Sense of Wonder Night 2008 at the TGS

By: ithamore

On: July 10th, 2008

This year at the Tokyo Game Show, they will be hosting a new event called the Sense of Wonder Night 2008 (inspired by the Experimental Gameplay Projet), which will focus on the most awe-inspiring, innovative games that elicit a “sense of wonder” in those who experience them. Up to ten games will be selected for the event, and there are no explicit restrictions on who produced the game or when the game is/was made available to the public. It seems to be a drive for reinvigorating the gaming industry by calling for the greatest originality from those with the freedom to be innovative whether it be doing so independently or within the commercial mainstream.

Hit the jump for more details.

Part of the requirements:

“The game must fall into one of the criteria 1-5 described below.

1. game realizing an innovative user interface

* A game that employs features such as natural language processing, image recognition or gesture control to present a new kind of experience

2. A game that is created through an automatic generation process

* A game that creates a world where the game play or the environment in which the users are playing is changed dramatically according to selections made by the players

3. A game with an interactive story-telling concept

* A game that presents a story experience in a new way and that has the potential of developing into a tool to create a totally new story

4. A game that has emerging elements

* A game that creates a new form of game play by skillfully incorporating the physical system into the game play elements and by combining the AIs

5. A “terrific!” game, even though the reasons are not immediately clear

* A game that at any rate gives a strong impression that “this is terrific” as soon as you see it

Types of games that will not meet the selection criteria (emphasis added)

1. Games where only the peripheral elements are interesting. A game whose appeal lies in only one of the elements comprising the game (such as the game’s world view, background setting, situation, character design, graphics, story and audio).

2. A new genre created by the rehashing and combination of already existing genres. However, a genre that creates a truly new game experience will be considered for selection.

3. Games whose appeal lies in targeting a specific demographic.

4. Games whose appeal lies in a purely technological innovation, experimental business model or distribution mechanism that has no effect on game play itself. Such games will not be completely excluded from the screening process, but the game must clearly show that it is capable of directly and definitely changing the game experience.

The above criteria are somewhat vague and not complete and show only rough guidelines. We are looking forward to receiving entries of games that go beyond the scope of these criteria.”

If you need a little help with or inspiration for using a creative form of interaction in your game, Cam-Trax Technologies is still accepting beta testing applications for the soon to be released CamSpace.

(Sources: News: EngrishGames; Slashdot | Image: TGS)