Mon 20.10.2003 Workshop: Game Boy Lab with Olaf Val and Ralf Schreiber

The Do It Yourself principle is no longer limited to the world of home improvement and handicrafts. Even a computer game that works like a Game Boy can be assembled and soldered together using materials from a hardware store.

Participants can learn how this is done in the one-week Game Boy Workshop led by Olaf Val and Ralf Schreiber for young people aged 10–18 (two groups), as part of the exhibition “games. Computer Games by Artists”.

During the workshop, participants build their own computer games. Using everyday materials from a hardware store, they create portable “high-tech” devices: a power supply, keyboard and speaker are connected to a microcontroller, while a grid of LEDs serves as the display. The result is a mini-computer costing just 10 euros – the full participation fee, including all materials.

Starting with a self-soldered circuit board and the creative design of the casing, participants develop their own game ideas and storylines using storyboards. The workshop introduces not only the technical principles behind the devices, but also the programming of the “Game Boys”.