The Edinburgh Interactive Entertainment Festival (formerly known as the EIGF) has launched its website, complete with a list of the 2005 conference sessions for industry and other interested parties. Inspiring contention, this year's lineup includes "Mobile Games Aren't Going Anywhere" (Keith - rebuttal??), "Interactive Narrative - Have We Lost the Plot?" and "I Need A Hero," a call to arms for the broader entertainment industry to come up with a character to topple the throne-hogging Lara Croft. Some of the top international names in gaming have jumped at the chance to come over for the August event, although I'd be kicked off the steering committee if I said too much. Keep an eye on the website for details.
Meanwhile, at the consumer end of the spectrum there is a plethora of events taking place, including the exceedingly successful Go Play Games exhibition, which offers Joe and Jane punter the opportunity to play with new releases, games in progress and technology of the future. Furthermore, after last year's immense success, the Game Screenings are back. They're a bit like the Director's Commentary on a DVD. Last year we welcomed Ian Livingstone to the stage to talk about the genesis of both the Tomb Raider and the Hitman series, and Maxis General Manager Neil Young to chat through The Sims 2. Beyond the luminaries who're presenting a screening this year, I'm also putting together a session on Machinima. A call for machinima submissions will be posted shortly.
