Archive notice: This article was originally published on May 16, 2009. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
At Wednesday’s opening panel, “More Than Economic Success: The Games Industry’s Social Responsibility,” cultural and media scholar Dieter Gorny—also artistic director for the City of Creativity theme at European Capital of Culture RUHR.2010—was scheduled to debate with RapidShare COO Bobby Chang, Professor Jörg Müller-Lietzkow of Paderborn University, CDU North Rhine-Westphalia board member and media-policy spokesman Thomas Jarzombek, and other participants.
Thursday combined presentations, including Rainer Schmitt’s introduction to Gameparents under the title “When Parents Play with Their Children,” with two controversial debates. The 7–8 p.m. youth-protection forum addressed “Addiction, Violence and Media Literacy.” Industry participants included Funatics Managing Director Thomas Friedmann and Bigpoint Head of Business Operations Tobias Berlin, while Andreas Pauly of the “Impact of Virtual Worlds” research project contributed current media-research findings.
André Peschke of Krawall Gaming Network then moderated “Violence in Games: Stylistic Device or Excessive Brutality?” with demonstrations including Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and GTA IV. The event was therefore restricted to adults.
Friday focused on game development. Daniel Lieske discussed game graphics and the work of game artists, while Bernhard Ewers of Arvato Systems examined careers in the games industry and the development of online games such as World of Warcraft and Sacred 2. Kai Rosenkranz of Bochum developer Piranha Bytes addressed musical design and sound design for Gothic and Risen.
Saturday concluded with themed presentations reviewing the festival with particular emphasis on games and family. Alongside discussions, the festival provided information and background on games and culture, positioning itself as an educator and mediator for computer games as a cultural form.
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