Invading the space of games

Remember Space Invaders? Or that real dinosaur, Space War? While parents and grandparents relive their miss-spent youth, children can explore the latest releases in the first major exhibition to look at the 40-year history of computer gaming.

Find out how computer games are made and discover the secrets behind games such as Pokemon and The Sims. See the cumbersome Space War of the '60s and compare it to the '80s Space Invaders craze or Sonic the Hedgehog of the '90s.

Based around 11 themed sections, including early arcade games, Game On reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how a game is created - from the original narrative and drawings through to the sound and special effects.

Games from around the world will be on show including those from Japan, America and Europe as well as games that inspired films and the films that inspired games. All 125 interactive games on display are there to be played and families will be able to try out the best new releases on PC, Playstation 2, Xbox and GameCube.

Playable Games has been specially designed for children and includes Hey You!, Pikachu and MsPac Man and there is a special area for three to five year olds to play in peace. Entry is by timed tickets which should be booked in advance.

Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2 (020 7638 8891).
Thurs 16 May-Sun 15 Sept
Adults £11, children £5, under fives free.