A Special Exhibition: 'GAME ON: Why are videogames so interesting?'

This special exhibition provides an overview of the evolution of computer games, which have been advancing along with information technology, such as computers and the Internet, changing entertainment across the globe. Since it was first held at the Barbican Centre, UK, in 2002, this exhibition has toured the world and attracted over 2 million visitors across the globe.

Miraikan will bring the exhibition to Tokyo for the first time, and it will feature various original contents based on the topic of "Why are videogames so interesting?" Miraikan will invite you to think about the social and cultural meaning of computer games, which have crossed the border with reality and have had a great impact on real society, as well as to look into their future.

Over 150 masterpieces from the history of computer games can be played

Visitors can play various game titles from the early days to the present, which are grouped into eight stages, starting from the overwhelming first stage that features precious gaming equipment and titles -- including "Space Invaders," a smash hit released in the 1970s -- to various video game consoles and characters that fascinated the world, as well as smartphone games.

Why are videogames so interesting?

"How do computer games work?" "Why do we become so addicted to them?" "What tricks do developers use?" "What does gaming mean to experts?"

Miraikan will explore such questions through information and movies compiled by ourselves, interviews with video game lovers among researchers and intellectuals from different fields, stories behind development, and the giant history wall.

Games become reality, and reality becomes a game?

Visitors will be able to experience the virtual reality system before its release. It offers a completely new experience beyond the sense of immersion and makes players feel as if they have entered a virtual world. The exhibition will feature titles that create a new world beyond the borders of games and reality. It will allow you to have a peak at the near future of computer games.

Period: March 2 (Wed) - May 30 (Mon) Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Entrance closes 30 minutes prior to museum closing time.) Venue: Special Exhibition Zone 1F, Miraikan (The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) Closed every Tuesday except March 29, April 5, May 3

Admission fee :Adults: 1,500 yen, 18 years old and under: 750 yen, 18 years old and under (Saturdays): 650 yen

Free admission for preschoolers Also valid for the Permanent Exhibition

Organizers

Miraikan (The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation), Fuji Television Network Inc, Kadokawa ASCII Research Laboratories, Inc. Curated and produced by the Barbican Centre Special sponsor: PlayStation Cooperation: Computer Graphic Arts Society, Sega Holdings Co Ltd, Taito Corporation, Ritsumeikan Center for Game Studies（RCGS)