Launch of Games Eden - business network for the computer games industry in the East of England
Photo opportunity – Andy Serkis, master of performance for motion capture as “Gollum” in the Lord of the Rings, “King Kong” and now appearing in PS3 console game “Heavenly Sword” at launch event with Jeremy Cooke, Chair of Games Eden.
Games Eden, the East of England’s first business network for the computer games industry will be officially launched 5 December, at New Hall, Buckingham House in Cambridge.
The launch event will introduce Games Eden, establish the aims and objectives of the network assess the state of the computer games industry and speculate as to where games will go in the future. There’ll be an opportunity for potential members to sign up, voice their ideas and contribute to the proposed projects.
Hosted by new media pioneer Bill Thompson, guest presenters include leading game maker David Braben, Fred Hasson CEO TiGA and Andy Serkis, star of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and King Kong. The London-based actor applies his performance for motion capture to the gaming world by featuring in the new Playstation 3 Heavenly Sword.
As the industry extends its economic, social and cultural impact, Games Eden will stimulate electronic creativity and business development through a globally facing and innovative website and a series of networking events.
Chair of Games Eden, Jeremy Cooke said, “The benefits of Games Eden include delivery of a local developer led networking group, membership of TIGA, raising the profile of local creative digital talent and better access to strategic information and assistance.”
Following an initial meeting in May 2007, there was support to develop and maintain a network to initiate measures of promoting and supporting the digital games entertainment community in the East of England, and to establish a lasting network to inform and discuss the latest developments and opportunities in the industry. Since this meeting, funding has been secured to enable a number of outputs to be developed over the next two years.
Games Eden is funded by EEDA, EEI, Screen East and FDMX with support from Cambridge Wireless, TiGA, EMMA, Gameware Development, Zoonami, Geomerics, Sony, Jagex, Nicetech and Ninja Theory as the Games Eden steering committee. All are contributing to this local game development community initiative which will have, for the first time, a dedicated local networking group.
Laurie Hayward, CEO of Screen East Said: “In a region with massive expertise in feature film and television production we are delighted to help ensure the growth of the computer games sector”.
