PixelCon 2011 at UA Offers Insights into Video Games

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — PixelCon 2011, presented by The University of Alabama’s ABXY Gaming Network in association with Creative Campus Initiative, will be from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at UA’s Ferguson Center.

PixelCon, a student-led and organized convention in its second year, will consist of a variety of activities including game playing, contests and panels featuring figures from within the industry.

PixelCon is also sponsored by Housing and Residential Communities as well as the Student Government Association at UA.

Events include a costume contest, a trivia challenge, video game tournaments and an evening concert featuring both student and independent musical acts. A vendor room and a kids’ activity room will also be available at the event.

This year’s panels will include a discussion of zombie lore; a game development panel featuring BigHugeGames developer Stuart Jeff; and a media panel featuring editors from online gaming journals Gaming Angels and Geek Tyrant. Additional panels will cover topics including sexuality in gaming, fitness, creation of conventions and costuming.

PixelCon is free to attend, but registration is required. Attendees can register at http://abxygaming.ua.edu/pixelcon or register at the event. Participants will also have the opportunity to enter a raffle for the chance to win prizes. All tournaments, except the Pokemon Gym tournament, will include a $5 cash fee.

Proceeds in the raffle, and some proceeds in the tournaments, will benefit UA’s Up ’Til Dawn fund-raiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

ABXY Gaming Network is an award-winning video game organization at UA, and has grown to more than 500 members in two years. ABXY strives to create a larger gaming community in the state of Alabama, while fostering student involvement through community service and events. Visit http://abxygaming.ua.edu for more information.

Creative Campus is a student-led initiative at UA focused on art collaboration and awareness and has worked closely with ABXY to plan and present this year’s PixelCon event. In Maxwell Hall, Creative Campus seeks to serve as a hub of collaboration and creative activity at The University of Alabama. At the heart of Creative Campus is the undergraduate and graduate intern program that empowers students to turn their ideas into action.  For more information on Creative Campus, visit www.creativecampus.ua.edu.