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[Dota 2's The International tournament will return August 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/dota-2s-the-international-tournament-will-return-august-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/dota-2s-the-international-tournament-will-return-august-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/dota-2s-the-international-tournament-will-return-august-7/#comments Dota 2's The International tournament will return August 7The Dota 2 tournament called "The International" is set to return for a third round this year, with two different qualifiers leading up to a championship on August 7. The West Qualifier will run May 13-19, and be hosted by eSports outfit GDStudio, and the East Qualifier, hosted by BeyondtheSummit, will go from May 20-26.

Those two qualifier winners will be joined by last year's winners from Invictus Gaming, twelve other contenders, and a special Wild Card contender, to be determined from the qualifier runner-ups right before the final showdown.

The contest itself will take place at Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA, and all of the matches will be broadcast online to watch for free. No official prizes have been announced yet, but traditionally The International boasts a $1 million payout for the winner, so the stakes will undoubtedly be high.

JoystiqDota 2's The International tournament will return August 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augustcontestdota-2invictus-gamingpcqualifiersseattlethe-internationaltournamentvalvewinnersFri, 26 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Call of Duty Championship starts today, watch on Xbox Live and a bunch of other places]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/call-of-duty-championship-starts-today-watch-on-xbox-live-and-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/call-of-duty-championship-starts-today-watch-on-xbox-live-and-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/call-of-duty-championship-starts-today-watch-on-xbox-live-and-a/#comments
The $1 million prize purse is officially up for grabs starting today with the kick-off of the Call of Duty Championship series. The championship takes place over this weekend in Hollywood, CA, with aspiring millionaires (not after taxes!) throwing down in Call of Duty: Black Ops 2.

Thirty-two total teams will compete over the course of the weekend with the festivities being broadcast over Xbox Live, which is also sponsoring the event. Players can also watch the tournament via Xbox.com, through Call of Duty Elite, Twitch, Gamespot and the Call of Duty Facebook page. The final championship event is scheduled for Sunday, April 7, at 6pm ET.

Continue reading Call of Duty Championship starts today, watch on Xbox Live and a bunch of other places

JoystiqCall of Duty Championship starts today, watch on Xbox Live and a bunch of other places originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-black-ops-2call-of-duty-championshipmicrosofttournamenttreyarchxboxFri, 05 Apr 2013 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rock Band Blitz hosting tournaments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/rock-band-blitz-hosting-tournaments/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/rock-band-blitz-hosting-tournaments/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/rock-band-blitz-hosting-tournaments/#comments Rock Band Blitz hosting tournamentsProve you're the best at manipulating Rock Band Blitz's power-up combinations, by competing in a new series of weekly tournaments. Harmonix has added the option to enable tournaments on the Rock Band World Facebook page, after which you'll be able to play the three tournaments hosted every week.

Each tournament focuses on a single song, and allows you to replay the song as often as you want within that week to get a high score. If you have the highest score or the second-highest, or you're one of three random winners selected for each song, you get "free DLC and other great prizes!"

The tournaments continue through March 13. This week's eclectic challenges: "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me," "Charlene (I'm Right Behind You)" and "Shout."

JoystiqRock Band Blitz hosting tournaments originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftplaystationps3rock-band-blitztournamentxboxFri, 04 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Real-life Elite Four coming to Pokemon Black and White 2 November 19]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/18/real-life-elite-four-coming-to-pokemon-black-and-white-2-novembe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/18/real-life-elite-four-coming-to-pokemon-black-and-white-2-novembe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/18/real-life-elite-four-coming-to-pokemon-black-and-white-2-novembe/#comments Starting tomorrow, players can take on the top four finalists of all three divisions from the 2012 Pokemon World Championships in Pokemon Black and White 2. While the Junior and Senior Division challenges have been available for some time in the game, Monday's inclusion of the top four from the Masters Division Challenge will round out the special challenge event.

Players can battle the 12 total championship teams by progressing to the Pokemon World Tournament located in Driftveil City in the game. The full list of the teams and their Pokemon lineups can be seen after the break.

Continue reading Real-life Elite Four coming to Pokemon Black and White 2 November 19

JoystiqReal-life Elite Four coming to Pokemon Black and White 2 November 19 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsnintendoPokemonpokemon-black-2-white-2pokemon-black-version-2pokemon-white-version-2pokemon-world-championshipstournamentSun, 18 Nov 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Major League Gaming holding a pre-release Halo 4 tournament in Dallas, TX]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/major-league-gaming-holding-a-pre-release-halo-4-tournament-in-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/major-league-gaming-holding-a-pre-release-halo-4-tournament-in-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/major-league-gaming-holding-a-pre-release-halo-4-tournament-in-d/#comments Major League Gaming holding a prerelease Halo 4 tournament in Dallas, TXMajor League Gaming is going to hold a pre-release Halo 4 tournament at its Fall Championship, coming up soon in Dallas, Texas. Halo 4 doesn't arrive until November 6, but if you're in the Dallas area you can challenge other players in a series of 4v4 matches, all for a prize pool of over $40,000.

