RICHARDSON, Texas (Dec. 21, 2006) — Audiences will get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the future of simulation and gaming at the “Virtual Worlds, Simulation and Game Technologies” showcase, which is the second in a series of research and new venture showcases presented by the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at The University of Texas at Dallas. The day-long program will take place on Friday, Jan. 19, 2007 in the Davidson Auditorium of the UT Dallas School of Management.
The showcase will highlight the work of researchers in the UT Dallas Institute for Interactive Arts and Engineering (IIAE). Speakers and panelists will include Todd Hollenshead, chief executive officer of id Software and Lieutenant General Thomas F. Metz, Deputy Commanding General of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command. UT Dallas President Dr. David Daniel will introduce Metz during the afternoon session.
According to Dr. Tom Linehan, director of the IIAE, gaming is no longer just a diversion for adolescents.
“Because gaming features powerful interaction and choice, instant feedback and full immersion in the virtual environment, the underlying technologies are being utilized for serious gaming, with applications in fields as diverse as training, education, medicine, real estate development, news and banking and finance,” Linehan said.
Presentations by UT Dallas researchers will focus on such topics as the technology of simulation and gaming in military training; the use of virtual environments in entertainment, education and medicine; games as interactive narratives; and motion capture and animation in gaming and entertainment. Several companies, including Hanson Robotics, Acropolis Laboratories, Reel FX and MultiGen Paradigm, will make presentations about future applications.
The event’s luncheon will feature remarks by id Software’s Hollenshead, and is being held in collaboration with the Metroplex Technology Business Council’s 3rd Friday Tech Luncheon series. The lunch, which will begin at 11:45 a.m. in the Galaxy Room of the UT Dallas Student Center, will conclude with a networking session for participants.
Advanced registration is required. Individuals may register for the entire program for $95 or for the luncheon for $35. A complete schedule of the day’s events and registration are available at http://innovation.utdallas.edu. For further information, call 972-883-5990.
About the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at UT Dallas is a collaborative initiative of the schools of Arts and Humanities; Behavioral and Brain Sciences; Economic, Political and Policy Sciences; Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science; Management; and Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The institute’s programs focus on initiatives in four broad areas: academic and student programs, internal programs and support, community outreach and research.
About UT Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor®, enrolls nearly 14,500 students. The school’s freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UT Dallas, please visit the university’s web site at www.utdallas.edu.