It seems like only yesterday we were discussing everything that had occurred during 2017 and looking forward to what 2018 would bring. Now we’re already a good way into January and so much has happened, in particular over the last few days it is almost difficult to comprehend it all. But while there’s been a rapid-fire stream of news out of Las Vegas and this year’s International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that will take a while to thoroughly digest, with all the ramifications to the likes of HTC Vive and Oculus, haptics, wireless technology and augmented reality (AR) you don’t have to fly all the way out to Nevada in order to experience virtual reality (VR) and what it can do. You can find VR most anywhere. In fact newcomers, as well as those familiar with the technology can often find it part of far smaller events closer to home.
One such location in the UK is the town of Margate in North East Kent. Best known as a popular ‘traditional’ seaside destination, even here you can strap on a headset and have an adventure in a virtual world. In particularly next month when VR is confirmed to be part of the line-up at an event behind held at the world-famous Dreamland amusement park in the town, home to the Scenic Railway – the oldest roller coaster in the UK.
Dreamland will be hosting its own videogaming festival, the returning Games Expo East Kent, or GEEK to use its acronym. The largest such event in the region GEEK is back for a new outing following a successful outing last year..
“GEEK is beyond a festival of games.” Explains Rebecca Ellis, Senior Creative Producer at Dreamland Margate. “It reveals all of the facets of games making and playing in a social environment. Dreamland is a natural home for a festival of play and games, people have been coming to the park for years in this way.”
There’s plenty going on within the three-day festival which takes place from February 16th to 18th, focusing on a number of ways to enjoy gaming. Not just playing, but cosplay and creating experiences as well with coding. VR will be just one of the things to experience as the full range of videogaming history is put on display. The event will also have something of a ‘space theme’ as it celebrates the 40th anniversary of Space Invaders.
“This will officially be GEEK’s sixth year and eleventh event.” Said Co-Founder of GEEK Kate Kneale. “The team is really excited about the content we have lined up for the 2018 edition. Play and games are powerful forces for good. GEEK’s objective is to encourage people to come along and have fun and to explore the creative aspects of gaming. This year promises to have more going on than ever before and we can’t wait for people to come and experience it. So come along to meet, make and play at GEEK!”
Tickets are on sale now at the Dreamland website and you can find more information at the history of the event here.VRFocus will be bringing you more news about events – and possibly bringing you a few of our own – throughout the year.
via Mint VR