The tournament will start up on November 2 at 5pm central time, and then be streamed live on MLG's website all weekend long, leading up to the final match on Sunday evening at 4:45. All the while, commentators Dave "Walshy" Walsh and Andy "Bravo" Dudynsky will provide insight on the game and its players, and even if you're at home you'll get to see a whole lot of Halo 4 multiplayer. It's just the thing to have your Battle Rifle, Magnum and Needler all primed and ready when the game comes out the following Tuesday.

JoystiqMajor League Gaming holding a pre-release Halo 4 tournament in Dallas, TX originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dallashalo-4halo-4-tournamentmajor-league-gamingmicrosofttournamentxboxThu, 27 Sep 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter masters to battle in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/street-fighter-masters-to-battle-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/street-fighter-masters-to-battle-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/17/street-fighter-masters-to-battle-in-europe/#comments Street Fighter 25th Anniversary World Series Tournament coming to EuropeDo you live in Europe? Are you a confident and skilled Street Fighter player? If not, can you meet both of those conditions in short order? Then you can start qualifying for the official Masters Series Europe, a championship tournament that will find the continent's best Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition ver. 2012, Street Fighter X Tekken, Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike Online Edition, and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix players.

The finals of the MSE will take place from October 31 through November 4. Winners will then face the world's best in the World Finals in December. These people probably know how to do all the special moves, so watch out.

Continue reading Street Fighter masters to battle in Europe

JoystiqStreet Fighter masters to battle in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftpcplaystationps3street-fighterstreet-fighter-x-tekkentournamentxboxMon, 17 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncharted 3's v1.13 update adds tournaments, micro-transactions, more Drake dress-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/uncharted-3s-v1-13-update-adds-tournaments-micro-transactions/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/uncharted-3s-v1-13-update-adds-tournaments-micro-transactions/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/uncharted-3s-v1-13-update-adds-tournaments-micro-transactions/#comments Uncharted 3 patched
You know that new content Naughty Dog teased? Well, aside from the usual balance fixes that come with a game patch, the 1.13 update for Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception installs a pipeline for weekly DLC updates to the multiplayer side. Each week will bring a new flood of items and other goodies, either unlockable in-game by leveling up and completing certain actions, or purchased directly through the game with micro-transactions.

There's also a new Sniper/Pistole game type for online matches, and a Tournament feature where players will be gifted 10 tickets each week that can be used to participate in special tournaments - don't worry, if you run out of tickets, you can always purchase more with real-life cash.

Naughty Dog released a pair of video overviews showcasing this new content - one above the text here, the other just past the break.

Continue reading Uncharted 3's v1.13 update adds tournaments, micro-transactions, more Drake dress-up

JoystiqUncharted 3's v1.13 update adds tournaments, micro-transactions, more Drake dress-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.13-updatemicro-transactionsnaughty-dogpatchplaystationps3psntournamenttournamentsuncharted-3uncharted-3-drakes-deceptionupdateTue, 07 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall tournament to be held at Gamescom, sponsored by ESL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/firefall-tournament-to-be-held-at-gamescom-sponsored-by-esl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/firefall-tournament-to-be-held-at-gamescom-sponsored-by-esl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/firefall-tournament-to-be-held-at-gamescom-sponsored-by-esl/#comments Firefall tournament to be held at Gamescom, sponsored by ESLRed 5 Studios will be holding a Firefall beta tournament at Gamescom next week, so if you're in the neighborhood you could jump in and play in the ESL-sponsored tournament for a total of £10,000 in winnings.

Qualifying matches will be held on Thursday and Friday, August 16 and 17, after which semi-finals and finals will be held on Saturday with a final 5v5 Team Deathmatch. Players will be able to register on Red 5's own website, so stay tuned for that.

Red 5 just recently hit 500,000 registered beta users, so it can't be long now until we see an open beta and a full public release for the long-awaited free-to-play shooter.

JoystiqFirefall tournament to be held at Gamescom, sponsored by ESL originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaelectronic-sports-leagueeslfirefallfree-to-playgamescompcred-5-studiostournamentTue, 07 Aug 2012 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tournament play coming to XBL with new app]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/tournament-play-coming-to-xbl-with-new-app/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/tournament-play-coming-to-xbl-with-new-app/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/tournament-play-coming-to-xbl-with-new-app/#comments Virgin GamingVirgin Gaming's occasional prize-dispensing video game tournaments are setting up shop in your house, through an upcoming Xbox Live app designed to integrate skill-based tournaments into home games.

