An exhibit opening Saturday at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park celebrates the art and science of video games with more than 100 playable examples.
“Game Masters: The Exhibition” traces the development of computer games from the pixelated 1970s arcade era to today’s sophisticated console and online games. It explains how the games are developed and spotlights the designers behind them.
The exhibits are divided into “Arcade Heroes,” “Game Changers” and “Indies,” with dozens of playable games in each group, from “Asteroids” and “Pac-Man” to “Child of Eden,” “Super Mario 64,” “Angry Birds” and “Defcon.”
The museum’s CEO, Steve Synder, told a preview audience Thursday evening that games have helped drive computer technology, and in turn have led to development of sophisticated simulation products.
“Games have become so much more than just entertainment,” he said. “The entertainment need drove the technology.”
He said interest in games can also lead to careers in science, noting that he was inspired to learn how to program after playing “Space Invaders,” a classic arcade game introduced in 1978.
The exhibition was developed by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and is making its California premiere in San Diego. It runs through Jan. 15.
