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Modern gaming will be a main attraction at GEEK 2014, the South East’s biggest games expo, returning to Margate from February 21 to 23.
The great mix of games of the past, present and future, is a main reason for the growing success of this fantastic half term festival at the Winter Gardens.
Not only does GEEK pride itself on showing the timeline of consoles, long gone but not forgotten, but the show also puts the spotlight on what is available today and what will be available in the near future.
Organiser Kim Steward said: “It’s nice to see the old and new in the same place, people comparing the graphics and console design, but the one thing that doesn’t change is the sparking of imagination and playing games, either on your own or with other people.”
An exciting aspect of GEEK 2014 will be the presence of 16 Xbox Ones, the latest console from Microsoft.
The range of games available will include NBA2K14, Need for Speed Rivals, Battlefield 4, Ryse Son of Rome, Forza 5, Dead Rising 3, FIFA14 and LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
ID may be required to play Ryse, Deadrising, Battlefield and Pegi 18.
The games industry started with people coding in their bedrooms, and GEEK fully supports people who start their own studios to make games or even leave top studios for the freedom of creating their own game.
Kim said: “Our Indie Zone has grown in interest and support over the last couple of years, with the largest amount of indies to date attending GEEK2014 and showing their games. The Indie Zone will be found at the heart of the event.”
The list of games can be seen online, http://www.geek2014.co.uk/indie-zone.html
Kim said: “There will be a range of games available from platform games to top-down shooters. A selection of hardware will also be available. You will be playing on iPads, PCs and a Playstation Vita.”
Nyamyam is one of the studios showcasing its game, Tengami, in the indie zone.
Visitors can be among the first to try an Oculus Rift, an up and coming virtual reality head-mounted display.
GEEK 2014 has one to showcase and one of the indie studios is bringing along its own.
Oculus Rifts are presently only available as developer kits. Their release for general sale is expected late 2014/early 2015.
GEEK 2014 will be packed with puzzles, tournaments and consoles, with lots to do and make and plenty for all ages.
There will be talks and demonstrations, a Minecraft Cave, a 40-year historic timeline and chance to play through the ages with Replay Events, and more.
Single day tickets are £13 for adults, £7 children (five to 14) and free under fives. Concessions are £11, family tickets are £36, and evening tickets £5. Two-day passes are £24 (adult), £12 (child) and £20 (concession). Three-day passes are £36 (adult), £18 (child) and £30 (concession). Special rates are available for groups and people who are registered disabled. For more details contact the box office on 01843 296111.
Keep reading your Thanet Extra for more details and see www.geek2014.co.uk, visit GEEK 2014 on Facebook and follow on Twitter @GEEK_2014