The new "Xbox Live Tournament Service" will offer a variety of tournaments, both free and paid entry, for Xbox games (exclusive to XBL Gold). Users will also be able to track progress in ongoing tournaments. No specific game announcements were made - though Microsoft and Virgin assure users it'll include "their favorite games" and the service is due to launch later in 2012.

Continue reading Tournament play coming to XBL with new app

JoystiqTournament play coming to XBL with new app originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012microsofttournamentvirgin-gamingxboxxbox-live-tournament-serviceMon, 04 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco summons the eight best SoulCalibur 5 players for World Championship]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/namco-summons-the-eight-best-soulcalibur-5-players-for-world-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/namco-summons-the-eight-best-soulcalibur-5-players-for-world-cha/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/namco-summons-the-eight-best-soulcalibur-5-players-for-world-cha/#comments Are you one of the eight best SoulCalibur 5 players in the world? Then you already know about Namco Bandai's World Championship event, because you've been invited to it. For everyone else: Namco Bandai has gathered the eight best players from around the world, and will have them compete in Las Vegas on April 10 for a $10,000 prize pool.

If you want to see the absolute highest-level SC5 play, and how it differs from your constant attempts to ring out your friends, you'll be able to watch a stream brought to you by Team Spooky. Check Facebook for more details on how you can go see the event -- it appears some kind of party bus is involved.

JoystiqNamco summons the eight best SoulCalibur 5 players for World Championship originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnamco-bandaiplaystationps3soulcalibur-5soulcalibur-vtournamentxboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's what you'll be fighting over at Evo 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/heres-what-youll-be-fighting-over-at-evo-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/heres-what-youll-be-fighting-over-at-evo-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/heres-what-youll-be-fighting-over-at-evo-2012/#comments The organizers of the Evo fighting game tournament series have revealed this year's lineup of games, allowing you to start practicing now! Ideally, you'd have been playing a bunch of fighters already, but now you have a better idea of which ones you should be obsessively replaying. The roster includes Street Fighter X Tekken, Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition Ver. 2012, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Soulcalibur 5, King of Fighters 13, and Mortal Kombat. Admittedly, you'll have a harder time getting practice in on a couple of those right now.

The locations and dates for this year's events were also announced, with tournaments scheduled for all over the world. Shoryuken has the full list of locations for fightstick-toting pilgrims. This year, there are more tournaments, "which means more chances to earn seeding points." In addition, you can earn those points from any of those games, making it easier to move on if you're not a Street Fighter or MvC3 player.

JoystiqHere's what you'll be fighting over at Evo 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoevo-2012fightingking-of-fighters-13microsoftplaystationps3soulcalibur-5street-fighter-x-tekkensuper-street-fighter-4-arcade-editiontournamentultimate-marvel-vs-capcom-3xboxWed, 04 Jan 2012 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Gaming hosting million-dollar EA Sports online tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/virgin-gaming-hosting-million-dollar-ea-sports-online-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/virgin-gaming-hosting-million-dollar-ea-sports-online-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/virgin-gaming-hosting-million-dollar-ea-sports-online-tournament/#comments If you're convinced that you're the best at virtual kicking, throwing, catching and running, Virgin Gaming and EA have teamed up to make your skillset into a profitable exercise. Well, potentially profitable -- the two are hosting an EA Sports online tournament for the PS3 versions of three titles: Players can compete for a $400k cash prize in both Madden NFL 12 and FIFA 12, and a $200k prize in NHL 12. Why half as much for the latter of the three? Simple: Hockey is way easier. (Please don't beat us up, hockey-people.)

Before you start chasing the dream of free money, you'll want to read the fine print -- to become one of 1,000 finalists (who must pay their own way to the finals in New York City), players must drop a $10 entry fee, then win six games in a row. If they break their six-game streak, they'll have to start all over, shelling out another $10 to enter again.

Of course, folks who are uncertain in their abilities can drop a cool $400, and automatically become one of the finalists. We suppose that's the ultimate sport: Having lots of money to begin with. Interested parties can read the full rules and enlist on the Virgin Gaming site -- just keep an eye out for, you know, fees.

JoystiqVirgin Gaming hosting million-dollar EA Sports online tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contesteaea-sportsmadden-nfl-12playstationps3tournamentvirginvirgin-gamingThu, 08 Dec 2011 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese BlazBlue tournament wants to humiliate US players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/japanese-blazblue-tournament-wants-to-humiliate-us-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/japanese-blazblue-tournament-wants-to-humiliate-us-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/26/japanese-blazblue-tournament-wants-to-humiliate-us-players/#comments
Aksys Games is hosting BlazBlue Revolution, the world's largest BlazBlue tournament, early next year in Japan, and it wants the best three-person team from the United States to be there, enough to offer them full airfare to Japan, complimentary hotel stay and a special monetary prize exclusive to the U.S. team if it wins. The U.S. tournament will be Feb. 25 in southern California, with the finals in Japan on March 24.

