Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) NewsFor immediate release: November 18, 2009 “Behind the Screens” videogame archive at Austin-Bergstrom 
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Travelers in the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport can take a historic peek inside the videogame industry and have the opportunity to see some of the original art and artifacts that resulted from the very first use of digital technology, art and video entertainment used to create classic videogames. Behind the Screens is from the collection of the University of Texas, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History and reflects one of its most recent archive acquisitions. One of the early videogames featured was developed by Austinite, Richard Garriott. On display is a paper punched tape used by him to record the videogame code for one of his first games, Akalabeth. This mechanical punched tape was the precursor to the more sophisticated forms of magnetic data storage like floppy disks. Also featured, a rare prototype cartridge of M.U.L.E.’s lost sequel, Son of M.U.L.E. and design documents from Warren Spector’s innovative classic Deus Ex. The exhibit includes many of the original sketches, story boards and illustrations used to develop the captivating images found on the videogame screen. A large segment of the videogame classics were developed by Austin based developers who made Wing Commander, The Black Gate and Thief: Deadly Shadows. In addition to the step by step process involved with the videogame development of the past, a section is dedicated to those games that almost made it to production but, for some technical reason, never made it. A 1997 copy of a game proposal illustrates the high level of time, resources and staff involved with a project that never came to the public eye. Attention is also given to the development of the sound effects and music, many of which were original scores by sound designer George “Fat Man” Sanger. Behind the Screens is on display through January 26, 2010 in the pylon showcases located on the concourse between Gates 7-12 and in the area of the airport past security checkpoints accessible to ticketed passengers only, currently an audience of approximately 22,000 passengers a day. Other exhibits on display at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: “Elements,” an encaustic art display in the Airside East Gallery through Jan. 05, 2010 Four Austin artists use encaustic media, a hot wax painting technique, to create two and three dimensional artwork full of texture, color and imagination. On display through January 05, 2010 behind the Austin Article store near Gate 8 on the concourse. “Texana,” from the Capitol Arts Society in the Airside West Gallery through Feb. 05, 2010 Getting
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Source: City of Austin