Mindfields

DATE AND TIME: 10am-5pm on Wednesday 28 January, 2009
VENUE: Auditorium Three at the University of Derby's Markeaton Street site, Derby
EVENT: Free public access to hi-tech interactive game Mindfields, a life size game which challenges players to find their way through a virtual 'minefield', using computer games style technology.
It is 2020 in a futuristic, barren England and your mission is to find a safe path through a fiendishly clever minefield and into the enemy's territory.
Not the plot of the latest Hollywood blockbuster or 'must have' computer game but the theme of an interactive life size puzzle set up at the University of Derby, which will put members of the public at the centre of the action.
BSc (Hons) Multimedia Technology and Music Production graduate Stuart Davis has developed Mindfields. The interactive multi-media game mixes hi-tech music, video and sound production with computer game and even security industry technology. It explores new methods of controlling interactive physical game environments using cutting edge open source software.
It will be set up in Auditorium Three of the University of Derby's Markeaton Street site, in Derby, on Wednesday 28 January, for the public to try out for free. The one day event will begin at 10am with public sessions and behind-the-scenes tours throughout the day, ending at 5pm.
The 'Mindfields' design includes original music and video clips created by Stuart, with lighting and sound systems provided by current University electronics and sound students.
'Mindfields' players enter a darkened room, where the virtual minefield is situated. To win the game they must work out the 'safe path' through the minefield using audio and visual clues generated by a 'mine detector' worn on their ankle, which tells them when they are close to one or more mines.
Camera and motion tracking software, follows the movements of the players through the 'minefield'. Spectators at the University site event will also be able to watch the players at work.
The 'Mindfields' system has been likened to putting someone inside a life size video game, without a games console.
On a more serious note, the Mindfields game can be used to demonstrate the potential of open source programming, using software such as Eyesweb and Puredata, to create complex interactive multimedia control systems.
Stuart said: "The open design of the experience allows spectators to observe what is going on. Onlookers become part of the game, with their reactions greatly enhancing the atmosphere."
Stephanie Marsland, Programme Leader for the BSc Multimedia Technology and Music Production course, added: "This promises to be a fantastic event. We will be delighted to welcome as many people as possible who want to come and take part.
"It brings together different media in the production of a complete interactive multi-media game, of Stuart's design. The public will also have an opportunity for a technical tour and talk, to discuss the design."
The programme for the event on Wednesday 28 January is as follows:
10am - Introduction to the showcase, press and game play.
11am - Student & staff - Game play & technical seminar 12pm - Student & staff - Game play & technical seminar
1pm - General public session & tour
2pm - Student & staff - Game play & technical seminar
3pm - General public session & tour
4pm - General public session & tour
5pm - General public session & tour
For more details telephone Stephanie Marsland on 01332 593160 or email s.marsland@derby.ac.uk.

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