The BlazBlue Revolution prize is still "to be announced," but if the U.S. wins it will definitely get that special bonus prize -- emphasis on if. With all this hype to get a U.S. team to a Japanese tournament for a Japanese game, we think this may be a clever ploy to show us yanks just how terrible we truly are at motherland fighting games. We try, Japan. We try. If you're brave enough to compete (or if you want a free trip to Japan), read the details below and check the BlazBlue Revolution site on Dec. 17 for more information.

Continue reading Japanese BlazBlue tournament wants to humiliate US players

JoystiqJapanese BlazBlue tournament wants to humiliate US players originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Nov 2011 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blazblue-continuum-shift-extendBlazBlue-RevolutionJapanmicrosoftplaystationps3tournamentxboxSat, 26 Nov 2011 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Punchageddon: EVO 2012 comes back to Vegas July 6-8, 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/punchageddon-evo-2012-comes-back-to-vegas-july-6-8-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/punchageddon-evo-2012-comes-back-to-vegas-july-6-8-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/punchageddon-evo-2012-comes-back-to-vegas-july-6-8-2012/#comments
It only makes sense there'd be another EVO, right? Last year's tournament was watched by over two million people online, and 2012's main event tournament is looking to blow it up even bigger. EVO 2012 has been scheduled for July 6 through 8, and will once again take place at Caesar's Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

No participating games have been revealed, though Street Fighter X Tekken and Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition Ver. 2012 are likely candidates.

JoystiqPunchageddon: EVO 2012 comes back to Vegas July 6-8, 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoevo-2011evo-2012evo-2k12street-fighter-x-tekkentournamentMon, 17 Oct 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3 tournament offers $1.6 million next year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/battlefield-3-tournament-offers-1-6-million-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/battlefield-3-tournament-offers-1-6-million-next-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/battlefield-3-tournament-offers-1-6-million-next-year/#comments EA's poured millions into the development of Battlefield 3; what's another $1.6 million handed out to its players? In conjunction with the competition specialists at Virgin Gaming, EA is holding a "Battlefield 3 Worldwide Conquest Tournament" in early 2012.

Details are slim at the moment, but the competition will take place online, leading up to a live finale and the dispensation of said $1.6 million. For an idea of the scale of this, Virgin's Killzone 3 challenge had $40,000 at stake, and that was backed by shaving cream money. Thick, foamy shaving cream money.

Continue reading Battlefield 3 tournament offers $1.6 million next year

JoystiqBattlefield 3 tournament offers $1.6 million next year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3ea-diceelectronic-artsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3tournamentvirgin-gamingxboxTue, 27 Sep 2011 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[OpTic Gaming wins the $400,000 prize in the Call of Duty XP Million Dollar tourney]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/optic-gaming-wins-the-400-000-prize-in-the-call-of-duty-xp-mill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/optic-gaming-wins-the-400-000-prize-in-the-call-of-duty-xp-mill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/optic-gaming-wins-the-400-000-prize-in-the-call-of-duty-xp-mill/#comments The prizes have been passed out at the Call of Duty XP Million Dollar Tournament in Los Angeles, and the US' OpTic Gaming has taken home first prize, totalling a whopping $400,000. OpTic picked up the lead early in the round of final matches, capturing flags on the Dome map in the first game, and picking up and holding two out of three points in the two Domination maps on Resistance after that. The UK team Infinity caused some trouble in the Kill Confirmed round (after winning a tiebreaker Team Deathmatch to make the finals), but OpTic dug in for the final rounds in Search and Destroy to win the tourney. "No college debt -- that's how I feel, baby!" said one of OpTic's players right after the match.

Infinity is stuck with second prize, which is "only" $200,000. Almost a quarter of a million dollars for playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3? Still not a bad weekend. The other big winner at the conference was Call of Duty fan Brandy Miller, whose picture won a competition on Facebook, and allowed her to take home that brand new Call of Duty edition Jeep Wrangler.

Everybody else? They won a few bruises from the paintball court outside. And oh yeah -- everybody who paid the $150 for a ticket (the proceeds of which go to the Call of Duty Endowment) also picks up a Hardened Edition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Along, of course, with all the hearing damage of listening to gunfire and explosions all weekend long.

JoystiqOpTic Gaming wins the $400,000 prize in the Call of Duty XP Million Dollar tourney originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3call-of-duty-xpcall-of-duty-xp-2011microsoftmillion-dollarsmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3tournamentxboxSun, 04 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dota 2 beta registration now open]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/dota-2-beta-registration-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/dota-2-beta-registration-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/dota-2-beta-registration-now-open/#comments Dota 2 beta registration now open on Steam Valve has posted information about "The International" Dota 2 tournament going on at Gamescom this week, but a bunch of news about lucky Gamescom attendees playing the game isn't nearly as exciting as, you know, playing the game yourself. Along with the tourney schedule, Valve has opened up beta registration to the public for Dota 2. To sign up, all you need to do is head over to the Dota 2 page, sign into Steam and then click "Get on the List" to join.

