Review: Game On – An exciting day at the interactive gaming expo

Enjoy circle as you step through the door of This exhibition. The first sight that greets you is the PDP-10, a giant mainframe computer that programmed SpaceWar, the groundbreaking video game. Adjacent to it sits a vibrant yellow Pong arcade cabinet from 1972. Moving on, you’ll encounter the classic cabinets for Puck Man (later Pac-Man) and Space Invaders, evoking a sense of nostalgia for gaming enthusiasts. While seasoned players may not discover new insights at Game On, they are sure to revel in the experience.

Game On, an exhibition that debuted at the Barbican in London in 2002, offers a captivating journey through the evolution of video games. Despite being closed briefly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been touring internationally since its inception, finally opening in Edinburgh. As someone who attended the exhibition with my father 22 years ago, I am excited to now take my children and introduce them to the classic games I loved in my youth. The exhibition allows visitors to play a wide range of games, from Donkey Kong to Guitar Hero, offering a nostalgic trip through the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s.

Puck Man and Pac-Man at Game On at the National Museum of Scotland. Photo: National Museum of Scotland

The exhibition has evolved over the years, not just reflecting technological advancements in gaming but also highlighting overlooked figures like Carol Shaw and Jerry Lawson. It also pays homage to Scotland’s gaming legacy, showcasing not just mainstream hits like Grand Theft Auto but also lesser-known Scottish indie games.

While the initial decades of video game history were marked by technological advancements, the recent years have seen a shift towards human-driven innovation in game development. Game On provides a comprehensive overview of gaming consoles and their associated games, offering visitors a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

A screenshot from the Scottish indie game “Viewfinder,” which reflects the countries the team is touring. Photography: Sad Owl Studios

Game On presents a conventional yet engaging history of interactive gaming, with a strong emphasis on gameplay. Although it may not delve deeply into the development processes or creators behind the games, visitors will delight in playing over 100 games in a lively, family-friendly setting.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Nvidia reveals cutting-edge AI technology at Taiwan Tech Expo

According to the CEO of the AI hardware company, the next industrial revolution has already begun. The announcement was made at a crowded stadium in Taipei on Sunday by Nvidia, as they revealed new products and plans to drive advancements in artificial intelligence.

Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, is currently attending Computex, Taiwan’s largest technology exhibition, alongside CEOs from major semiconductor companies such as AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm. The focus of the event is on establishing AI as a mainstream technology in the industry.

Having been born in Taiwan, Huang is a prominent figure on the island, and his presence has generated significant interest from the media and the public. Nvidia is recognized as the leader in specialized chips and hardware essential for the development and operation of cutting-edge AI systems.

During his address at the National Taiwan University’s Sports Center, Huang mentioned the collaboration between companies and countries with Nvidia to revamp their traditional data centers into high-speed computing facilities, focusing on creating an AI factory for the mass production of artificial intelligence.

He introduced the Nvidia ACE generation AI, which can generate lifelike human avatars for industries like customer support. Several top technology companies, including Foxconn and Siemens, are leveraging Nvidia’s platform to develop AI-driven autonomous robots.

Nvidia recently unveiled its Blackwell platform, and Huang disclosed plans to launch an “Ultra” version in 2025. He also provided a glimpse of their upcoming graphics processing unit architecture, codenamed Rubin. Huang emphasized Nvidia’s commitment to accelerating the release of new GPU products annually.

In his forward-looking speech, Huang predicted that generative AI would play a significant role in almost every interaction with the internet or computers in the future. He concluded by praising Taiwan’s advanced semiconductor industry, which plays a crucial role in manufacturing essential components for various technologies.

Keynote addresses at Computex are also expected from AMD’s Lisa Su and Qualcomm’s Cristiano Amon, outlining their companies’ plans in AI. Other speakers include Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger and Arm’s president Rene Haas, highlighting the significance of AI-accelerated technologies.

Taiwanese manufacturers are pivotal to technology companies’ AI strategies as they produce advanced semiconductors required for powerful AI applications. Foxconn, known for electronics production, has shifted towards AI hardware, with their CEO projecting substantial growth in the AI server market.

Despite Taiwan’s crucial role in the global supply chain, there are concerns over China’s territorial claims and potential use of force. Tensions between Beijing and Taipei have escalated, with China conducting military exercises near Taiwan, including simulated blockades.

Source: www.theguardian.com