Vision gives Seattle Center a digital edge

mSeattle · #1 Posted: **Dec 13, 2006, 9:51 AM**

SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/...metreon13.html

Vision gives Seattle Center a digital edge
New ideas tap into electronic world

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

By KATHY MULADY
P-I REPORTER

As digital arts innovators gather today to brainstorm ideas for making at least parts of the Seattle Center a world-class interactive entertainment center, a pivotal question hovers:

Is it possible to shove the low-tech campus into a 21st century foreshadowed nearly 45 years ago when the 1962 World's Fair was held there?

"We want to push the boundaries on entertainment opportunities," said City Council President Nick Licata, who is organizing and co-host of the all-day workshop at the Center.

"The video game industry is bigger than the film industry, and we are at the leading edge of it," Licata said. "The potential of electronic entertainment hasn't been tapped."

Ideas from the workshop will be made public in January, though no date has been set.

The meetings evolved during discussions about KeyArena's future if the Sonics move out when the organization's lease ends in 2010. But the focus isn't specifically on KeyArena and could expand to any building or several buildings at the Center.

"I want to break out of the mold for Seattle Center and for the country," Licata said.

More: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/...metreon13.html

Black Box · #2 Posted: **Dec 13, 2006, 5:58 PM**

I love the Seattle Center, but I agree, it needs new life. I do like the kitschy aspect of it, especially the Space Needle. Is the video gaming industry in this country really larger than the film industry? Where have I been? I don't play videogames. Well, here's to hoping that they figure something out SOON.

mSeattle · #3 Posted: **Dec 14, 2006, 9:21 PM**

I don't play video games either and I don't think they're good for society. From what little I've seen, they're fast-paced, everything is fed to you and you don't really creat your world/experience. I should pay more attention to what's out there.

AZchristopher · #4 Posted: **Dec 15, 2006, 2:14 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mSeattle

I don't play video games either and I don't think they're good for society. From what little I've seen, they're fast-paced, everything is fed to you and you don't really creat your world/experience. I should pay more attention to what's out there.

You really should try playing some of the simulation games. Even the scripted games give you more choices than watching a TV show that takes no thinking at all.

If nothing else it helps with problem solving skills as well as hand and eye coordination. Not to mention the huge jump in my typing skills that came about myself playing online games when I was younger.

The Wii is great for beginners as well so you should try it...

Heck if they could get a couple of gaming studios in Seattle Center it would completely liven the area.

mSeattle · #5 Posted: **Dec 15, 2006, 7:45 PM**

My words were a bit harsh. There are probably some games/studios that try to do better at getting the user to use their brain, take initiative and create their experience.