods, custom units built specifically for Otronicon, will enable visitors to play any number of the latest games on a variety of platforms and networked gaming stations. A collaboration with the Cornell Theory Center in New York will provide guests with an opportunity to design their own virtual science center. Additional partners from the electronic gaming, simulation and retail industries are also being recruited to assist in further developing the event's content. Recognizing the important potential the event represents from both career and economic development perspectives, the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission is also participating as a funding sponsor. Other companies and organizations providing event content and activities include the DAVE School which will provide a unique demonstration of Motion Capture, the translation of human movement into the motions of an animated character, an effect used frequently in video games. Digital Media Alliance Florida, and its ModG2 special interest group, will conduct a workshop on game "modding." Engineering and Computer Simulation, Inc. will provide a video game based exhibit that features First Responder Training for the military. There will also be a first of its kind Digital Interactive Art Show, and multiple gaming prototypes from a host of sources. The Joint Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory of the Department of Defense will exhibit and support the event as well. Many more additions to the event will be announced as preparations continue. A dedicated event website be launched soon and constantly updated so web surfers can learn more and register to win prizes such as free event passes and gaming gear. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Game News :: home page |