Unfortunately, there's no information about just when the beta will be happening or even how players will be chosen to participate, but since there will likely be a lot of people watching the livestream from Gamescom this week, Valve is likely just grabbing names and Steam accounts of interested parties while it can. Here's hoping you get in and play - but not before we do.

JoystiqDota 2 beta registration now open originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadotadota-2gamescom-2011macpcregistrationthe-internationaltournamentvalveTue, 16 Aug 2011 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Gaming and EA Sports holding Madden tournament at GameStops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/virgin-gaming-and-ea-sports-holding-madden-tournament-at-gamesto/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/virgin-gaming-and-ea-sports-holding-madden-tournament-at-gamesto/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/04/virgin-gaming-and-ea-sports-holding-madden-tournament-at-gamesto/#comments Are you ready for some football? Virgin Gaming wants you and all your rowdy friends to come over to GameStop for some Madden NFL 12 tournaments. Registration for the "Battle of the Gridiron" event takes place from August 30 through September 18 for Madden pre-orderers and buyers, with the actual tournament happening from September 11 through October 16 in GameStop stores.

For your virtual athleticism, you could be one of four winners of a "VIP trip to LA" to compete in the Madden NFL Challenge Series final -- or one of four runners-up who get the same trip to go watch the final. That's kind of a backhanded prize.

Continue reading Virgin Gaming and EA Sports holding Madden tournament at GameStops

JoystiqVirgin Gaming and EA Sports holding Madden tournament at GameStops originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-sportsgamestopmadden-nfl-12microsoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonytournamentvirgin-gamingwiixboxThu, 04 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve to host 'The International' at Gamescom, a million-dollar Dota 2 tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/valve-to-host-the-international-at-gamescom-a-million-dollar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/valve-to-host-the-international-at-gamescom-a-million-dollar/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/01/valve-to-host-the-international-at-gamescom-a-million-dollar/#comments Selling virtual hats must have ended up being a fairly lucrative business venture, as Valve announced today that it will use the upcoming Gamescom trade show to host "The International," a Dota 2 tournament with a million-dollar first-place prize. Let that sink in for a second. A million dollars.

To put that in perspective, the first-place prize for Starcraft 2 at last weekend's Major League Gaming Pro Circuit was 5 percent of that at $50,000. According to Valve, "the 16 best Dota teams in the world" will compete in a "group stage, double elimination playoff format" competition over the duration of the show. The tournament will also serve as the controversial action-RTS' public debut, and what better way to get some attention than makin' it rain? When asked to comment, Gabe Newell paused briefly in quiet contemplation before eating a handful of real diamonds.

Continue reading Valve to host 'The International' at Gamescom, a million-dollar Dota 2 tournament

JoystiqValve to host 'The International' at Gamescom, a million-dollar Dota 2 tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-million-dollarsdotadota-2gamescomgamescom-2011germanymacpcpro-gamingtournamentValveMon, 01 Aug 2011 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Pinball FX 2 wants your high scores in XBLA Spider-Man tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/pinball-fx-2-wants-your-high-scores-in-xbla-spider-man-tournamen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/pinball-fx-2-wants-your-high-scores-in-xbla-spider-man-tournamen/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/30/pinball-fx-2-wants-your-high-scores-in-xbla-spider-man-tournamen/#comments Zen Studios is hosting a high-score Spider-Man tournament for XBLA's Pinball FX 2, running from today to August 12. The winners will receive goodies such as MS Points and sweet Marvel gear, all for playing some pinball. The prizes break down as follows:
Zen Studios promises prizes for random players as well, so feel free to play some rounds without any pressure. The Spider-Man table is in the Marvel Pinball pack, which runs 800 MS Points on XBLA, and it is required to play in the tournament. Otherwise it'd just have a name like "Pinball Championships," which are already happening this August, and wouldn't that be awkward at the Kinko's badge station.

Continue reading Pinball FX 2 wants your high scores in XBLA Spider-Man tournament

JoystiqPinball FX 2 wants your high scores in XBLA Spider-Man tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Marvelmicrosoftmighty-finepinball-fx-2spider-mantournamentxblaxboxzenZen-StudiosSat, 30 Jul 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BlizzCon 2011 will host two StarCraft 2 global tournaments and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/blizzcon-2011-will-host-two-starcraft-2-global-tournaments-and-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/blizzcon-2011-will-host-two-starcraft-2-global-tournaments-and-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/blizzcon-2011-will-host-two-starcraft-2-global-tournaments-and-m/#comments Blizzard has shared the plan for two big e-sports events at BlizzCon in Anaheim, CA, and it looks like there's going to be a full plate of noobs, ownage and ggs yet again this year. Not only will the Global Battle.net Invitational showcase some of the best StarCraft 2 players from Blizzard's online multiplayer service, but the 2011 Global StarCraft League Final matches will be held at the same event, pitting the best of the best at the game against each other.

