Application is open for Games and Storytelling workshops

Application is open for the Games and Storytelling workshops.The workshops will be given in Helsinki and Tampere 5-9 Feb 2007 and 23-27 Apr 2007. Please apply latest 4 December 2007 via e-mail: registration@gamesandstorytelling.net

You can apply for the workshops with either a game or interactive storytelling concept, or with a research plan, and a CV. Rather than sending in large files as attachments, you should preferably provide URL links in your email applications.

(Please note: your game or interactive storytelling concept, or research plan, will not necessarily be used in the workshop, but is rather used to provide further information about your previous experience; it is used both for evaluation and as your background information for the workshop leader.)

Selection will be based on previous studies, career and diversity in the workshops. Selections will be conducted by the Games and Storytelling steering group. Central criteria of selection is applicant's capability to bring forward a believable new perspective to games and new media in the concept.

Application deadline for the workshops (Eric Zimmerman, 5 - 9 Feb 2007 and Larry Friedlander, 23 - 27 Apr 2007) is December 4, 2006. Applicants will receive an acceptance decision by 15 Dec 2006.

More information: http://www.gamesandstorytelling.net registration@gamesandstorytelling.net

A report from Digiexpo 2006

Digiexpo was held from 3. - 5.11 in Helsinki and, at least on Saturday, turned in an impressive crowd of entertainment electronics enthusiasts. Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo all had their booths set up in to lure prospective buyers to try out their latest wares.

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Gears of War booth

Microsoft was showcasing several upcoming Xbox 360 titles on the show floor, but the most high profile one was Epics soon to be released Gears of War, which had an impressive stand separate from the other games. Electronic Arts was out in full force on the showfloor with a behemoth of a booth. Eager gamers got to test Need For Speed: Carbon for the 360 among other titles.

EA Games booth

Nintendo booth

Wii gaming

Nintendo had a small booth, where people could try out a few Wii and DS titles. As expected, the Wii games stole the show and the lines grew pretty long. The Zelda: Twilight Princess line was the longest and most people who got to play the game, took their sweet old time with it.

Playstation show

Playstation show

The Sony booth was swamped with eager gamers, waiting to get some alone time with the PS3 and its launch games. Sony held The Playstation Show through out the weekend a few times a day. They showcased the basic functionality of the PS3 there and the presenter played a few quick rounds of MotorStorm and Insomniacs FPS title Resistance: Fall of Man.

by Tommi Hartikainen