Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Infinite Crisis joins MLG as an official esport]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/infinite-crisis-joins-mlg-as-an-official-esport/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/infinite-crisis-joins-mlg-as-an-official-esport/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/infinite-crisis-joins-mlg-as-an-official-esport/#comments Being in the middle of its first round of closed beta testing hasn't stopped Turbine Entertainment's DC Universe MOBA, Infinite Crisis, from making the grade as an official Major League Gaming selection, the developer announced today in a joint release with the esports organization.

MLG will kick off the burgeoning relationship by streaming Infinite Crisis matches from Warner Brother's E3 booth, starting on the morning of Tuesday, June 11, and lasting through the rest of the conference. From there the game will be showcased at various events until it's fully released, at which point it will join the likes of League of Legends and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 in MLG Pro Circuit tournaments.

Warner's other competitive DC Universe property, Injustice: Gods Among Us, was recently revealed as an official selection for this year's EVO2k fighting game tournament series in Las Vegas. At this rate, we expect Arkham Origins' rumored multiplayer mode will soon be announced as an event in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games.

Continue reading Infinite Crisis joins MLG as an official esport

JoystiqInfinite Crisis joins MLG as an official esport originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esportsEVO-2013infinite-crisisinjustice-gods-among-usmajor-league-gamingMLGpcTurbine-EntertainmentWarner-Bros-Interactive-EntertainmentThu, 30 May 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty Championship coming in April, promises $1 million purse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/call-of-duty-championship-coming-in-april-promises-1-million-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/call-of-duty-championship-coming-in-april-promises-1-million-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/call-of-duty-championship-coming-in-april-promises-1-million-p/#comments
Despite all your mother's stern warnings, it looks like all that Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 you've been playing just might pay off, as Activision has announced the Call of Duty Championship. Set to take place April 5-7 in Hollywood, the tournament will pit 32 teams against one another for a chance at the $1 million purse.

Teams will be drawn from several areas, including Xbox Live, Major League Gaming and the Electronic Sports League. Those interested in competing for a spot on Xbox Live may do so by registering for Call of Duty Elite. Starting today, teams of four can then compete on Xbox Live in the February season of Black Ops 2 League Play.

Meanwhile, the top 8 team from the MLG Winter Championship, taking place March 15-17 in Dallas, will also earn spots in the tournament, as will the top 8 teams from the ESL's European Finals, which take place March 16-17 in Cologne, Germany. The final 8 seats will go to international teams "across Asia, Australia, and Brazil." Details for international team entry will be revealed at a later time via the Call of Duty eSports website.

Continue reading Call of Duty Championship coming in April, promises $1 million purse

JoystiqCall of Duty Championship coming in April, promises $1 million purse originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2call-of-duty-championshipeslmicrosoftmlgxboxxbox-liveFri, 01 Feb 2013 13:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Halo 4 before the rest of the world at the MLG Fall Championship]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/play-halo-4-before-the-rest-of-the-world-at-the-mlg-fall-champio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/play-halo-4-before-the-rest-of-the-world-at-the-mlg-fall-champio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/play-halo-4-before-the-rest-of-the-world-at-the-mlg-fall-champio/#comments Play Halo 4 before the rest of the world at the MLG Fall ChampionshipHalo 4 is entering the Major League Gaming Pro Circuit four days before its launch in the wider, unprofessional world on November 6. Halo 4 will be part of the Fall Championship running November 2 - 4 in Dallas, Texas, MLG announced today.

MLG will announce details about the Halo 4 competition, including prize money, format, bracket size and schedule, in the coming weeks.

JoystiqPlay Halo 4 before the rest of the world at the MLG Fall Championship originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earlyesportshalo-4microsoftmlgmlg-fall-championshipmlg-pro-circuitxboxWed, 29 Aug 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MLG League of Legends Summer Championship winners disqualified for 'collusion']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/mlg-league-of-legends-summer-championship-winners-disqualified-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/mlg-league-of-legends-summer-championship-winners-disqualified-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/mlg-league-of-legends-summer-championship-winners-disqualified-f/#comments
Major League Gaming announced late last night that the first and second place winners of the Summer Championship League of Legends Event have been disqualified for conspiring to not play a match to win.

"We have determined that there was collusion between the two final teams, Curse NA and Team Dignitas," MLG wrote in a statement. "This is in clear violation of both the letter and spirit of MLG's Official Pro Circuit Conduct Rules: 'competitors may not intentionally Forfeit a Game or conspire to manipulate Rankings or Brackets.' As such, both teams have been disqualified, and no placements or prize money will be awarded."

Curse NA put out a video stating the issue surrounds agreeing with Team Dignitas that the first round of the match should be an "ARAM," but that no other agreements were made. The acronym stands for "all random all middle," meaning both teams picked champions at random and played only the middle lane. It's a player-created match style, like if two major sports teams agreed to play baseball with one base or basketball using half the court.

Senior Vice President Lee Chen of Major League Gaming denies the defense, writing on Twitter: "To be clear here folks, the collusion had nothing to do with the ARAM. CRS/DIG conspired to split prize money."

