Gizmondo, the company behind the next-generation mobile entertainment device of the same name, has confirmed a major presence at both EGN and the brand new consumer event, Game Stars Live. This marks the first time the new handheld entertainment system is showcased in the UK.
Companies already committed to attend EGN and Game Stars Live – either as exhibitors or delegates - include: Electronic Arts, Atari, Eidos, Activision, Vivendi Universal, Nokia N-Gage, UbiSoft, Microsoft, Nintendo, Acclaim, Amazon, Buena Vista Games, Capcom, Codemasters, Rockstar, Sony Computer Entertainment, Vodafone, Future Publishing, GAME, Gamestation, Gem Distribution, Blitz Games, Kuju, Sony DADC, Rebellion, Elixir Studios, Swordfish Studios, IOMO, Argonaut, Bigben Interactive, Distinctive Development, Zoo Digital, Hip Interactive Europe, and many many more.
Roger Bennett, director general of ELSPA (The Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association), said: "This high level of commitment from companies across the broad spectrum of our industry illustrates both the importance and the relevance of EGN across the globe. We are delighted that every sector has recognized the benefits of such a show and are uniting behind an event designed, organized and delivered by the industry itself. "
Game Stars Live will take place over five days at the tail end of the summer holiday period 2004 at ExCeL, the state-of-the-art exhibition site in London's docklands from September 1-5, 2004. It sits alongside trade-facing show, EGN, and new creative-focused event, European Developers' Forum: The Interactive Entertainment Conference, both of which run Wednesday, September 1st – Friday, September 3rd.
European Games Network's mix of components will include The Market Place, a show floor of exhibition space with no free build; The Waterfront Rooms, a series of over 60 dedicated meeting suites for private meetings and product presentations; The EGN Lounge, an area dedicated to delegates for meetings; The Conference and Workshop Program and the TIGA International Content Market, an exclusive area for developers backed by industry body TIGA (The Independent Game developers Association).
Game Stars Live is based on the ITV video and computer games show, Game Stars. It will be a multi-format consumer gaming event and will include a main stage area from which the media partners including ITV, Capital FM and XFM will broadcast. It will also include a series of features such as The Bear Pit games challenges, The Virtual vs. Reality Zone, The European Online Gaming Championships, and Get Into Gaming, a careers and education zone, amongst many others.
European Developers' Forum has support from the TIGA membership, its Board, key developers from across Europe as well as tools and technology providers and the academic community. The conference has been created to provide the development community in Europe with a professional outlook and a far-reaching program of content, including two days of development related issues and a day dedicated to mobile entertainment.