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Computer games to be played by anyone, anytime, anywhere
Published: 26 June 2008 11:00

Can you imagine your grandparents playing online computer games with their friends? Unlikely? Researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London, say it could happen sooner than you think.

The team at Goldsmiths are investigating video game entertainment delivery as part of an EU funded project, Games@Large. The project aims to develop the delivery of video games anytime, anywhere, and on any device, finding ways to enable consumer electronics devices such as set-top boxes and mobile phones to serve as easy-to-use gaming platforms.

It is hoped that this will facilitate more convenient game play options, encouraging uptake by new users who would not usually sit in front of a computer or buy a console. So Grandma could be playing scrabble with Aunt Doris online via her set top box and remote control.

The research team are looking for participants to help in their research. They are currently conducting a survey into people’s leisure activities and use of media and technology. This information will help them to examine the benefits that new media products and services can deliver to users and how they can better be designed to deliver these benefits.

The survey can be found online from www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/i2 or in hard copy from the research team. Each participant will qualify for a prize draw to win £100 of gift vouchers. If you are interested in finding out more about the project, or would like to volunteer to take part in the research contact gal@gold.ac.uk or 020 7919 7338.

Industry consultation is also currently underway to gain reactions from games industry experts and potential stakeholders (games developers, publishers and online games companies, alongside hardware manufactures and service providers). Individuals in these industries willing to talk to the research team about the Games@Large project should contact them using the details above.

Notes to Editors
Games@large is a collaboration between a range of national and international partners. For more information visit www.gamesatlarge.eu

The Principal Investigator on Games@Large at Goldsmiths is Dr Jonathan Freeman. Questions about Goldsmiths’ role in Games@Large should be addressed to Jonathan at gal@gold.ac.uk

For further information
Tim Hirst, Communications and Publicity, tel 020 7919 7970, e-mail t.hirst@gold.ac.uk

Link to PLAY survey