The third and fourth place teams will receive the prize money for the event. MLG states although there is contention over the exact nature of the violation, that "both teams, as well as MLG and [League of Legends developer] Riot" agree that not playing a tournament match to win warrants disqualification.

JoystiqMLG League of Legends Summer Championship winners disqualified for 'collusion' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>league-of-legendsmajor-league-gamingmlgpcMon, 27 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz shows off MLG Pro controller at CES, for the discerning button pusher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/mad-catz-shows-off-mlg-pro-controller-at-ces-for-the-discerning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/mad-catz-shows-off-mlg-pro-controller-at-ces-for-the-discerning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/mad-catz-shows-off-mlg-pro-controller-at-ces-for-the-discerning/#comments
A controller is a controller is a controller. The most innovative additions to console controllers these days usually involve an extra turbo switch, or maybe a fan in the handles.

Mad Catz' new MLG Pro Circuit Controller stands out, and was first shown off at CES 2012 last week. Mad Catz worked with Major League Gaming players and other gamers to figure out just what it is they wanted a controller to do, and rather than just add some new lights (or those fans), they took a few good steps forward.

The analogue sticks and D-pads are fully removable and customizable, and the controller comes with all sorts of possibilities. With this controller, you can implement the layout you want.

Continue reading Mad Catz shows off MLG Pro controller at CES, for the discerning button pusher

JoystiqMad Catz shows off MLG Pro controller at CES, for the discerning button pusher originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buttonscesces-2012controllercustomizabledpadjoysticksmad-catzmadcatzmicrosoftmlgpcplaystationprops3xboxTue, 17 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MLG moves more than 100 domains in opposition of SOPA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/mlg-moves-more-than-100-domains-in-opposition-of-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/mlg-moves-more-than-100-domains-in-opposition-of-sopa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/mlg-moves-more-than-100-domains-in-opposition-of-sopa/#comments SOPA's presence continues to loom, darkening e-skies across the nation and weighing heavy on the minds and hearts of tech-savvy Americans everywhere. The average citizen, in an attempt to effect what little change they can, has taken to moving their business away from companies that support SOPA; companies such as domain registrar GoDaddy.

This movement, spearheaded by Reddit's Move Your Domain Day initiative, has influenced the business operations of at least one major player in the gaming world; Major League Gaming has announced the transfer of over 100 domains from GoDaddy to rival registrar Namecheap, saying that the gaming organization is "firmly against both the specifics of SOPA and the philosophy behind the bill." They go on to urge everyone curious about the subject to read up and draw their own conclusions, which sounds like a good idea to us.

JoystiqMLG moves more than 100 domains in opposition of SOPA originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>domainGo-DaddyGoDaddymajor-league-gamingMLGNamecheapregistrarSOPAURLSat, 07 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch the MLG Providence National Championships live, right here on Joystiq!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/watch-the-mlg-providence-national-championships-live-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/watch-the-mlg-providence-national-championships-live-right-here/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/watch-the-mlg-providence-national-championships-live-right-here/#comments A roaring crowd, concession-stand popcorn and panicked cries for additional pylons can only mean one thing: It's pro-gaming season. The sound of furiously clicking mice can be heard for miles around in Providence, Rhode Island, where Major League Gaming's Pro Circuit National Championships are happening right now.

The greatest Starcraft 2 players from around the world have assembled and are putting on one hell of a show, which you can enjoy irrespective of your proximity to The Ocean State thanks to the embedded stream above. Jump past the break for the day's complete schedule, and peep the tournament bracket here.

Continue reading Watch the MLG Providence National Championships live, right here on Joystiq!

JoystiqWatch the MLG Providence National Championships live, right here on Joystiq! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MLGMLG-2011mlg-pro-circuitmlg-providenceprovidencestarcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-Libertystarcraft-iiSun, 20 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Major League Gaming's Raleigh Championship Sunday, live on Joystiq!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/watch-major-league-gamings-raleigh-championship-sunday-live-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/watch-major-league-gamings-raleigh-championship-sunday-live-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/28/watch-major-league-gamings-raleigh-championship-sunday-live-on/#comments
Smell that? That gentle, wafting scent in the breeze? That unique blend of concession-stand popcorn, USB and pwn? It's a specific, enticing fragrance that can only mean one thing: It's time for Major League Gaming finals, and you can watch it all live on Joystiq!

All day today, teams from around the globe will be competing for thousands of dollars in prizes across 4 games: Starcraft 2, Halo: Reach, Black Ops, and making its MLG debut, League of Legends. It's an exciting day for pro-gaming, so strap on your beer hat and big foam finger and head on through for the day's full schedule.

Continue reading Watch Major League Gaming's Raleigh Championship Sunday, live on Joystiq!

JoystiqWatch Major League Gaming's Raleigh Championship Sunday, live on Joystiq! originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activisionblack-opsBlizzardBungiecall-of-duty-black-opshalo-reachleague-of-legendslivemajor-league-gamingmicrosoftMLGpcplaystationps3riot-gamesstarcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyxboxSun, 28 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz making official MLG FightSticks and controllers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/mad-catz-making-official-mlg-fightsticks-and-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/mad-catz-making-official-mlg-fightsticks-and-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/mad-catz-making-official-mlg-fightsticks-and-controllers/#comments If you're not good enough at fighting games to make a living in the MLG, but want to look like you are, Mad Catz has announced a line of MLG-branded accessories, starting with a Tournament Edition Arcade FightStick.

