City plays host to gaming conference

PLANS for Hull to become a hub for the digital gaming and entertainment industry will take a step forward later this month when the city hosts its second conference for the sector.

Platform Expos at the KC Stadium on Sunday, March 27, is expected to draw large crowds featuring a mixture of gaming experts, businesses, musicians, artists and representatives from educational establishments.

Organised through World Trade Centre Hull and Humber, the event has attracted interest from leading global players including Microsoft, which will give away its new smartphones as prizes for Platform’s 24-hour game creation competition.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Microsoft’s new Kinect system, soon to be available for PC as well as X-Box, will also be demonstrated.

The event is themed around entertainment, play, culture, business, education, showcase and lifestyle, all of which contribute to a sector that is worth more than £70bn and is set to double over the next five to 10 years.

Lindsay West, managing director of Garthwest Creative and a World Trade Centre partner, said: “Platform 2011 puts Hull on the digital gaming and entertainment calendar and proves that we are open and ready for action.

“Education, creativity and business – put the three together and you have jobs and prosperity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Platform is the only event by the people and for the people, and the only one to give an all-encompassing demonstration of what this global industry is all about.

“We have a great deal of relevant talent in the region, so let’s nurture it and keep it here by inspiring young people and helping to create the networks, conditions and support needed to spark entrepreneurialism.”

Gaming fans will be able to demonstrate their skills on six gaming pods, and live “avatars” will be on parade. Tickets cost £10 and are available from www.platformexpos.com, or from St Stephen’s shopping centre.

Related topics: