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25/05/2013

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Famous faces in Aberdeen

Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Famous faces in Aberdeen

Brian Cox

Famous faces in Aberdeen

Bill Bryson

Famous faces in Aberdeen

John Krebs

Famous faces in Aberdeen

Paul Nurse

Famous faces in Aberdeen

Richard Wiseman

Famous faces in Aberdeen

Susan Greenfield

Grand Theft Bicycle

State: 
Approved
Contact Details
I am the event manager: 
I am the event manager
Event Manager Info
2. Event Manager First Name: 
Alexandra
3. Event Manager Surname: 
Robson
9. Event Manager Email address: 
Your event
10. Which of the following areas of science does you event best fit into?: 
Engineering
Event type and format
11. Do you have a preferred day for your event to take place on?: 
Tuesday 10 September 2013
Wednesday 11 September 2013
Thursday 12 September 2013
17. Length: 
drop in
18. What will the format of your event be?: 
Interactive exhibition - drop in activity, hands-on stand
20. Location/venue: 
Venue and location to be allocated by the Festival team
21. Venue requirements: 
Room with a sound system and projector installed. The room does not have to be large. 20 sq metres is fine, but it should be isolated from other events.
22. Audience Level: 
Adults with some knowledge of the topic
Event details
12. Event title: 
Grand Theft Bicycle
13. Description of the core message of your event and key topics to be covered (c.100 words): 
Game Design Grand Theft Bicycle is a game-art installation that uses the kinetic interface of a bike – modified with sensors – to allow users to ride through a 3D “mod” of a video game (Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas) set in a desert environment. Physical Computing A particular research concern addressed in GTB is the generally sedentary nature of gaming culture. This has changed somewhat in recent years with the advent of the Wii, but in general most game culture remains profoundly “unphysical.” To play GTB you need to ride our sensor-modified bike. Inaction will produce very few results. What is interesting to observe is that people of all sizes and shapes will play the game for extended periods when as a rule it would be extremely unlikely for most of the gaming public to get on an exercise bike for similar periods of time. To get to this level of engaged user-interaction it was important for us that the interface be as transparent and intuitive as possible. In essence the project functions as a model for physical interfaces in which the user is made unaware of his or her physical activity via intense engagement with the literal interface and the compelling content.
16. How does your event relate to this year's theme of 'Making waves'?: 
There is a certain controversy attached to the game as it is a ‘mod’ of a popular first-person shooter. This is done deliberately as experience shows that the gaming audience responds to physical games more readily if a familiar format is used.
Press interest
23. Do you consider that the event will attract press interest?: 
Yes
24. If yes, please summarise up to 4 key points you think will be of press interest: 
In the past it has generated extensive press coverage. Here is an example from the US: http://www.kasa.com/dpp/nm_style/features/albuquerque-museum-of-art-and-history Game art, game modding, physical computing

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