The stick is functionally identical to the Super Street Fighter IV FightSticks, with buttons and joystick by renowned parts maker Sanwa Denshi, a button lock for the turbo switches and home buttons, and a compartment in the back for cable storage. It just lacks, you know, Street Fighter imagery, because it's for professionals.

Mad Catz has other new MLG-themed controllers to show off, which it will do at the MLG Pro Circuit in Raleigh, NC this weekend.

Continue reading Mad Catz making official MLG FightSticks and controllers

JoystiqMad Catz making official MLG FightSticks and controllers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fightstickmad-catzmicrosoftmlgplaystationps3xboxTue, 23 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Major League Gaming's Anaheim Championship Sunday live, right here on Joystiq]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/watch-major-league-gamings-anaheim-championship-sunday-live-ri/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/watch-major-league-gamings-anaheim-championship-sunday-live-ri/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/watch-major-league-gamings-anaheim-championship-sunday-live-ri/#comments
Strap on your beer-hats and huge foam fingers, e-sports fans, because Major League Gaming's Anaheim Championship Sunday is under way, and you can catch all the fragging, pylon-constructing action right here on Joystiq. Championship matches for Starcraft 2, Halo: Reach, and Call of Duty: Black Ops will take place all day long on 4 different streams, so make sure you've got enough overpriced concession-stand munchies to last you a while.

Head on through for the day's full schedule, and be sure to let us know how you feel about competitive gaming coverage on Joystiq, either in the comments or in the poll. This sort of post is a new jam for us, and if you like it, we'll do more!

Continue reading Watch Major League Gaming's Anaheim Championship Sunday live, right here on Joystiq

JoystiqWatch Major League Gaming's Anaheim Championship Sunday live, right here on Joystiq originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anaheimcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-black-opschampionship-sundaycompetitive-gaminghalohalo-reachlive-streamlive-streamingmajor-league-gamingmicrosoftMLGpcplaystationpro-gamingps3starcraft-2Starcraft-2-Wings-of-LibertyxboxSun, 31 Jul 2011 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Global StarCraft 2 League offers over $500,000 in prize money this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/global-starcraft-2-league-offers-over-500-000-in-prize-money-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/global-starcraft-2-league-offers-over-500-000-in-prize-money-th/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/global-starcraft-2-league-offers-over-500-000-in-prize-money-th/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A new professional StarCraft competitive organization was recently founded by South Korean television network GomTV, which locked down exclusivity rights to broadcast all Blizzard tournaments in the nation. Called the Global StarCraft 2 League, the organization will begin holding monthly 64-man tournaments across the country later in August, and then every month throughout the rest of 2010. To convince set-in-their-ways players to make the jump from the original StarCraft to the sequel, GomTV is offering over $125,000 in prize money for every tournament.

While potentially lucrative, these monthly tournaments are only preliminaries for a series of tournaments set for 2011, culminating in the Blizzard Cup next December that will crown the greatest StarCraft 2 player of the year. These tournaments will be broadcast globally starting next month -- but if you'd prefer to spend your precious time watching an American StarCraft 2 tourney, your chance might not be too far off. The MLG recently added the successful strategy title to its rotation.

JoystiqGlobal StarCraft 2 League offers over $500,000 in prize money this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardglobal-starcraft-ii-leaguemlgpcrtssouth-koreaStarcraft-2tournamentTue, 10 Aug 2010 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[First playable Halo 3: ODST appearing at MLG Dallas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/first-playable-halo-3-odst-appearing-at-mlg-dallas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/first-playable-halo-3-odst-appearing-at-mlg-dallas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/10/first-playable-halo-3-odst-appearing-at-mlg-dallas/#comments
Sure, you could be heading to the Dallas MLG event to watch MTV True Life vet Tsquared play Halo 3, but we know why you're really going. It's for all that Halo 3: ODST Firefight Mode action that Bungie is publicly premiering at the event in late August, isn't it?

The asking price is a bit steep at $20 if you weren't already heading over, but hardcore Halo fans (like ourselves) wouldn't want to miss any opportunity to play ODST three weeks before its release. That being said, we've already begun fashioning a cat helmet-based holder for our collector's edition controllers, so, you know, take our advice with a grain or two of salt on this one.

JoystiqFirst playable Halo 3: ODST appearing at MLG Dallas originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiedallasfirefight-modehalohalo-3halo-3-odstmicrosoftmlgodsttsquaredXbox-360Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Resistance 2 tournament begins next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/official-resistance-2-tournament-begins-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/official-resistance-2-tournament-begins-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/official-resistance-2-tournament-begins-next-week/#commentsFiled under:

Think you're a R2 hot shot? Well, now's the time to prove your worth. Major League gaming and PlayStation have teamed up to present a $50,000 R2 Ladder. Some of the best players from all over the country will face off online, and the top 64 teams (256 players total) will win cash and prizes. The first place team will win $9,000 -- not a bad chunk of change for playing a video game, right?

