New addition to Orange County’s pop culture extravaganza is showcasing the latest innovations and inspirations from Hollywood and in gaming, VR, AR, AI, robotics and more

 

ANAHEIM (March 22, 2018) –  FutureTechLive!, an annual event at Comic-Con International San Diego has now been added to sister show Comic-Con International Presents WonderCon Anaheim.   FutureTechLive!, which curates the latest in entertainment-meets-tech,  is in turn adding a new zone for Gaming & eSports.

 

WonderCon, held at the Anaheim Convention Center March 23-25, embraces all the main aspects of the legendary San Diego show, including comics, movies, TV, animation, and more.  FutureTechLive! is a hub for Virtual Reality experiences and other immersive technologies, and infuses art and visual expression.  Gaming and eSports ups the adrenaline even more.   The pavilion housing FutureTechLive! and Gaming & eSports is in the North Hall of Anaheim Convention Center.

 

FutureTechLive! was created in 2016 in conjunction with Comic-Con International to celebrate the best and boldest in the exploding areas of VR and AR.  Since then, the event expanded to include the AI Innovation Fair by Mentor InSight, elements of the Fleet Science Center, and other experiences in robotics, wearable tech, blockchain/cryptocurrency, new Space, and art.

 

The event showcases the latest from the leading equipment makers, film studios, television networks, game builders, scientists, publishers, brands, artists, designers, influencers and innovators.  Attendees will have access to the latest developments as well as hands-on experience with the attractions.   They can also attend panels featuring pioneers and pacesetters.

 

“We realized since starting this that VR/AR is just the tip of the spear of tech innovations impacting entertainment and lifestyle,” said Mark Murphy, Co-Founder/Producer of FutureTechLive! “So we broadened our event into one in which consumers can see and experience other aspects of futurism and tech.”

 

“VR, AR, AI, Robotics, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Digital Currency, New Space…  these technologies provide earth-shattering changes to the way we live and interact with others, alter the landscape of every industry, and there will be little in the way of life that goes untouched by it,” added FutureTechLive! Co-Founder/Producer Scott Bobrow.  “At this event, people will be able to see how.”

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one such area that has been capturing the public imagination and bringing groundbreaking technologies to help humankind. “AI is a red-hot sector and we are excited to unveil some of the most epic examples of it at this event” said Molly Lavik, who curates the A.I. Innovation Fair, a section of FutureTechLive!

 

VR and other technologies continue to merge with Gaming, and eSports has been an exploding sector of gaming itself.  Gaming and eSports rounds out the tech and fun at the event.

Entertainment Software Association (ESA), which produces the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) gaming convention in Los Angeles each year, is also participating in the event.  Its ESA Foundation is setting up a Diversity in Gaming and Tech Lounge, in partnership with Red Bull.  “Video games have the power to change communities and lives. The We Are experience here has the potential to encourage and inspire not just future video game makers, but also designers, coders and more,” said Anastasia Staten, Executive Director of the ESA Foundation.

Attractions include:

• Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul in VR – from VRWERX/Paramount Pictures
• Red Bull Re-Energizer Lounge
• Arcslinger VR PVP – from Big Red Button
• Starship Commander – from Human Interact
• Hologate – Multi-Player VR – a New Dimension in Immersive Entertainment
• Leap Motion – Reach into Virtual Reality with your Bare Hands
• MAX-D | Max Sound Corp. – HD Audio
• Stimuli VR
• The Majesty of the Mahabarata – in 360 Dome Pro
• Vortex Immersion Media
• Robot Prayers
• Expert DOJO
• AI
• Advantage Video Systems
• Horizon Hover
• VRI featuring E-Love
• Duo-Trac Golf Tech
• Arch Mission
• Electronic Software Association Foundation

 

 

 

 

Panels

The event is also curating dynamic panels with industry leaders.  Held in the Anaheim Convention Center, these are:

 

• Game As a Pro

What does it take to become an e-sport pro? A game designer? A programmer? This panel will give you the heads up in making your dreams more achievable.

Friday, March 23, 3:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. – Room: 207

 

• Hollywood & Emerging Tech – The Evolution of Entertainment

A diverse panel explores where Hollywood and technology is headed in 2018 and beyond. Find out what is in store for you!

Saturday, March 24, 12:30p.m. – 1:30p.m. – Room: North 200B

 

• The Science of Cool

An all-star panel of scientists and creators discuss how the rise of immersive technology, rocketry, robotics and AI have made science cool again and continue to bring us closer to solving some of the greatest challenges and mysteries in our Universe.

Saturday, March 25, 6:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. – Room: North 200B

 

• Going Crypto: How digital coin technology is changing how we live our lives 

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Dash, LiteCoin…  Crypto Currency or Digital Currency or Digital Coin or Blockchain or whatever you want to call it is arguably the most talked-about topic in the ether right now.   Beyond the speculation of altcoins, tokens and ICOs, at the heart of it all is an innovative tracking technology that is now also impacting gaming, entertainment, and everyday life.  Find out what is coming down the pike.

Sunday, March 25, 10:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. – Room: 300D

 

• Total Immersion – AR, VR & Comics!

Immerse yourself in the world of comics. Literally. This panel will discuss the exciting developments in truly interactive comic books.

Sunday, March 25, 1:30p.m. – 2:30p.m. – Room: 300D

 

Show days and hours are: Friday (March 23) 11:30am – 7pm, Saturday (March 24) 10am – 7pm, and Sunday (March 25) 10am – 5pm.

 

For more information about FutureTechLive! and Gaming & eSports Pavilion at WonderCon, visit www.futuretechlive.com and for WonderCon in general: https://www.comic-con.org/