GO3 kicks off today in Perth
The GO3 has kicked off today and will be taking place over the next three days here in Perth, Western Australia. The GO3 is the first event of its kind attempted in Australia and is taking place in the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre. Check out the GO3 site for more details. However sadly Nintendo legend Koji Kondo who was scheduled to speak at the event (and have a interview with Vooks) is unable to make it.
More Inside Kondo was appearing to speak about the upcoming PLAY! A Video Game Symphony in Sydney later this year however Play! who organised for Kondo to appear has issued the following statement;
Esteemed game composer Konji Kondo was scheduled to appear and speak at this weekends GO3 conference in Perth on behalf of PLAY! A Video Game Symphony happening at the Sydney Opera House this June. Koji Kondo was looking forward to speaking and attending the conference. Unfortunately it is with much regret that due to an unforseen clash of work commitments, Koji Kondo will no longer be able to make it to the GO3 conference. Koji Kondo and the Sydney Opera House are disappointed that he will be unable to attend and wish GO3 all the very best success.
However with that sad news dont forget that Hideo Kojima (of Metal Gear Solid fame), Tetsuya Mizuguchi (Sega Rally Championship and Rez), Masaya Matsuura (Parappa the Rapper), Goichi Suda (Killer 7), Feargus Carroll (LucasArts), and Nicklas “”Cece”” Cederstrm (World in Conflict) among others will still be at event.
Well be covering the event from tomorrow so stick around for any updates!
Following is a press release from GO3
The GO3 Electronic Entertainment Expo was officially launched by the Minister for Industry and Enterprise Francis Logan today with a press conference at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.
Held over three days, GO3 features an international conference – the first of its kind in the world – and an expo showcasing the latest in gaming, hobbies, communication and technology.
According to GO3 creator David Kazim, the expo represents a landmark in the Australian electronic entertainment industry and will shine a national and international spotlight on Perth.
GO3 is the most exciting expo of its kind to have ever been held in Australia and what makes it even more special is the fact we could make it happen here, in Perth, said Mr Kazim.
In his opening address, the Minister said the GO3 Electronic Entertainment Expo was a platform to showcase the States growing computer game and digital content industries. The State Government is diversifying the economy through biotechnology, marine and defence and renewable energy sectors, Minister Logan said.
“”The Information Communication and Technology (ICT) sector is a part of this vision, including emerging industries such as computer gaming and digital content. GO3 will create opportunities for Western Australias computer games and digital content industries to develop relationships with international partners and tap into the lucrative electronic gaming export market.
Western Australia has the expertise, infrastructure and lifestyle to support this growing and exciting industry.””
The event has attracted a strong contingent from the Asia Pacific region including industry celebrities, government officials and high profile media such as MTV and Famitsu.
Likewise the conference has attracted an impressive line-up of special guest speakers including Hideo Kojima (of Metal Gear Solid fame), Tetsuya Mizuguchi (Sega Rally Championship and Rez), Masaya Matsuura (Parappa the Rapper), Goichi Suda (Killer 7), Feargus Carroll (LucasArts), and Nicklas “”Cece”” Cederstrm (World in Conflict) among others.
Top gaming companies such as Microsoft, Sierra Vivendi and Nvidia are among the many exhibitors and the main attractions include:
GO3 iinet LAN Party
The expo features a dedicated LAN area where more than 600 people will compete for 30 hours in non-stop gaming competitions. This is the ultimate in fragfests with gamers fighting it out across one of the largest network gaming setups ever conceived of in Australia.Electronic Sports World Cup Competition
The E-Sports World Cup is one of the richest and most prestigious video gaming tournaments in the world. The greatest gamers in the country are descending on Perth in the hope of representing Australia at the international grand final in Paris, where they will compete for a share in the US$400,000 prize pool and gaming immortality.Cos-Play Competition
GO3 is hosting a cos-play competition in conjunction with anime groups from around the country. Competitors will dress up as a Japanese animation or game character in the hope of taking out the top prize – an all expenses paid trip to the 2007 Tokyo Game Show!Nullarbor Demoparty
Development community Nullarbor and Edith Cowan University present the Nullarbor Game Development Competition. Students from around Australia will present their work for the public to test and vote for their favourite, with the winners receiving cash and prizes.Dance Dance Revolution Competition
Some of the best DDR competitors from around Australia will battle it out to win a share of cash and prizes to the value of $1000 and the title of the GO3 DDR Champion 2007.
