Art of the Game
26th September 2007. Nottingham, UK. Jon Burgerman, world-renowned artist, NTU Fine Art graduate and doodler extraordinaire, joins leading video game artists and art directors at GameCity in a unique series of talks aimed at students and artists aspiring to work in the world of videogames. The talks will feature during an extraordinary exhibition of Nottingham Trent University undergraduate design work, which is taking place across the city as part of the festival.
Joining Jon are leading lights from the development studios of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe; Media Molecule; FreeStyleGames; Free Radical; Rare; Bizarre; Namco/Bandai; Monumental and Frontier - talking about concept art, animation and all other aspects of videogame visuals.
Jon, a Nottingham Trent University graduate, created a level for Wipeout Pure for the Sony PSP and is currently working on a level design for the acclaimed Papermint online society.
"It's brilliant to be taking part in GameCity this year," said Jon.
"Last year was full of really inspiring industry speakers and good, fun events - I even got to shake hands with Sonic. This year the line-up is even more exciting, I'm flattered to be included at all, to be honest."
The artists will also be holding a limited number of one-on-one portfolio clinics - a unique opportunity for students to discuss their work, ask for advice, and look for work experience. Appointments for the one-on-ones will be advertised on the GameCity site and must be booked in advance via: www.gamecity.org/clinic/
Andy Love, new media artist and Nottingham Trent University BA Multi Media lecturer, is curating the show.
He said: "We're expecting a big take-up for the event. Students will get the chance to get real advice from practising professionals, it's a great opportunity."
The series of talks and portfolio clinics will be held at the city's Angel Row Gallery from 25-27th of October where visitors can also view some of the best undergraduate work by students from Nottingham Trent University, the University of Derby and De Montfort University, Leicester. Featuring concept work, interactive exhibits and a wide range of both character and concept design work, this is an opportunity to see the future of game design art before it gets snapped up!
Notes to editors
For more information on John Burgerman's work please visit www.jonburgerman.com.
GameCity is the only event in the UK to bring developers, students and lovers of interesting culture together in Indian restaurants, and this year promises to continue shattering expectations of what a videogame festival could be. Taking place across an entire city, the festival takes place across a huge variety of venues - from cinemas, to market squares, to restaurants, cafes and schools
GameCity is all about celebrating the culture and development of videogames, specifically bringing the people who make them into contact with the people who play them - and who want to make them. Students from universities across the UK will be attending in their droves to question, probe and applaud the developers taking part.
With the full programme to be announced in late September, GameCity can promise the participation of some extraordinary talents. Developers already involved include Frontier, Freestyle Games, Travellers Tales, Free Radical Design, Rare, SCEE and more.
Importantly from an Industry point of view, GameCity is perhaps the most visible example yet of the public sector stepping up and explicitly supporting the development of its work. Iain Simons, festival director commented, "We're delighted with the support that the festival has gained from the City of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University - its lead partner. It feels like a real milestone on the journey to mainstream culture for interactive entertainment that an event like this can happen at all - and then be embraced by the public sector."
"It looks like our industry might have found its first Sundance. GameCity is a unique approach to a videogame festival that seems long overdue," - said Lorne Lanning.
"GameCity shows us how a videogame shindig should be run" - said EDGE.
"..promises to be the most inventively programmed new arts festival of the year.." - said The Times.
Same time, same City, new Games.
GameCity happens all over Nottingham from the 24-28th October, 2007.
www.gamecity.org
· Nottingham's annual celebration of videogames and interactive entertainment
· We are trying to discover what a videogames festival could be
2006: 4 days, 25 venues, 3000+ attendees
2007: more venues, more fun, more guests, more games