Game On in London!

What effects do games have on us? Will new technology radically change gaming and gamers? How did Lara Croft become a global sensation? How do you go about making a modern computer game?

These are just some of the questions that will be answered in the Science Museum's first series of exclusive gaming events, which are being held to complement our fantastic new Game On exhibition. For four nights in November visitors can gain a deeper understanding of video games from experts and industry insiders. The Game On exhibition will also be open until 21.00 on these evenings (last entry at 20.00), so visitors can experience the exhibition after normal opening hours.

Prices (per event):

Talk only £7

Talk and exhibition £11 (normal exhibition admission price £8.50)

To book your tickets now call 0870 870 4868 or book online from 12 October (booking fee applies). Tickets are strictly limited so early booking is strongly advised. All talks are 45 minutes long with an opportunity to put questions to the speaker at the end.

The Science Museum has even more Game On talks and family events coming soon. For updated information check the website regularly or sign up to the Science Museum e-newsletter.

Events:

1 November, 19.00-20.00
Dancemats and Joysticks: Who's playing now?

Nicolas Rodriguez, Kuju Studios

Gameplay used to be all about waggling joysticks and the frantic pressing of buttons. But now we can use buzzers, microphones, cameras and dance mats to entertain ourselves. Find out how these devices are changing the video games we play and the people who are playing them with Nicolas Rodriguez, producer of Kuju Studios.

13 November, 19.00-20.00

Ten Years of Lara

Ian Livingstone, Eidos Interactive

In 1996 a new video game and its star burst into our lives. A decade on and Lara Croft is now a major gaming icon, starring in her own movies and comic books. Join Ian Livingstone of Eidos Interactive for a special ten-year anniversary talk about this virtual heroine's past, present and future.

20 November, 19.00-20.00

Gaming: Now and then

David Braben, Frontier Development

Video games have changed in the last 20-30 years. Once we were content with electronic ping pong, now our games have storylines, characters and amazing graphics. Join David Braben, UK games designer, as he looks at how games have developed and his experiences of developing the classic game Elite as well as new titles like The Outsider.

28 November, 19.00-20.00

Gaming in Mind

Professor Mark Griffiths, Nottingham Trent University

Do video games represent a new way to learn and interact in our increasingly digital world? Or do they make us more violent and addicted to the gaming buzz? Find out about the psychology of interactive technology and video games today with Professor Mark Griffiths.