Serious Games expert to speak at eGames

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eGames is scheduled to be held 10 - 11 December at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Muscat.

'There was time when computer games were seen as an entertaining diversion from the real world. Now the cutting-edge technology behind entertainment games is being used to solve real-world dilemmas in areas as diverse as education, healthcare, national security and corporate management,' said Mohammed Al Maskari, Director General, Knowledge Oasis Muscat and organizer of eGames 2006. 'You need only look at the successful use of games such as SimCity, Civilization or Hidden Agenda as learning tools in schools and universities across the globe to understand the potential of this type of technology,' said Maskari.

'The University of Coventry has already grasped the possibilities. The Serious Games Institute is a new initiative designed to transfer the ideas, skills, technologies and techniques used in commercial entertainment games to local busineses. Managed by Coventry University Enterprises Ltd in partnership with Warwick University, the Institute will provide a focus for Serious Games activity,' remarked Wortley adding: 'I'm delighted to be presenting at eGames, this event represents an important milestone in the development of the Gulf's gaming community.'

The first of its kind in the UK, Coventry's Serious Gaming Institute combines the skills and expertise of academic staff with that of partners from the UK's domestic video games industry. It represents a novel approach to the integration of technology transfer, applied research and professional development and presents a unique opportunity for computer games developers to diversify their product base. 'I'm looking forward to developing ties with Knowledge Oasis Muscat and contributing to its efforts in building a gaming cluster on the Park,' said Wortley.