County Hall Gallery

County Hall Gallery Hosts Mysts Exhibition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8th SEPTEMBER 2004

In an unprecedented meeting of modern technology and art, leading videogame publisher Ubisoft today announced a unique partnership with County Hall Gallery, home of the Dali Universe, to run the first ever videogame based art exhibition. This will be the first time a leading London art gallery has run an exhibition for a videogame, indicating greater acceptance and appreciation by the art world of the artistic creativity of videogames. The exhibition showcases some of the stunning artwork used in the development of the Myst series, with sketches and other elements used to construct the games, the latest of which, Myst IV Revelation is to be launched at the exhibition.

Date: 17th-19th September

Venue: Dali Universe, County Hall Gallery, South Bank, London

Opening Time: 10am – 6pm

Admission: Free

With great artists such as Picasso exhibiting at the venue and the permanent exhibition of Salvador Dali, Ubisoft and Myst have received a true accolade for their artistic creation by being accepted as an exhibition for the public. The exhibition will showcase costumes, sketches, screenshots, and development secrets which present an interactive experience allowing the viewer to ‘get inside the painting’ and explore an imaginary world. For its many fans Myst IV Revelation is not only an incredible visual experience but also a story worthy of the best novels. Visitors will also be presented with a wealth of information about the game, including an in-depth look at the Myst IV Revelation creators themselves.

John Parkes, marketing director at Ubisoft, commented, “The Myst series has developed over the last decade to become one of the most beautiful and well-loved games in the world of videogames. We are pleased that everyone who put so much time, effort and, most of all, passion into the making of the Myst series can be rewarded with this recognition from the art world.”

Jenny Bidwell, Head of Marketing at County Hall Gallery, added, “Dali’s dreamlike and surreal landscapes provide the ideal backdrop for Myst IV’s fantastical virtual world. Salvador Dali and Myst both strive to push the boundaries and challenge our perceptions of reality. We are delighted to host this exhibition that provides the unique opportunity for the public to witness continued influences of the great surrealist.”

Myst IV Revelation continues the plot that has kept fans hooked from the original Myst, to Riven and Myst Exile of scheming brothers Sirrus and Achenar culminating in a gripping conclusion. 70 minutes of high-quality video with real-life actors is integrated directly into the storyline and interlaced with some of the most photo-realistic visuals ever seen. Added interactivity with the environment will draw you further into the beautiful Myst world.

World famous musician Peter Gabriel and award winning composer Jack Wall provide music in-game creating an ambient and dynamic game experience.

Enhancements over past Myst games include:

§ Accessible puzzles and an intuitive help system will ensure that even newcomers to the Myst games can enjoy its fiendishly addictive brainteasers.

§ Revolutionary ALIVE technology that will enable players to ‘touch’ the environment and creatures around them by use of a brand new hand icon.

§ The ability to take pictures and record your findings in a journal will ensure that you don’t miss anything along the way.

§ Low PC and Mac specifications.

Story
Within the visually awe-inspiring world of Myst, a gripping family drama will slowly unfold. In Myst IV Revelation, players finally learn the fate of Sirrus and Achenar, two villains first introduced in the original Myst. The brothers have remained trapped in separate prison worlds, abandoned by their father for crimes they had committed. Players are engaged in uncovering the mystery surrounding a little girl's disappearance, daring to venture deep inside the intense worlds of the villainous brothers. Understanding their motives is key to the success of the investigation and will be a true “revelation.”

About Ubisoft™:
Ubisoft is an international producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products. A leading company in the multimedia industry, Ubisoft's strong and diversified line-up has grown considerably, as has Ubisoft itself. As well as steadfastly continuing to partner with several high-profile companies, Ubisoft has also confirmed its presence on the global market by developing its own exceptional properties. Founded in 1986 in France, Ubisoft is now present on every continent, both through offices in 22 different countries including the United States, Brazil, Morocco, Germany and China and through sales of products in over 50 countries. The group is dedicated to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers around the world. Ubisoft generated a turnover of 453 million euros for the 2002/2003 fiscal year, up 23% over the previous fiscal year. To learn more, visit www.ubi.com

About County Hall Gallery

Located on London’s vibrant South Bank, County Hall Gallery first opened its doors to the public in June 2000 with the permanent Dali Universe. One of London’s most unique and unusual exhibitions, the collection boasts the worlds largest sculptural and graphical collection by Salvador Dali.

With 3 versatile exhibiton spaces, the gallery offers a programme of innovative and exciting exhibitions ranging from cultural icons like Marilyn Monroe to modern masters such as Chagall and Picasso.

County Hall Gallery: 0870 7447485

Events and exhibitions: 020 76202765

www.countyhallgallery.com

Dali Universe admission charges apply

Press Information:

Jools Moore/ Andrea Benn

Cancan Communications

+44 (0)20 7395 0509

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