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Videogames are largely responsible for the widespread acceptance of
computers by the public.
The exhibits and displays in VIDEOTOPIA communicate the impact these games and
their technology have had on our culture. A walk through VIDEOTOPIA
engages each visitor in the worlds that support the worlds of virtual
reality, videogames, artificial intelligence, and computers. Three areas of
exhibits explore the artistry, technology, and human experience of
interactivity.
The ease with which these games illustrate the importance of varied
technologies is astounding. Each example of videogame technology and design
expression in VIDEOTOPIA is accompanied by an intensively researched
"Info-pedestal" which not only explains what each advance in technology and
design actually "does" for the game and therefore the user, but also places
the machine in its own historical and sociological perspective.
Please do not confuse VIDEOTOPIA with some random selection of old videogames
and a loose framework of content.
In addition to theatrical displays and multimedia stations, original design
documents, and materials from the beginnings of the industry, VIDEOTOPIA is a
careful selection of machines that provides the only easily visualized
representation of the evolution of computing technology.
VIDEOTOPIA was born out of the desire to teach and entertain, to enlighten as well as preserve.
"The games of a people reveal a great deal about them." -Marshall McLuhan
"I don't believe anyone ever expected videogames to have such a fundamental impact on our society in so many areas. [They] have become an integral part of the fabric of American life, changing the way we think, the way we learn, and the way we see the future." -Dr. Christopher Geist, Chair of the department of Popular Culture at Bowling Green University, member of the Videotopia Advisory Panel.
"Videogames are not for us. They're here to entertain the television." -Mel Brooks
For more information:
Please Contact:
Electronics Conservancy
E-mail: info@videotopia.com
VIDEOTOPIA and Electronics Conservancy are registered trademarks of The Electronics Conservancy, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos (c)1997, 1998 Electronics Conservancy. All videogames, characters, brand names, and trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
VIDEOTOPIA explores humanity's first giant leap into interactive electronic
media - - the videogame. As the industry grew, its influence on developing
technologies grew as well. The goal of this exhibition is to communicate the
dramatic impact these games have had on our lives and our culture.
Understanding this often overlooked technology is necessary if we are to make
informed choices about the evolving uses of computers and videogames -- today,
and as they develop with the technology of the future. VIDEOTOPIA explores
such areas of relevant cultural influence, in addition to the science and
applied technology behind the games.