Eurogamer Expo

Almost all of culture has now managed to elicit a – sometimes thin – veneer of respectability. You can study films at university, enjoy pop music and classical at the same time and know that reality TV shows – even if they’re rubbish – probably tell us something about society (usually that it’s full of screaming idiots trying to get their faces on TV). But games are still seen by many as the sole preserve of the geek. Which is pretty funny when you consider that the games industry eclipses the film industry in terms of earnings, and that – a time of recession – it’s the one area of entertainment and culture that is still doing very well for itself.

In some ways, it was a coup for Leeds to get the Eurogamer Expo, an exhibition of some of  the newest and most exciting games, as it showed the willingness of people to bring events such as these outside of London. On the other hand, it confirmed what those in the know have been informed about for years: that the Yorkshire area is one of the most important places for creating and developing games not only in the country but in the world.

There were plenty of games on offer from the cute and fun Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story to a disturbing adaptation of the Saw films. Whilst it was difficult to play everything – partly thanks to enthusiastic crowds taking up space and my unwillingness to prove my lack of game playing prowess in front of an audience – there were still many exciting things to look out. Highlights included God Of War III, a continuation of the rather excellent PS2 sword/sorcery game. The PS3 version I saw had the some lush visuals and the requisite over the top violence that has become synonymous with the franchise. It looks to contain enough progression, whilst still retaining all the elements that made it so popular in the first place, that it should become a big hit amongst fans. Also interesting was Heavy Rain, from the people who brought people the intriguing but ultimately disappointing Fahrenheit. Very much going for the ‘film but in a computer game’ look and feel, there were some interesting ideas (including a hold-up you have to talk yourself out) and striking graphics. If the gameplay, which blends traditional puzzle solving and all out action, manages to avoid being muddled and the narrative doesn’t become a mess like it did in Fahrenheit then it looks like there will be a popular hit on the cards. Of course, if you don’t like shooting things, then you may have been slightly disappointed but with appearances from the aforementioned Mario siblings, the new Professor Layton game and a chance to warble along to Beatles: Rock Band those of a ‘more sensitive disposition’ would have found something to keep them amused.

With developer talks and the likes of BAFTA – who have been an important force in recognising the importance of games and developers have had for the UK cultural and economic industry – on hand there was also a huge buzz about those who wanted to find out more about becoming involved in the industry. It was a feather in the cap for local agency Screen Yorkshire who, through Game Republic, have long since realised how talented the game industry is in the region.  Companies such as Rockstar Leeds – responsible for many versions of the Grand Theft Auto franchise – are just one example

If you’re still convinced that video games reached their pinnacle when Pong was released, then the Eurogamer Expo won’t have changed your mind. But as games become more accepted by a wider range of people, events such as this have the potential to become as popular and important as some of the best music, film and literature festivals.

Thanks to JML Direct we have some special prizes to give away to Culture Vultures to celebrate the Eurogamer Expo

The Snuggie is a blanket with sleeves that will leave your hands free for the finer things in life playing on your console, surfing the web and generally enjoying games. And you’ll be able to save on the heating bills so you can afford that latest piece of technology. It’s soft, light and cosy. Made and has large, loose sleeves so you can cover your entire body, arms and all and still use your hands. There are two colours: blue and red. They measure 6 x 4.5 feet. One size fits all.

So if you would like the chance to win one please head on down to the comments box and tell us your favourite game and if you’d prefer red or blue!

If you don’t win The Snuggie sells at £14.99 from www.JMLdirect.com, ASDA, Boots, Debenhams and Wilkinson.

NB: Please be sure to read our terms and conditions which you are deemed to have accepted by entering! Winners will be picked by random so why not give it a go! Closing date: 27^th November 2009

And the winner of the highly sought after Snuggie is Matthew Popplewell – congratulations! Keep an eye out for an email heading to you now…