Registration opens next week, on December 22nd. The competition is only open to US residents 17 years of age or older. To find out more, visit GameBattles.

JoystiqOfficial Resistance 2 tournament begins next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>major-league-gamingmlgresistanceresistance-2tournamentThu, 18 Dec 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[R.I.P. Championship Gaming Series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/r-i-p-championship-gaming-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/r-i-p-championship-gaming-series/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/r-i-p-championship-gaming-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Championship Gaming Series announced today it's calling it quits after realizing that "profitability was too far in the future." The organization has a farewell letter on its site stating the concept was "an idea whose time came too early." Clearly, gamers would rather play than watch others do it on TV.

The big "game over" for the CGS follows the death of the Cyberathlete Professional League earlier this year. Guess that leaves Major League Gaming as the last (relevant) corporate-sponsored group standing?

JoystiqR.I.P. Championship Gaming Series originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cgschampionship-gaming-seriescplcyberathlete-professional-leaguemlgTue, 18 Nov 2008 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Parents let child drop out of school to play Guitar Hero]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/parents-let-child-drop-out-of-school-to-play-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/parents-let-child-drop-out-of-school-to-play-guitar-hero/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/parents-let-child-drop-out-of-school-to-play-guitar-hero/#commentsFiled under:

Sure, the story of a rocker dropping out of school in order to pursue a career in, uh, rocking, is one we've heard told plenty of times. Famous musicians have admitted to dropping out, including Bruce Springsteen and Mick Jagger. It comes with the territory, we suppose. And now, it would seem, the lifestyle is being attributed to fake rockers, thanks to the parents of one Guitar Hero player.

Blake Peebles is a 16 year old kid from Raleigh, North Carolina. Having done well in local tournaments, his parents are apparently fine with him quitting school. That's not to say he's without any education, as his parents pay for private tutors. With so few professional gamers out there that make enough money to live comfortably on, some would say it's a big gamble to let junior quit school to concentrate on gaming like this. But hey, what do we know? We're only lowly bloggers, after all.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqParents let child drop out of school to play Guitar Hero originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blake-peeblesdrop-outguitar-heromlgmusicprofessional-gamingrhythmMon, 18 Aug 2008 13:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Halo 3's Cold Storage in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/video-halo-3s-cold-storage-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/video-halo-3s-cold-storage-in-action/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/video-halo-3s-cold-storage-in-action/#commentsFiled under: ,


As you're well aware, with Bungie's surprise Halo 3 Cold Storage reveal at MLG San Diego we only received a few not so clear off-screen pictures of the new map being played at the event. Not the best look at Bungie's latest Halo 3 multiplayer map masterpiece, but we had to deal. Well, thanks to a helpful MLG attendee, we now have video footage of Cold Storage being played and even though it's off-screen footage like the photos, it's a video and that means it's six times better. And to be honest, we aren't all that familiar with Cold Storage's inspiration Chill Out, so we can't garner an opinion just yet. But we do like the blue teleporters. They seem very chill.

JoystiqVideo: Halo 3's Cold Storage in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioshalo-3mlgMon, 16 Jun 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[MLG event reveals new Halo 3 multiplayer map: Cold Storage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/mlg-event-reveals-new-halo-3-multiplayer-map-cold-storage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/mlg-event-reveals-new-halo-3-multiplayer-map-cold-storage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/mlg-event-reveals-new-halo-3-multiplayer-map-cold-storage/#commentsFiled under: ,


Attendees of a recent Major League Gaming event in San Diego were rewarded for their ability to watch other people play video games for eight hours with a visit from Bungie figureheads Shishka and Lukems, who gave the glassy-eyed viewers a sneak peek at their newest multiplayer map for Halo 3, named "Cold Storage". This new map is apparently set in the back room of a Cold Stone Creamery, as part of Bungie's recent partnership with the highly successful, treatweaving corporation.

Actually, the map closely resembles a level from Halo the first, titled "Chill Out". It was one of the game's more unique maps, due to it's smaller size and asymmetry -- though how those aspects will carry over into the remake has yet to be revealed, as Bungie has yet to "formally" announce said map. Apparently, speaking to a roomful of professional video game spectators doesn't count as a formal social engagement. Who'd have thunk it?

JoystiqMLG event reveals new Halo 3 multiplayer map: Cold Storage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiechill-outcold-storagedlcfpshalo-3Halo3majorleaguegamingmapsmlgmultiplayerXbox-360Sun, 15 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MLG debuts newest Halo 3 map 'Cold Storage']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/mlg-debuts-newest-halo-3-map-cold-storage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/mlg-debuts-newest-halo-3-map-cold-storage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/mlg-debuts-newest-halo-3-map-cold-storage/#commentsFiled under:

In a very ninja-like and surprising move, team Bungie decided to use this weekend's MLG San Diego event to debut one of their work-in-progress Halo 3 multiplayer maps called Cold Storage.

