Gamers from all generations have a bonus opportunity to play their way through five decades of the best video games, as the Science and Industry Museum extends the run of its ultimate gaming experience and unveils a new annual pass.
Owing to its popularity, Power Up will remain open as one of the museum's key visitor experiences. Thousands of players have explored the evolution of gaming gadgets and classic consoles since the experience first opened in June 2022. Visitors have relished revelling in retro classics like Pac-Man, rocking out on Guitar Hero, tackling virtual reality missions with Astro Bot and flossing it out on Fortnite, and now have the opportunity to enjoy all this and more for longer.
Power Up welcomes players to experience the very best video games from the past five decades, get hands-on with over 150 consoles and hundreds of games, rediscover childhood favourites and get to grips with some of the latest developments in digital play. There's something for everyone to explore, whether that's battling it out on Pong to get their name up in lights on the leaderboard, joining beloved characters like Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario as they journey through decades-long developments in graphics and technology, creating communities on Minecraft or thrashing it out on Splatoon.
The experience is refreshed regularly, meaning there's always a new challenge for returning players, and games that might be familiar features at home are given a new lease of life by being beamed onto super-sized screens.
The experience also celebrates up-and-coming gaming talent by featuring the winners of the BAFTA Young Game Designers awards, which celebrate the creativity, skill and imagination of young games makers. The winning games from this year's awards are due to be installed in Power Up at the end of June, with the BAFTA trophy also going on display alongside them.
From the Atari 2600, originally released in 1977, to cutting edge virtual reality, Power Up ticks everyone's boxes with a mix of nostalgic gaming experiences and contemporary consoles, making it a popular destination for everyone to play, discover and explore together. Those curious to find out more about the history of video gaming can also explore a timeline showcasing its evolution through different consoles.
Rare consoles also offer the opportunity of experiences that aren't commonly available inside people's homes, including the original Philips CD-I, 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, Amiga CD32 and Neo Geo CD, as well as a new generation of technology including Playstation VR headsets.
Power Up supports visitors to discover the STEM skills behind video game creation through the lens of Manchester's digital and technological industries, with a section dedicated to the people and companies making big moves in the city's gaming sector.
Mark Cutmore, Head of Commercial Experiences at the Science Museum Group, said:
'It's fantastic to have confirmed that Power Up is here to stay at the Science and Industry Museum for a while yet. The whole gallery is dedicated to celebrating the history of home video gaming in a way that focuses on interactivity and fun, giving audiences the opportunity to discover how technology has changed over time through play.
'It's an inspiring experience that helps to showcase the universal nature of gaming, and it's lovely to see different generations sharing their memories and experiences. It's also a fantastic event to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers and support the development of STEM skills within the region and beyond. I'm delighted more people can now make the most of these opportunities with Power Up staying open for longer.'
Power Up is open every weekend during term time and seven days a week during school holidays. It is also available for schools and educational groups to book on weekdays during term time. A new annual pass has now been introduced, meaning gamers can return as many times as they like over a 12-month period for £15, less than the cost of two single-day tickets, which are priced at £8. For more information on the times, tickets and the gaming experiences on offer, visit www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/power-up.
-ENDS-
LISTING INFORMATION
Power Up
- Saturdays and Sundays during term time, daily during school holidays
- £8 day pass, £15 annual pass
For more information, please contact communications manager, Alex Urmston, on 07741 103 790/alex.urmston@scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk.
NOTES TO EDITORS
ABOUT THE SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY MUSEUM
The Science and Industry Museum tells the story of where science met industry and the modern world began. Manchester was one of the first global industrial cities, and its epic rise, decline and resurrection has been echoed in countless other cities around the world. The museum's mission is to inspire all its visitors, including future scientists and inventors, with the story of how ideas can change the world, from the industrial revolution to today and beyond.
The Science and Industry Museum site is on the site of the Liverpool Road Station terminus of the Liverpool Manchester Railway, the world's first purpose-built passenger railway. Among its internationally significant buildings are the world's first passenger railway station and the oldest existing railway goods warehouse. In total there are two Grade I listed buildings and four Grade II listed buildings on the site.
The Science and Industry Museum is part of the Science Museum Group, a family of museums which also includes the Science Museum in London; the National Railway Museum in York and Shildon; and the Science and Media Museum in Bradford. The Science Museum Group is devoted to the history and contemporary practice of science, medicine, technology, industry and media. With five million visitors each year and an unrivalled collection, it is the most significant group of museums of science and innovation worldwide.