Those are just the two StarCraft 2 events -- Blizzard traditionally also holds contests and tournaments for World of Warcraft arena matches and the World of Warcraft TCG at BlizzCon, and though we haven't seen an official announcement yet, it's possible we'll see some Warcraft 3 or even Diablo 3 e-sports play as well. Outside of competitive play, Blizzard usually also offers new content for attendees to play through, so Diablo 3 specifically, plus any other unannounced games, may be playable too.

Tickets for the October 21-22 event are sold out, but the tournament play will likely be streamed online through "virtual tickets" later on this year.

Continue reading BlizzCon 2011 will host two StarCraft 2 global tournaments and more

JoystiqBlizzCon 2011 will host two StarCraft 2 global tournaments and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-netblizzardblizzconblizzcon-2011competitione-sportsesportsfinalsglobal-starcraft-leaguepcstarcraft-2starcraft-2-heart-of-the-swarmtournamentWed, 13 Jul 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Gaming holding $40K Killzone 3 tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/virgin-gaming-holding-40k-killzone-3-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/virgin-gaming-holding-40k-killzone-3-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/virgin-gaming-holding-40k-killzone-3-tournament/#comments Virgin Gaming wants to give you up to $10,000! There's a catch, though ... if you want to rescue that loot from Sir Richard Branson's cavernous coffers, you first have to prove your dominance in the field of Killzone 3.

Qualifying rounds for the "Killzone 3 Edge Challenge" open June 27 for the team-based tournament, with $10K up for grabs by the winning team at the end of the six-week event. In addition, weekly stat-based weekly challenges will be posted on Virgin Gaming's site, with their cash prizes. The first challenge: get the most kills!

All told, Virgin is giving away $40,000 in this tournament, which is a promotional partnership between Virgin Gaming, Sony, and, nonsensically enough, Edge shave gel. Do you even shoot one uncovered face in Killzone 3? How do you know how close a Helghast's shave is?

JoystiqVirgin Gaming holding $40K Killzone 3 tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>edgeKillzone-3killzone-3-edge-challengeplaystationps3tournamentvirgin-gamingWed, 22 Jun 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Kombat tournament koming to Bally's Las Vegas May 14-15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/mortal-kombat-tournament-koming-to-ballys-las-vegas-may-14-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/mortal-kombat-tournament-koming-to-ballys-las-vegas-may-14-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/mortal-kombat-tournament-koming-to-ballys-las-vegas-may-14-15/#comments Planning to be in Vegas later this summer and know a thing or three about pulling off Fatalities? Good news: PDP Tournaments is coming to Bally's in Las Vegas on May 14 through 15, and is bringing along $21,000 in prize money for a Mortal Kombat tournament.

All you need to do to enter is sign up on the event's website (though you'll need to book a place to stay if you're not from around there, of course). The tourney will be played using official PDP Mortal Kombat joysticks, so you've got the option to shell out $129.99 at sign-up for your own to practice on.

The event sounds exciting: double elimination over two days of nothing but MK. Good luck to everyone who enters; we'll help you start psyching up right now.

JoystiqMortal Kombat tournament koming to Bally's Las Vegas May 14-15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballyslas-vegasmicrosoftmortal-kombatmortal-kombat-2011Netherrealm-StudiosPDPpdp-tournamentsplaystationps3tournamentWarner-Bros-InteractivewbiexboxTue, 05 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Fight for Relief' tournament raises $30,000 for Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/fight-for-relief-tournament-raises-30-000-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/fight-for-relief-tournament-raises-30-000-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/fight-for-relief-tournament-raises-30-000-for-japan/#comments The fighting in yesterday's Fight for Relief event has ended, and the amount of funding brought in by the two charity fighting game tournaments and the live video feed has been tallied at $30,879. That's a lot of relief to come out of a day of battle, all going to Japan through GlobalGiving.

If you'd like to hear about how the matches went, check out NeoGAF's live play-by-play thread, in which you can see forum members being amazed by Justin Wong's performance in Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as the amazingness was happening.

