Game On, the international exposition about the history, culture and future of videogames will be coming to the Netherlands on May 28: after London and Edinburgh, the southern Dutch city of Tilburg is the next place where die-hards and enthusiasts alike can learn about the artistic significance of electronic entertainment. The major difference with your everyday arty-farty exibit is that everybody gets to play: it's a 'hands-on' experience.

The exposition will be held at FAXX, a center for modern art in Tilburg. Mr. Rob van Leeuwen, the director of the local art foundation (who calls himself a 'frequent gamer') is keen to show that gaming is more than a 'mind-numbing and childish activity.' He says: "At the beginning of the 21st century we have to accept that art isn't just regular paintains or sculptures anymore. Videogames, just like movies and music-videos, are part of a new artistic culture. We wanted people to realise that, making them aware what the process of producing and playing a game is really about: creativity and fun."

So what can people expect of this exposition? For a start, the history of gaming gets mapped out. Spacewar, Pac Man, Super Mario, Lara Croft, Halo: the entire evolution of interactive entertainment will be on display. Visitors also get to see how games like Grand Theft Auto and The Sims are produced, from initial scetches to finished product. Other points of interest: A collection of artwork for numerous games including the famous Final Fantasy series, a comparison between western and Japanese design-culture, a feature on sound and music and Dutch developer Playlogic will show off Cyclone Circus, one of its latest creations. Last but not least: a variety of games, both old and new, will be playable. After all, Game On is a so-called 'hands on' event.

Game On was originally developed by the Barbican Gallery in London, in collaboration with National Museums of Scotland. In London (70,000 visitors) and Edinburgh (50,000) the exposition was a definite succes. The people of FAXX hope that around 30,000 people will find their way to the Dutch interpretation of this unique exibit.

The exhibition will run from van May 28 until Augustus 24 2003 in FAXX, Dunantstraat 1, Tilburg, The Netherlands.

- Reported by Martijn van Best (NiSuTe)