23rd Sep 2009

Game, Set and Launch

A brand new multiplayer online role-playing game, Aion, developed by gaming company, NCsoft, has been launched at gamescom, Europe's largest interactive games and entertainment trade fair in Cologne and we were brought in by Dylan Marks at Box Car Productions, to build the elaborate set for the launch.

"NCsoft really wanted the launch of Aion to make an impact and this was certainly achieved," said Simon Wood, Sales and Marketing Director for Stage One. He continued, "by integrating fantasy elements of the game into the set and bringing two of the games characters to life, including the flying of them using Qtrack, our fly track system, we were able to engage the public in the story and deliver a real theatrical punch."

Each part of the vivid set, created by Mike Woodage, was designed to reflect the fantasy world in which Aion is set. It consisted of the stage area, including giant scenic wings, dressing rooms and a backstage area, for the formal launch, alongside a 19m x 20m stand. The stand contained four interactive gaming pods, each with eight gaming stations, numerous graphics, integrated lighting and scenic backdrops, all incorporating elements from the game. The pods were joined via a thrust panel to a scenically treated central truss, x metres high with a 6m diameter. The truss added to the overall feel of the stand via the use of applied graphics, monitors and a printed stretch fabric ceiling, through which lighting effects could be achieved. In addition we constructed registration desks and a help point desk, all with applied graphics.

"I've worked with Stage One over many years and knew that they could deliver the level of theatricality we were wanting to achieve for this launch" said Dylan Marks, Boxcar Productions. He continued, "once they were on board we were then able to work together to instil the client with the confidence that the ambitious ideas for the launch could be delivered."