Joystiq'Fight for Relief' tournament raises $30,000 for Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityfight-for-relieffighting-gamejapanmicrosoftplaystationps3tournamentxboxMon, 04 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fight For Relief charity tournament raises money for Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/fight-for-relief-charity-tournament-raises-money-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/fight-for-relief-charity-tournament-raises-money-for-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/fight-for-relief-charity-tournament-raises-money-for-japan/#comments Two fighting game streaming giants, iPlayWinner and Level | Up Series, are teaming up to help raise money for Japan the only way they know how: by kicking ass. Simultaneous tournaments in Union City and Irvine, California will be streamed online as one massive show. Fight for Relief will feature giveaways, interviews and competition in Super Street Fighter IV and Marvel vs Capcom 3 from some of the best in the scene, including EG Justin Wong, Alex Valle, John Choi and others.

The fundraiser kicks off this Sunday, April 3, with all tournament proceeds and donations being given to Japan through GlobalGiving.org, a site that facilitates the actual giving of the money. We imagine flying to Japan with a giant briefcase stuffed full of cash just isn't the most practical way to do it.

If you want to sign up for either tournament, there isn't any pre-registration; just show up to either the NorCal venue or the SoCal venue with some cash and your fight stick and throw down!

JoystiqFight For Relief charity tournament raises money for Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charityiplaywinnerjapanlevel-up-seriesMarvel-vs-Capcom-3Marvel-vs-Capcom-3-Fate-of-Two-Worldsmicrosoftplaystationps3super-street-fighter-ivtournamentxboxMon, 28 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK Mortal Kombat tourney has a sweet arcade-size grand prize]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/uk-mortal-kombat-tourney-has-a-sweet-arcade-size-grand-prize/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/uk-mortal-kombat-tourney-has-a-sweet-arcade-size-grand-prize/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/uk-mortal-kombat-tourney-has-a-sweet-arcade-size-grand-prize/#comments The latest Mortal Kombat may be for consoles only, but that hasn't kept its publisher, Warner Bros. Interactive, from creating an arcade cabinet for the game ... which can only be had if you're the UK's best at MK. WBIE is teaming with GAME and GameStation to hold a tournament that runs from March 14 through April 11, culminating in a final round at the Gadget Show Live in Birmingham.

The winner will take lug home the custom coin-op cabinet, which houses a PS3, meaning it can technically be used to play Super Street Fighter IV, the upcoming Tekken Tag Tournament 2, or any number of fighters on the platform. The cabinet's artwork depicts Scorpion on one side and Sub-Zero on the other -- and looks pretty amazing, if you ask us. Check it out for yourself in high-res via the gallery below.

Gallery: Mortal Kombat (arcade cabinets)

Continue reading UK Mortal Kombat tourney has a sweet arcade-size grand prize

JoystiqUK Mortal Kombat tourney has a sweet arcade-size grand prize originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadearcade-cabinetfightinggamegamestationmortal-kombat-2011Netherrealm-Studiosplaystationps3tournamentukWarner-Bros-InteractiveThu, 10 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard launches StarCraft 2 Master League, plans for Grandmaster League]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/blizzard-launches-starcraft-2-master-league-plans-for-grandmast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/blizzard-launches-starcraft-2-master-league-plans-for-grandmast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/blizzard-launches-starcraft-2-master-league-plans-for-grandmast/#comments Have you found competition in StarCraft 2's online multiplayer "Diamond League" to be unrewarding? Do you hang, effortlessly, from the very highest rungs of the tallest competition ladder? It's time for you to shed your burdensome chrysalis and ascend to your next challenge: the recently launched "Master League," which pits the top two percent of players from each region against one another for true StarCraft supremacy. If you're eligible for the new league, you won't have to do anything special to join; Blizzard automatically elevates top-two-percenters to the Master bracket.

Of course, the raw exclusivity of this new ladder will lose a bit of its luster when Blizzard launches the "Grandmaster League," which will only invite the top 200 players from each region to battle. There's no timetable for the release of this ladder, though we imagine it'll come well before the arrival of the Great-Grandmaster League, which forces the very best player on the planet to play against an evil clone of him or herself all day, every day, for twenty years. You get a T-shirt if you win that one, though, so it's totally worth it.

JoystiqBlizzard launches StarCraft 2 Master League, plans for Grandmaster League originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardgrandmaster-leagueladdermaster-leaguemultiplayerpcrtsStarcraft-2strategytournamentThu, 13 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Evo fighting game tournament announces 2011 season]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/evo-fighting-game-tournament-announces-2011-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/evo-fighting-game-tournament-announces-2011-season/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/evo-fighting-game-tournament-announces-2011-season/#commentsThe Evo fighting game championship will be a little different this year. You'll still lose at Super Street Fighter IV a bunch of times if you compete -- so it won't be that different. But the organizers have partnered with fighting game tournaments in the US and elsewhere to create a series of Evo ranking events. There are also online tournaments (the Xbox Live one has passed) for people who can't reach the event locations, including a PSN tournament on Saturday, January 22.

All of these small-time tourneys will lead up to the main event, the Evolution World Finals, at the Rio Casino in Vegas, from July 29 through July 31.

