While it sounds a bit like the setting of the old television series Fantasy Island, a website has popped up today that teases the eventual launch of an “experimental videogame theme park and resort.”
While we initially pictured a virtual-reality type of offering, the Game Nation website states that “In the next 12 months, Game Nation will be deciding the best location for the Experimental Theme Park.”
A description of the park entices, “As you pass through the gates, you leave behind all worldly stereotypes. You’re now one of millions, all equal, separated only by your skill, wit and achievements, which will be proven.”
Background art on the Game Nation website contains images of roller coasters and other rides, so the park, if ever realized, may contain typical theme park essentials in addition to an interactive element.
GP caught up with the man behind the planned theme park, Daniel Ruke, who operates Ruke Studios and is the founder of the “anti-agency” agency Blink.
While Ruke woudn't go into too many details, he assured us that Game Nation is “as real as real gets,” and that the theme park was a logical extension of the principal he applies to his other businesses, which is to “evoke an emotion and gain a reaction.”
While more news will emerge on Game Nation in the next four weeks, Ruke alluded to sections in the theme park based around warfare, spacecraft and dragons, complete with "battle arenas."
When asked how the park would regulate content for kids, Ruke told us that he hopes to implement the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) system. Experiences rated “E” for Everyone would be safe for the whole family, while in “M” (Mature) rated interactions, “You are gonna see headshots,” said Ruke.
Comments
Re: “Experimental” Videogame Theme Park and Resort ...
Laser tag is sooooo much fun! So is paint balling. But hopefully the price to get in for tickets isn't as much as a game convention. :D
"It's better to be hated for who you are, then be loved for who you are not." - Montgomery Gentry
Re: “Experimental” Videogame Theme Park and Resort ...
Hopefully, we won't see just one big, massive, coin-op arcade.
You'd have to have massive 3D interactive activites. Perhaps a FEW of the more well known interactive systems such the golf and baseball games. Perhaps a few of the rafting, boxing (with the wired gloves), cycling, and so on games.
But you also need massive 3D screens, weapon controllers, and even more complex games (much like the once intended mechwarrior interactive systems with the multitude of controls).
Even a giant arena nearly surrounded by massive screens, and holding various wireless weapon controllers, depending on the game genre, such as guns or swords.
Going from just a large coin-op arcade playground to a REAL amusement park is going to take a lot of doing.
Nightwng2000
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Re: “Experimental” Videogame Theme Park and Resort ...
A laser tag arena would be good too.
Re: “Experimental” Videogame Theme Park and Resort ...
Hmm. Sounds like 'New Coke' to me. I mean I have my videogame theme park right here in my office. I can play any game anytime. Why would I go to somewhere like Florida when I have everything I need at home?
Re: “Experimental” Videogame Theme Park and Resort ...
I would love to go to this kind of theme park if it was ever made.
http://www.magicinkgaming.com/
Re: “Experimental” Videogame Theme Park and Resort ...
Honestly, I think we should holdour enthusiasm until we get more details, but it is nonetheless a cool idea.
Re: “Experimental” Videogame Theme Park and Resort ...
Gears of War laser tag or GTFO.
Seriously though, I'd like to see what they have in mind.
Re: “Experimental” Videogame Theme Park and Resort ...
Will there be a ride where we get to fly through a gibson? maybe tournaments where we get to watch the wizard smash his way through Super Mario Brothers 3 (ok, i feel old now...)?