International Interactive Entertainment Festival, Nottingham
Since the death of GameStars, the UK has lacked an independent videogames show. Yes, there's the Edinburgh Interactive Entertainment Festival (EIEF) up in Scotland each year, but this runs alongside the Edinburgh Festival. Happily, EIEF has grown in size and scope each year but we really do need a standalone show... especially seeing as the games industry is the fastest growing market out of all the entertainment mediums.So perhaps Gamecity show in Nottingham, this October 24th - 28th, is the way forwards?
Ok, it's not all in one big hall but spread out at smaller venues around the city but at least it's a publicly accessible, independent games show.
And to kick it off, they've got a load of cool stuff for you to enjoy.
Let's forget all the keynote speaker and game screening stuff for the minute and focus on just the games, which you'll be able to play.
The biggest attraction has to be Gamecity Live, a pavilion packed with the latest games, a massive big screen Wii Tennis session for prizes and even a dirty great LAN for the competitive gamers out there. And even better, it's all for free!
If getting a look at upcoming titles is your thing, how about popping into the Boadway Cinema and Media Centre where some of the biggest names in gaming will be showing there games and discussing what the future holds. You'll see the likes of David Braben, co-creator of the classic Elite and Keita Takahashi of Katamari fame.
Or how about just settling for game screenings? Also at the Broadway you'll get a chance to see The Club, Thrillville: Off The Rails and the public world premier of LEGO StarWars : The complete Saga with Wii Remote lightsabre action!
For more on Gamecity, ticket prices and booking, click over to gamecity.org and show your support for UK games shows.
