The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) today launched a mobile game and website dedicated to Game Masters, the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition opening on 28 June 2012.
The Game Masters mobile game and website are the first instalment of a new digital project for the centre, which also includes the development of an eBook and video conference programs.
ACMI received funding for the digital project through the Victorian Government’s Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program which promotes the effective use of broadband lead adoption and innovative information and communication technology.
Game Masters: The Game is a custom-made mobile game created to enrich the experience of the exhibition or played on its own. Designed for all ages and abilities, for single or two player fun, Game Masters: The Game requires players to navigate a ball past opponents to score. The design features familiar game genres including space, sim and adventure games, drawing visual inspiration from early arcade through to the latest indie games, reflecting the content of the exhibition. By visiting the exhibition, users can unlock additional game content by scanning codes within the gallery and also play a large-scale, two-player version of the game.
Game Masters: The Game, commissioned by ACMI and has been developed by Chocolate Liberation Front, can be downloaded for free from the App Store and Google Play from today.
The content-rich Game Masters mini-site features exclusive content such as developer biographies, news, behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive interviews, guest blogs, videos and competitions. Additionally, the site will feature a kids’ page and link to educational resources for teachers. It will also act as the central hub for program information, purchasing tickets, the Game Masters eBook and downloading the free mobile game.
“We’re really excited by this new digital venture, which will provide opportunities for audiences both across Australia and internationally to engage with the Game Masters exhibition in accessible, educational and fun ways,” said ACMI’s Head of Exhibitions, Conrad Bodman. “This will be the first time ACMI has created a mobile game, eBook and used video conferencing for programs so we expect this experience will have real benefit for future programs.”
ACMI’s Game Masters is a highly interactive videogame exhibition, showcasing the work of leading local and international game developers from the arcade era through to the latest console and mobile game technology. Over 30 game designers who have made a significant impact in the field will be profiled throughout the exhibition, including well-known international, independent and Australian game designers. The designers’ work will be explored through 125 playable games and a combination of rare concept artwork and newly commissioned interviews in a spectacular gaming universe designed for all ages and abilities. The exhibition runs until 28 October 2012.
The Game Masters website and Game Masters: The Game are online now. The eBook and video conference program will be launched the opening day of the exhibition, 28 June 2012. For more information on Game Masters please visit; www.acmi.net.au/gamemasters