Bungie's own Lukems and Shishka unveiled the new map yesterday and let MLG San Diego attendees watch a few MLG Pros duke it out in the chilly new map. Of course, details are super duper scarce seeing that Bungie hasn't formally announced Cold Storage outside of the MLG event, but we do know one major piece of info about the map. We know that Halo 3's Cold Storage is a pretty strict remake of one of Halo: CE's most popular close quarters maps Chill Out. Crazy huh? And to keep your new Halo 3 map salivaters salivating, you can jump over to MLG.com to view a few off-screen pictures of Cold Storage in all its awesomeness. Now we wait for more Bungie approved details ...

[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqMLG debuts newest Halo 3 map 'Cold Storage' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 01:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studiosh3halo-3mlgmlg-proSun, 15 Jun 2008 01:05:00 EST<![CDATA[H3 Blackout to premiere at MLG Meadowlands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/h3-blackout-to-premiere-at-mlg-meadowlands/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/h3-blackout-to-premiere-at-mlg-meadowlands/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/h3-blackout-to-premiere-at-mlg-meadowlands/#commentsFiled under:

If you just can't wait to get your eyes, ears and hands on Halo 3's upcoming Legendary Map Pack and will be in town for MLG's Meadowlands tournament this weekend, then Bungie has a wee little surprise for you. Attendees of MLG Meadowlands will have a chance to experience multiplayer map (and Lockout remake) Blackout, including a pro player exhibition and general free play for whoever can fight for a controller. The Blackout fun begins this Saturday, April 12th at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, NJ, so stop by, play Blackout days before its release and have fun. Oh, and if you can attend, be sure to grab a few pics and send them our way.

[Via HBO]

JoystiqH3 Blackout to premiere at MLG Meadowlands originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioshalo-3legendary-map-packmlgWed, 09 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super l33t MLG playlist added to Halo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/super-l33t-mlg-playlist-added-to-halo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/super-l33t-mlg-playlist-added-to-halo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/super-l33t-mlg-playlist-added-to-halo-3/#commentsFiled under:

Luke just informed us that the brand new (Team Hardcore replacing) Halo 3 MLG matchmaking playlist is officially live and ready to go. In a nutshell, the MLG playlist will incorporate a bunch of gametypes where players will see certain weapons removed, certain power-ups replaced, all equipment discarded, shields tweaked and speed increased all in an effort to make your Halo 3 experience more teamwork driven and skill-based. In other words, more MLG'ish. If you're a stickler for details, you can read all the MLG playlist specifics over at MLGPro.com. Now run forth, jump into the MLG playlist, test your team skills and try to become the l33t MLG player you've always wanted to be.

JoystiqSuper l33t MLG playlist added to Halo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioshalo-3mlgTue, 01 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3's Team Hardcore being rebranded as MLG playlist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/halo-3s-team-hardcore-being-rebranded-as-mlg-playlist/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/halo-3s-team-hardcore-being-rebranded-as-mlg-playlist/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/halo-3s-team-hardcore-being-rebranded-as-mlg-playlist/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Major League Gaming (MLG) announced that Halo 3's Team Hardcore playlist is being rebranded as the MLG Playlist. The change will become effective in the April update and more details are to follow on what this exactly means.

According to MLG, they've helped develop game types that ensure fair competition and emphasize skill. Bungie will incorporate these settings in the new playlists. MLG also states that it will produce a series called "Get Better Fast" to familiarize players with strategies and tactics used by MLG pros. At least this puts the competitive whiners men of stature in one place. Now, Bungie, can we please get a post-puberty non-racist/homophobic/dumb-trash-talk playlist?

[Via X3F]

JoystiqHalo 3's Team Hardcore being rebranded as MLG playlist originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalo-3halo3mlgmlg-playlistmlgplaylistteam-hardcoreXbox-360Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie to add MLG Playlist to Halo 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/bungie-to-add-mlg-playlist-to-halo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/bungie-to-add-mlg-playlist-to-halo-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/bungie-to-add-mlg-playlist-to-halo-3/#commentsFiled under: ,

After years of griping, whining and hand-wringing, the competitive sub section of the Halo 3 community is getting what it wants. When the April Halo 3 Playlist Update hit's it will include a change from the old-standby, Team Hardcore, to an actual MLG Playlist. There is so far no word on the exact changes, or what weight game-types will have in the hoppers, or even which MLG game-types will be in. While not much is really known, this is big news for both the organization and the game, and we can't help but wonder if this is part of the effort to increase the player base again. Still, MLG.com promises more info soon and we'll bet that this week's Bungie Weekly What's Update will include some info as well. Bring it on, we say.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqBungie to add MLG Playlist to Halo 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalo-3microsoftmlgThu, 13 Mar 2008 07:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dr Pepper becomes official drink of Major League Gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/dr-pepper-becomes-official-drink-of-major-league-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/dr-pepper-becomes-official-drink-of-major-league-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/dr-pepper-becomes-official-drink-of-major-league-gaming/#commentsFiled under:


Although it's taken for granted that Mountain Dew is the major brand soda staking claim to the gamer demographic, Dr Pepper announced today it is the official beverage of the 2008 Major League Gaming Pro Circuit. The deal is a "cross-platform partnership" which includes a "Dr Pepper Ultimate Gaming House" at MLG events and a co-branded online collegiate gaming championship.

