This summer, you’ll be able to learn about video games from Missile Command (1980) to Minecraft (v1.10 released yesterday) and everything else in between. COSI unveiled the new temporary exhibit “Game Masters” during a media preview event this morning, showcasing nearly 40 years of gaming history.
While video games are often overlooked as mindless entertainment, the new exhibit at COSI provides an educational look at the history of the medium, the art direction and stylistic choices made by professional developers, and the cultural influence that video games have had on the world over the last several decades.
“With rare concept art, revealing interviews with the world’s most influential video game designers, and over 100 playable games, this exhibition is the ultimate fan experience,” said Josh Kessler, Project Manager at COSI. “COSI is excited to be one of only two venues hosting this exhibition in the US. We expect a fun, engaging, education experience for our guests.”
The exhibit is divided into three main sections: “Arcade Heroes”, where classics from the early eighties (Donkey Kong, Pac Man, etc) are on display; “Game Changers”, where individual designers like Shigeru Miyamoto, Will Wright and Tim Schafer get their most popular works featured; and “Indies”, where the explosive new world of independent game design is on display, featuring newer titles like Angry Birds, Jetpack Joyride and Castle Crashers.
Game Masters opens on June 11th and runs until September 5th. The exhibit is free with admission or COSI membership.
For more information, visit cosi.org/exhibits/gamemasters.
Photos by Walker Evans.