What: Video Games Live
When: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: John R. Emens Auditorium
Price: $10 for students, $25 for adults, $15 for youth, $16 for groups of 12 or more and $19 for Artist Series Subscribers and Pick 4+ Packages.
Classic and popular video games with synchronized videos and lighting meet a live orchestrated soundtrack at a Thursday show in John R. Emens Auditorium that some gamer students hope connects a mainstream audience with the games they love.
“Video Games Live” was created by video game composing legend Tommy Tallarico, according to the Video Games Live website. Tallarico, who also produces and hosts the show, is known for his work on video game soundtracks including “The Spongebob Squarepants Movie,” “T.J. Lavin’s Ultimate BMX” and “Aladdin.”
Thursday's show will include music performed by the Muncie Symphony Orchestra.
The show uses a combination of technology, music and performers to create an interactive experience for audience members of any age, said the website. The show includes symphonic arrangements of music from “Kingdom heart,” “Tron,” “Castlevania," "God of War” and other popular video games.
Sophomore telecommunications major Levi Huddleson can’t attend the show but identifies as a dedicated gamer. While he primarily plays on PC, he still remembers his first game. He played Super Mario Bros. 3 on the Nintendo Entertainment System and said the Nintendo GameCube has the best controller.
Although he won’t be at the show, he thinks the concept is a great idea.
“Video games give people a unique experience because you are interacting with the environment, characters and in some cases even changing how the story plays out,” said Huddleson. “I'd be looking forward to the music from the Legend of Zelda if I were going because that series has some of the best music in video games.”
The experience of a show like this can bridge generations of game-lovers and support the art behind the world that has become ‘video game culture.’
“Video games connect people through passion and perspective. People who care deeply about a game can go on for hours even to non-players. When I talk to someone who's never played and get to explain some of the craziest things that have ever happened, I get so incredibly excited because I want them to be as invested as I am,” said Huddleson. “Being more accepted in culture is really the only thing I can ask for. The negative connotation is absurd in this day and age.”
Matt Turner, sophomore marketing major, is attending the show and shares many of the same sentiments as Huddleson. He’s excited to hear the score from Zelda, and he believes that video games, as popular as they are, should be more accepted.
“I would really like to see video game tournaments getting as much attention as things like the Super Bowl,” said Turner. “They give many people a way to let out their stress, and also express themselves. Video games allow all people to have a shared experience. Regardless of age, race or gender, everyone can experience throwing Bowser into lava.”
Additional activities will be set up before and after the show, including a costume contest, Guitar Hero competition, prizes, interactive game demos and a meet-and-greet with top industry insiders.
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