The Dr Pepper gaming house (an elaborate tent-like facility) will be present at every MLG event and includes various rooms "designed by premier gaming publishers" sporting the latest in gaming equipment. The house will also host pro-gamers and "high-profile entertainment and sports celebrities" to play against -- according to the press release -- "Dr Pepper fans." Do you have to bring a stack of Dr Pepper UPCs to prove allegiance or something?

The online collegiate gaming championship will identify the best college gamers (via migpro.com) in the country and they'll vie for an award of their own and a chance to attend the MLG Championship. If Dr Pepper gets traction off this deal we're expecting Team Fortress 2, CoD4 or Counter-Strike branded soda cans.

JoystiqDr Pepper becomes official drink of Major League Gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dr-pepperdrpeppermajor-league-gamingmlgTue, 26 Feb 2008 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rainbow Six Vegas 2 shoots up MLG inspired map]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/rainbow-six-vegas-2-shoots-up-mlg-inspired-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/rainbow-six-vegas-2-shoots-up-mlg-inspired-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/25/rainbow-six-vegas-2-shoots-up-mlg-inspired-map/#commentsFiled under:


Today Major League Gaming (MLG), the professional videogame league, announced that it would be collaborating with Ubisoft on the development of the upcoming Rainbow Six Vegas 2. R6V2, which marks the 10th Anniversary of the Rainbow Six franchise, features an "MLG Map" which depicts an MLG event at the Las Vegas Convention Center. MLG and Ubi Soft worked closely on the development of the map which was designed with competitive gaming in mind, wonder why that is.

With news of the new map comes word that MLG will include Rainbow Six Vegas 2 in its 2008 Pro Circuit, including a special release event for the game in April. The MLG Pro Circuit 2008 kicks off on April 11 and will be covered by ESPN.com. Hopefully that means we'll be able to catch reruns of the event on ESPN 8: The Ocho.

Gallery: Rainbow Six Vegas 2 - MLG Map

JoystiqRainbow Six Vegas 2 shoots up MLG inspired map originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>in-game-advertisingmajor-league-gamingmlgrainbow-sixrainbow-six-vegas-2ubi-softubi-soft-montrealMon, 25 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESPN and Major League Gaming team up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/espn-and-major-league-gaming-team-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/espn-and-major-league-gaming-team-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/espn-and-major-league-gaming-team-up/#commentsFiled under:


The good folks at ESPN identified a huge, glaring hole in their programming lineup - namely that gamers are too busy playing games - and have made moves to fill it, announcing a "content agreement" with Major League Gaming. The following marketing dream scenario describes our general lack of appreciation for major league gaming, in all its forms: when you're not playing games, what better way to spend your time than watching other people play them?

With ESPN's marketing muscle and proven sports coverage formula, maybe MLG has a chance to appeal to a larger audience and, in turn, reel those advertisers in. If you're not sure this is something you'd be interested in, check out ESPN's newly launched MLG portal (with additional content from 1UP.com) by clicking on that "Read: link. If you think it sounds like a product in search of an audience, that makes all of us.

JoystiqESPN and Major League Gaming team up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ESPNMLGMon, 14 Jan 2008 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Win Halo 3 machinima contest and be an MLG VIP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/win-halo-3-machinima-contest-and-be-an-mlg-vip/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/win-halo-3-machinima-contest-and-be-an-mlg-vip/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/20/win-halo-3-machinima-contest-and-be-an-mlg-vip/#commentsFiled under: ,

We may be just a bit late on this one, but If machinma creation and Halo 3 runs through your veins like an icy cold IV then boy oh boy do we have a contest for you. But, you'll have to hurry.

Microsoft and Ziddio have teamed up (with MLG) for the Halo 3: A Call to Arms machinima contest. They're looking for the most interesting, exciting, pwntacular Halo 3 machinima / video and are more than willing to dish out the goods. Prizes including a 50" HDTV, Halo 3 Xbox 360 and a special VIP trip to the first MLG 2008 event. So, be creative, be quick, send in your video by December 19th and maybe you'll get lucky enough to win. We hear that VIPs at MLG get to sit in the trash talking section ... oh joy!

[Via Xbox.com]

JoystiqWin Halo 3 machinima contest and be an MLG VIP originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioshalo3machinimamlgTue, 20 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free and Premium MLG content on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/free-and-premium-mlg-content-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/free-and-premium-mlg-content-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/free-and-premium-mlg-content-on-xblm/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Xbox Live Marketplace has a couple of videos and a Gamer picture pack from MLG, or Major League Gaming. The pack costs 80 MS Points and the videos are free. One video is sort of an introduction into the world of competitive gaming, while the other sort follows around one of the top tier players, Walshy, and is a lot meatier than the former. The video follows him around and gives insight into the life of a "professional gamer", and does a good job of representing those who compete. To say the least, he makes a bunch of really cool t-shirt designs. Definitely worth a watch, if you're interested in seeing what MLG is all about.

