The Convergence Conversations:
Game's up - what can other businesses and policy makers learn from online games?
Thursday, 22 February 2006: drinks, wine & cheese @ 5.30pm, Conversation from 6.00-7.30 .

From a small base of dedicated gamers in the mid 1980s to today's headline grabbing online virtual worlds such as World of Warcraft and Second Life, computer game technologies are really starting to make waves beyond their traditional user-base, and are attracting the attentions of media executives and policy makers in the process.

February's Convergence Conversation will bring together interested parties from across the technology, media and telecoms market to look at the developments in the online worlds which are beginning to have a real impact on other converged industries, and which also raise a series of questions:

1. Mainstream media brands, such as Lost, are now creating Alternative Reality Games which incorporate new and old media, interactive technologies and computer game techniques to maintain viewers' interest in their product between series - What can other sectors learn from the games world about attracting and hooking in users?

2. Games, and the notions of 'play' and 'participation', feature prominently in Ofcom's PSP discussion document - With more of us accessing games-type content should the UK be investing in public service quality games content?

3. Late last year saw the first person to make $1million from deals taking place entirely in Second Life and the Swedish government has recently announced that it plans to open an embassy there - What are the financial, legal and political implications of virtual and real worlds becoming ever closer?

4. And finally - With their ability to captivate and inspire users, what are the possibilities for 'serious' non-educational games for public policy areas such as education and health?

Confirmed 'Conversationalists ' include:

- Aleks Krotoski, academic and technology journalist for The Guardian

- Jon Weinbren, Creative Director at Imaginary Productions and Head of Game Design at University College for the Creative Arts

- Matt Jones, Director, User-Experience Design, Nokia Design Multimedia

- Adrian Hon, Director of Play at Mind Candy Design (Perplexcity.com)

What's the format?
These Conversations take place on the last Thursday of every month, taking a different convergence-related topic each time. The format is deliberately informal, with a chance for everyone to put forward their views in an open discussion and network over a glass or two of wine.

Who can attend?
Anyone with an interest

When
Thursday 22 February - 5.30pm drinks, 6.00pm start (ending 7.30pm)

And where?
Intellect, Russell Square House, 10-12 Russell Square, London, WC1B 5EE.

To register:
contact Camilla Young - camilla.young@intellectuk.org or 020 7331 2028

For more information on previous convergence conversations visit: http://www.intellectuk.org/policy/committees/cc/default.asp

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