Video games fans worldwide are hoping a conference to be held in Dundee will produce the next big thing in interactive technology.
Millions of people spend hours each day using their iPhone, iPad, Wii, PS3 and X-Box, so demand for games is huge.
Dundee has been at the forefront of games development in recent years, and its reputation has led to the city being named this year’s host of the British Computer Society’s international conference on human-computer interaction (HCI2010).
Around 200 of the world’s leading computer games developers, researchers and industrialists will descend on Abertay University in September for the Play Is A Serious Business conference.
Local organiser Dr Colin Cartwright said, “Dundee is the perfect location for the HCI conference it will give international experts an insight into the research and development being carried out in the city.”
Karen Tocher, manager at Dundee and Angus Convention Bureau, said, “Dundee has become a hub for the Scottish gaming industry in the past few years, with more than half of the nation’s games design companies now based here.
“It is a very important part of the creative industries in Dundee, and one which contributes significantly to the local economy.Perfect platform”The HCI conference will provide the perfect platform from which to raise the profile of the innovative, talented individuals we have working in the gaming industry and the developments we are making, in the city.
“We have worked closely with the local organising committee to develop a social programme to showcase what Dundee and Angus has to offer and highlight the city’s important history.
“Delegates will attend a dinner aboard HM Frigate Unicorn, the world’s most original wooden warship berthed at the city’s Victoria Dock.
“Incorporating social activities into the conference gives delegates the opportunity to enjoy all that the area has to offer, not only giving them a well-rounded visit, but also enticing them to return for a leisure visit.”
The conference runs from September 6 to 10 and registration is available on its website.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user Yutaka Tsutano.