JoystiqFree and Premium MLG content on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Live MarketplaceLiveMarketplaceM L GMajor League GamingMajorLeagueGamingMarket PlaceMarketPlaceMLGWalshyX B L MXBLMXbox Live MarketplaceXboxLiveMarketplaceFri, 22 Jun 2007 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[MLG adds Gears of War to the 2007 season]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/19/mlg-adds-gears-of-war-to-the-2007-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/19/mlg-adds-gears-of-war-to-the-2007-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/19/mlg-adds-gears-of-war-to-the-2007-season/#commentsFiled under: ,


In an unexpected announcement, Major League Gaming has added Xbox 360 hit Gears of War to its 2007 season, starting with June's event held at the Meadowlands. For the rest of MLG's 2007 season, Gears 4v4 tournaments will be held at every event with the total prize payouts reaching $140,000 and the finals awarding $25,000 to the team who topples the competition. If interested in competing, be sure to head over to MLG's website to register for events and to get all the details. Who knows, maybe you could be the next "big thing" in gaming.

[Via Amped eSports]

JoystiqMLG adds Gears of War to the 2007 season originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 May 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicgearsgears of warGearsOfWargowmajor league gamingMajorLeagueGamingmlgSat, 19 May 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Major League Gaming signs distribution deal with Flame Ventures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/major-league-gaming-signs-distribution-deal-with-flame-ventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/major-league-gaming-signs-distribution-deal-with-flame-ventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/21/major-league-gaming-signs-distribution-deal-with-flame-ventures/#commentsFiled under: , ,

highlights on sportscenter?Major League Gaming has stepped up its efforts to gain mainstream media coverage, inking a deal with media development and production company Flame Ventures. The partnership is expected to expand the reach of MLG programming, bringing more competitive gaming events to television and mobile video. Could MLG be the next World Series of Poker? Place your bets.

See also:

JoystiqMajor League Gaming signs distribution deal with Flame Ventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 05:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EndeavorFlame VenturesFlameVenturesMajor League GamingMajorLeagueGamingMLGMobileTelevisionTVWed, 21 Feb 2007 05:25:00 EST<![CDATA[MLG signs gaming pros, shells out $1.75 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/mlg-signs-gaming-pros-shells-out-1-75-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/mlg-signs-gaming-pros-shells-out-1-75-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/mlg-signs-gaming-pros-shells-out-1-75-million/#commentsFiled under:

The little gaming league that could, Major League Gaming (MLG) sent word that they've signed seven more professional gamers today. Halo 2 teams Carbon and the rest of Str8 Rippin (Tsquared, the fourth member, was signed back in June) all were granted professional status getting paid a big ole sum of $250,000 each. As of now MLG has signed three entire teams of four; Final Boss, Str8 Rippin and Carbon to long term contracts totaling $3 million. And now fellow fanboys is the time when we all wallow in self pity wishing we had mad Halo 2 skills. Damn you sniper rifle and those team strategies!

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqMLG signs gaming pros, shells out $1.75 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbonfinal bossFinalBosshalohalo 2Halo2major league gamingMajorLeagueGamingmlgstr8 rippinStr8RippintsquaredMon, 18 Dec 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Major League Gaming drops $1.75 million to sign more pros]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/major-league-gaming-drops-1-75-million-to-sign-more-pros/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/major-league-gaming-drops-1-75-million-to-sign-more-pros/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/18/major-league-gaming-drops-1-75-million-to-sign-more-pros/#commentsFiled under: ,

a league of their ownMajor League Gaming has secured team Carbon, the four-man national Halo 2 champion, with a $1 million group contract, and signed additional $250,000 deals with three members of team Str8 Rippin. Having signed similar contracts with team Final Boss and Str8 Rippin captain Tom Taylor back in June, MLG now has exclusive rights to three of the nation's top l33t pro-gaming teams.

You can currently watch these fine young lads do battle on USA Network's coverage of the 2006 Boost Mobile MLG Pro Circuit on Saturday mornings.

[Thanks, Raymond]

JoystiqMajor League Gaming drops $1.75 million to sign more pros originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CarbonContractHalo 2Halo2Major League GamingMajorLeagueGamingMLGProProfessionalStr8 RippinStr8RippinMon, 18 Dec 2006 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[MLG goes FTW on USA TV [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/mlg-goes-ftw-on-usa-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/mlg-goes-ftw-on-usa-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/mlg-goes-ftw-on-usa-tv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

[Update: Commenter Ben found a second part of the preview, which interviews pro gamer Walshy and shows some more in game action. Part 2 is now also embedded below Thanks Ben.]

Months ago, when Major League Gaming and the USA cable network announced plans to air seven hour-long programs on the MLG national tour, we begged the powers-that-be at the network to "please keep the cheese factor low." It looks like somebody up there was listening, because a new five-minute trailer for the program is low on cheese and high on production values.

From the quick-paced jump cuts to the well-placed crowd shots and the respectful interviews with the gamers themselves, most everything in the trailer shows that this is a well thought-out, professional production and not some fly-by-night "Xtreme Gamerz" marketing stunt. The introduction strikes a good balance in being informative without being condescending, making the audience care about the players and the competition without forcing some manufactured personalities down our throats. Our only major concern is the announcers and commentators, some of whom still seem a little uncomfortable on camera, but this will likely improve as the season continues.

