GamingSPARK to Highlight the Community's Video Game Designers and Developers

WHAT: Local students and video game developers will show off their latest projects at the first-ever gamingSPARK, a creative showcase of homegrown video games in a broad range of categories including Serious, Casual, Mobile, and Student.

In addition to checking out locally created games, attendees will enjoy an exclusive demonstration of Alii Motion Technology presented by Alex Lian of Duke University. This cross-platform technology has the capability to turn any standard webcam into a motion controller for a casual, fun, real-action gaming experience.

gamingSPARK will also host a tournament of epic proportions by bringing Gears of War 2 to the masses. The Gears of War 2 Tournament will be open to anyone who wishes to participate.

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 18 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19 from 1:00 - 7 p.m.

WHERE: The Raleigh Urban Design Center, located at 133 Fayetteville St. Mall, Suite 100 (on the corner of Fayetteville and Hargett St.).

WHO: The talent showcase will include:

Serious Games:
"DARTT: During Action Review Tactical Trainer" Submitted by: Chris Hazard of Hazardous Software Inc.
"Virtual Peace" Submitted by: Patrick Herron
"Neotokyo" Submitted by: Studio Radi-8
"Venuegen" Submitted by: The Venue Network

Casual Games:
"DQ Tycoon" Submitted by: Spark Plug Games
"Creeper World" Submitted by: Virgil Wall of Knuckle Cracker

Student Games:
"Alii Motion Technology" Submitted by: Alex Lian of Duke University
"Spectral Assult" Submitted by: PiRadical Stuidios (A group of 9 NC State students)
"Quark" Submitted by: Mitch Johnson of Wake Tech

Mobile Games:
"StickWars" Submitted by: John Hartzog
"Aya Go" Submitted by: Spark Plug Games
"Witch's Workshop" Submitted by: Spark Plug Games
"Hyper Word" Submitted by: Bee Appi

GamingSPARK was coordinated by Megan Wood, with support from local game industry professionals Christy White, Steve Greene, Troy Knight, Jeff Palumbo, Jason Sponaugle, Meghan Murphy, and Alexander Macris. Event sponsored by The Escapist, Triangle Game Initiative, GameFrog, Integrated Audio Video at Southpoint, Spark Plug Games, and Funcom.

About SPARKcon:
SPARKcon showcases local creative talent in the NC Triangle. For four days, Raleigh's Fayetteville St, public spaces, clubs and stages will be filled with art, music, dance, film, fashion, design, proposals, video games, and more.

Celebrating local cultural richness and empowering action through an open-source approach to collaboration and cross-pollination, SPARKcon is not a funded city program or an economic development stunt. It's completely grassroots and by the people for the people! Join us as we explore the creative spirit of the Triangle!

For further information contact:
Megan Wood
mwood@themis-media.com
919-806-4209
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