August in Edinburgh is quite literally crazy. For a month the population doubles to a cool million, most of which can be found tripping over one another on Princes street or piling into the hundreds of theatres that have been packed into every conceivable space, from churches to public toilets (yes it has been done) to see the latest East European adaptation of Shakespeare performed on stilts with a live bagpipe soundtrack performed by ex members of the KGB (ok, that hasn’t been done – yet).

But, at the same time that the city is consumed by the excesses of the International Festival and Fringe festival, another event is unfolding – and you may even be able to put your feet up and have a blast on the latest video games. The Edinburgh Interactive Festival takes place on the 13th and 14th of August is an annual festival celebrating the creative culture of interactive entertainment. Spanning across a broad range of industries including videogames, social networking, mobile entertainment, education, film, music and television, Edinburgh Interactive attracts people from all walks of life such as conference delegates and industry luminaries from around the world, families, gaming fans, academics and students as well as national press.

Edinburgh Interactive 2009 will pack in exclusive hands-on previews of the year’s biggest titles as well as speakers from the key sectors of the videogames industry; all in one fantastic venue. The videogames market has more than doubled over the last five years. Last year, hardware and software sales combined totalled over £4 billion. In addition, the current generation of hardware has now sold 24 million units – equalling the total estimated number of UK households.

EI 2009 is all set to revel in those achievements, with the biggest industry names gathering to offer their thoughts on the past, present and future of videogaming. Alongside exclusive first looks at the likes of Batman: Arkham Asylum, FIFA 10 and Wii Sports Resort – this year’s EI 2009 is simply unmissable. If that wasn’t enough excitement, running alongside the games play area will be the popular games screening programme, which will offer up previews of the latest titles before they hit the shelves in Gamestation, who are sponsoring the event. Wannabe games developers will be able talk to the people who make the games to find out the hows and whys behind game design. With the presence of some of Scotland’s best games developers, such as Realtime Worlds and Dynamo Games, to name a few, anyone wishing to break into the gaming industry should remember to bring a CV, as these companies are always scouting for new talent.

The conference element to the festival largely attracts around 300 delegates spanning all types of media. Key speakers this year include Peter Moore (EA Sports), Peter Cowley (Endemol), Ray Maguire (Sony), Kristian Segerstrale (Playfish) and Sean Dromgoole (Some Research). This is the perfect opportunity to rub shoulders with some industry heavy hitters – you never know who you may be challenging to a game of FIFA!

Away from videogames, festival-goers can expect to see bands, DJs and movies - completing the interactive extravaganza that is the free consumer area this year! Can’t make it? Don’t worry maddog will be attending and bagging exclusive interviews with industry big wigs as well as generally having a great time. Keep your eyes peeled for our exclusive coverage in next months issue!

Entry to Edinburgh Interactive is free. However, anyone wishing to come will need to obtain their free ticket from any Scottish Gamestation store. If you don't have time to visit the store directly, you can also download your free ticket online here

Words > Dean Bowman