Despite the slick production, it still remains to be seen whether U.S. gamers will want to watch Halo 2 instead of playing it themselves. We'll find out when MLG on USA premieres at 10 a.m. (EST/PST) on Nov. 11.

Continue reading MLG goes FTW on USA TV [update 1]

JoystiqMLG goes FTW on USA TV [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HaloHalo 2Halo2MLGpro gamingprofessionalProGamingTVUSAXboxXbox-360Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 2 team signs million-dollar deal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/21/halo-2-team-signs-million-dollar-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/21/halo-2-team-signs-million-dollar-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/21/halo-2-team-signs-million-dollar-deal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

And mom said we'd never get anywhere with these games. Gamasutra is reporting that Major League Gaming has just signed the United States' top Halo 2 team -- Final Boss -- for 1 million dollars (cue Dr. Evil). The cash happy organization also signed MTV True Life stud Tsquared to an exclusive contract worth $250,000. According to one of the now filthy rich pro gamers: "It's a huge honor to be part of the first gaming team to get this kind of money," said David "Walshy" Walsh. "This kind of contract just shows how serious MLG is about building the League. Three years ago I never could have imagined that I'd be making more money than my parents playing video games!"

This is actually pretty big news. It seems like it won't be much longer before we start to see competitive video gaming as a major TV event or big name players starting to be mentioned in the same breath as today's other sports stars. Our little video game baby seems to have all growns up.

JoystiqHalo 2 team signs million-dollar deal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Final BossFinalBossHalo 2Halo2Major League GamingMajorLeagueGamingMLGTsquaredXboxWed, 21 Jun 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CPL cancellation "a step backwards"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/26/cpl-cancellation-a-step-backwards/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/26/cpl-cancellation-a-step-backwards/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/26/cpl-cancellation-a-step-backwards/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The BBC reports on the disappearance of the CPL World Tour from an international perspective. With budding British pro gamers having pinned their hopes on the event -- one even giving up a tennis career -- the cancellation comes as quite a blow. Teams that have trained on specific games, maps and rulesets have work ahead to retrain for other events.

Philip Wride, manager of Intel-sponsored clan 4Kings, described the move as "a step backwards" for pro gaming. While there are still tournaments in Europe, the UK is left with just a few LAN tournaments that concentrate on fun rather than professional prize money. However, for gamers willing to travel, there is still a substantial amount of cash available to those who play well -- the World Series of Video Games, World Cyber Games and e-Sports World Cup all offer the chance to triumph.

JoystiqCPL cancellation "a step backwards" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbccompetitive gamingCompetitiveGamingcplesportshuman interestHumanInterestmlgpro gamingProGamingukWed, 26 Apr 2006 10:56:00 EST<![CDATA[MLG and USA Network to air game tourneys]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/17/mlg-and-usa-network-to-air-game-tourneys/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/17/mlg-and-usa-network-to-air-game-tourneys/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/17/mlg-and-usa-network-to-air-game-tourneys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Major League Gaming and NBC subsidiary USA Network have signed a deal to air MLG tournaments on cable TV this year, The Wall Street Journal reported this morning.

The deal will result in a "a series of seven, hour-long shows" (to air on Saturday mornings this fall) featuring competitions between gamers in games ranging from Halo 2 to Super Smash Bros. Melee, the Journal reports.

This is great news for competitive gaming. If the show can bring in an audience, next year may bring even more televised competitions between gamers. On behalf of the emerging sport of professional video gaming, we beg the powers that be not to totally screw up the genre's big debut in front of a national audience. Please keep the cheese factor low.

JoystiqMLG and USA Network to air game tourneys originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Apr 2006 01:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitive video gamingesportsMacmlgPCPS3WiiXbox-360Mon, 17 Apr 2006 01:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Changes afoot in pro gaming leagues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/24/changes-afoot-in-pro-gaming-leagues/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/24/changes-afoot-in-pro-gaming-leagues/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/24/changes-afoot-in-pro-gaming-leagues/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's all go on the pro gaming scene this week, with two announcements from different leagues revealing what's in store for professional gamers and wannabes.

Firstly, the company behind the MLG console league, Major League Gaming, Inc., announced it had secured first-round venture capital funding to the tune of $10 million--the console side of pro gaming sees fewer competitors than PC gaming, and this funding will help MLG's goal of becoming a serious sports circuit.

Over at the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL), however, a partnership is on the cards. This year's CPL World Tour has been cancelled; instead, MLG are teaming up with Games Media Properties to offer a World Series of Video Games. The prize money for the CPL Summer tournament has been halved as a result, and CPL's Angel Munoz hints at a stronger console focus than we've previously seen.

The common thread behind both of these announcements is a shift towards more credibility, more television focus and more console gaming--pro gaming is maturing into a sport in its own right.

JoystiqChanges afoot in pro gaming leagues originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cplcyberathletese-sportsmlgPCpro gamingProGamingwsvgXboxFri, 24 Feb 2006 18:00:00 EST