On this last exhibition day we present the fourth main focus of “Ludic Memento”. In a cartridge library 200 volumes of different systems and different time periods are shown. Besides well-known classics that bring back vivid memories rare and unknown artifacts that have long been forgotten can be found. While the Cartridge Library illustrates a haptic and usually persistent form of digital long-term memory the video installation “Digital Oblivion” displays the origin and evolution of the electronic network culture followed by the fragility and the dissolution of content in web-based cloud systems.

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Another major focus in “Ludic Memento” is the juxtaposition of original home computers and emulators. Presented are classic home computers of the 1980s with various storage media, such as audio cassette, 3.5 and 5¼-inch floppy disks. Emulation is a central concept to replicate no longer available computer systems using modern hardware. But here we encounter some problems. Depending on whether it is an open or closed platform the quality of emulation varies. Emulators often are only 80% true to the original hardware and therefore have problems with graphical or auditory output or the synchronization of both. In addition there are losses to the haptics, it is no longer necessary to fiddle with storage media because content is either integrated in the internal memory or only virtually existent. As part of the exhibition MEGA shows how important it is to preserve originals and presents an approach to provide originality and haptics and the experience of both.

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One focus of “Ludic Memento” is dedicated to the Nintendo Game & Watch series. Developed by Gunpei Yokoi the G&W concept is not just a technological invention but also the result of an extensive sociological study and observation of user behavior. Exhibited is the complete series of 61 fully functional and very rare handheld games. Interpretations that have arisen in the context of a media archeology seminar at Darmstadt University are juxtaposed with the originals. One student team has developed a floor projection of “Vermin” and another student team an animation of “Ball”. A further “Ball” remediation focuses on the haptic of the first G&W series and the two control buttons for user interaction.

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Ludic Memento is an exhibition of this year’s festival focus on gaming. As part of the festival opening in the Tabakfabrik the exhibition was opened for visitors from 10:30 pm to midnight. In the next days we will report on the contents of the exhibition and provide daily images, voices and impressions.
Again important parts of the exhibition are T42 and T42kinect. With these two exhibits we begin the journey from the beginnings of electronic gaming to the present. Cultural tradition under the influence of the media change is presented. Both exhibits show the effect of altered haptics on perception and gaming experience. “Absolutely great! – and important” a visitor writes in the guest book. We are looking forward to this day. At 10:00 o’clock the first visitors are already sitting in front of the doors and waiting for admission.

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The exhibition concept “Ludic Memento” has been successfully set up by the MEGA team. At over 600 square meters of exhibition area in the Tobacco Factory Linz visitors experience a journey from the beginnings of the electronic game to the present. We welcome all interested parties from tomorrow 12:00 clock in our exhibition. Thank you to our partners at label4friends.de for supplying the display cabinets in time!

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At the W&M summer festival numerous children of the many hundreds of visitors jumped into game worlds of the 80s. Some just gambled, others were thrilled by what was happening on the screen and some wanted to know how the technology works. Many visitors were able to establish links to today’s concepts and the adults reveled in nostalgia.

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Three trainees have joined MEGA to support our upcoming exhibitions.
Welcome girls!