WASHINGTON, D.C. – A broadband videogame exhibit called “Cable Game Arena” as well as a full slate of sessions devoted to the technology and business issues surrounding broadband video gaming will be a major focus of The 2006 National Show, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) announced today. The 2006 National Show is scheduled for April 9 - 11, 2006 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
With the introduction in recent years of several popular gaming consoles that can utilize a high-speed Internet connection for live competition, the consumer broadband gaming marketplace is exploding and has become a significant factor in adoption of cable modem service.
The Cable Game Arena – being produced by NCTA in partnership with Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and GameTap, Turner’s first-of-its-kind broadband video game and entertainment network – will offer vendors an opportunity to showcase their broadband videogame products and services in an arcade-like environment plus provide a “hands-on” opportunity for convention attendees to experience many of exciting new features available through broadband video gaming.
Because cable offers the fastest speeds with the best customer experience in America, our high-speed Internet platform is ideal for broadband video gaming, which is why these applications present such a growth opportunity for our industry,” said Kyle McSlarrow, NCTA President & CEO. “The educational sessions will explore the full spectrum of broadband gaming and we expect that the Cable Game Arena will be a highlight of the exhibit show floor.”
As the Cable Game Arena’s premiere sponsor, GameTap will keep the action going throughout the show in the “center ring” with tournaments, prizes and special guest appearances. And surrounding the center ring, individual Cable Game Arena exhibitors will showcase the latest products and services – including hardware, software, distribution, advertising, education, consumer devices, research and media – within specific themed environments designed to portray the excitement of video games on multiple platforms.
Themed environments planned for the Cable Game Arena include:
- Set top box/interactive TV games
- Consoles and what broadband can do with them
- PC, PDA/portable/wireless games
- Broadband game portals
- Casual and massive multiplayer online games
- Special sections on in-game advertising and educational games
Because of the comprehensive nature of the broadband video gaming pavilion, exhibitors from the following fields are expected to participate:
- Hardware and software suppliers
- Technology solution providers
- Videogame publishers and content distributors
- Independent game developers
- Consumer electronics manufacturers
- Wireless game suppliers
- Media and research companies covering the video marketplace
NCTA also announced that WIRED Magazine has signed on as the Cable Game Arena’s Official Media Sponsor. WIRED’s participation includes a cooperative media campaign, onsite coverage of the pavilion, and sponsorship of their “Trip to E3” contest open to all who visit the exhibit.
“Early Bird” Online Registration Now Open
Easy online registration for the 2006 National Show is now available at www.thenationalshow.com. Registrations received now through February 17, 2006 will receive a $100 discount on normally applicable fees.
For more information on exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, contact NCTA Convention Headquarters at 202-775-3606 or visit www.thenationalshow.com.
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