JoystiqEvo fighting game tournament announces 2011 season originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoevo-2011evo-championshipmarvel-vs-capcom-3microsoftplaystationps3super-street-fighter-ivtournamentxboxThu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 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[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier to have online tournaments through Virgin Gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/ghost-recon-future-soldier-to-have-online-tournaments-through-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/ghost-recon-future-soldier-to-have-online-tournaments-through-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/ghost-recon-future-soldier-to-have-online-tournaments-through-v/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The new Virgin Gaming initiative currently operates online tournaments for several EA and Sony games, as well as Halo 3. Ubisoft has announced that Ghost Recon: Future Soldier will be added to the lineup of games for which Virgin offers cash awards.

If you like playing games for money, but don't like Ghost Recon, there's good news for you too: Ubisoft North America president Laurent Detoc said, "We have an exciting lineup of multiplayer titles this year that we believe will be a perfect fit for gamers to play and compete against each other in a tournament setting." Perhaps you'll get a chance to win some prizes in RUSE, HAWX 2 or some other acronym.

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier to have online tournaments through Virgin Gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ghost-ReconGhost-Recon-Future-Soldiermicrosoftplaystationps3TournamentUbisoftVirgin-GamingxboxTue, 03 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's 2010 Wii tourney starts this Friday, July 16 in Jersey City]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/nintendo-2010-wii-tourney-starts-this-friday-july-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/nintendo-2010-wii-tourney-starts-this-friday-july-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/nintendo-2010-wii-tourney-starts-this-friday-july-16/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nintendo is hosting a "Wii Games: Summer 2010" competition this summer in several US cities. Qualifying winners will receive a trip to Los Angeles to compete in the national championship this September. Kick-off details are posted after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo's 2010 Wii tourney starts this Friday, July 16 in Jersey City

JoystiqNintendo's 2010 Wii tourney starts this Friday, July 16 in Jersey City originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitionnintendotournamentwiiWii-Games-Summer-2010Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[EVO fighting game tournament to be televised]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/evo-fighting-game-tournament-to-be-televised/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/evo-fighting-game-tournament-to-be-televised/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/03/evo-fighting-game-tournament-to-be-televised/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Want to see insane fighting game skills on display? The annual EVO fighting game tournament promises to be full of amazing comebacks, seemingly endless combos and furious Hadoken duels -- and you'll be able to watch it both online and on TV. Capcom announced that G4 will stream coverage of the event on its website through the whole July 9-11 tournament, and will also run a special EVO edition of X-play on July 20. If they have any sense, Pringles will be sponsoring the broadcast.

If you'd prefer to watch the world's best fighting game players vie for golden FightSticks firsthand, you can head to Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, and get a chance to play the first public demo of Marvel vs. Capcom 3!

JoystiqEVO fighting game tournament to be televised originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoevo-2010fightingmarvel-vs-capcom-3Marvel-vs-Capcom-3-Fate-of-Two-Worldsmicrosoftplaystationps3tournamentxboxSat, 03 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Gaming to offer online game tournaments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/virgin-gaming-to-offer-online-game-tournaments/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/virgin-gaming-to-offer-online-game-tournaments/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/virgin-gaming-to-offer-online-game-tournaments/#commentsVirgin Gaming may not be ready to officially reveal its operations until E3, but a bit of sleuthing has shown that at least part of its business likely will be online tournaments for popular games -- with cash prizes. MaxConsole found that the VirginGaming.com domain is administered by Entertainment Tech, the same company that runs WorldGaming.com; a site that allows members to compete in PS3 and Xbox 360 games for money. In addition, a call by MaxConsole to Entertainment Tech's Toronto office reportedly was met by a "Welcome to Virgin Gaming" greeting.

Even more conclusive is this page on the Virgin site for a ModNation Racers "Online Tournament" for Canadian gamers, held in coordination with GameStop and EBGames' Canadian branches. When contacted by Joystiq, Virgin declined to comment on its business as it relates to game tournaments -- so we'll continue holding out hope that tournaments will be merely a side project, and the real business of Virgin Gaming will be to publish a Color a Dinosaur sequel.

JoystiqVirgin Gaming to offer online game tournaments originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Entertainment-TechModNation-RacersRichard-BransonTournamentVirginVirgin-GamingTue, 01 Jun 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East's Omeganauts assemble, the Omegathon begins]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/27/pax-easts-omeganauts-assemble-the-omegathon-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/27/pax-easts-omeganauts-assemble-the-omegathon-begins/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/27/pax-easts-omeganauts-assemble-the-omegathon-begins/#comments
Click to Omega-size
Behold: The ledger containing the names of all 32 Omeganauts participating in the inaugural PAX East Omegathon. Earlier today, their names were randomly drawn during Wil Wheaton's keynote presentation, they were paired into teams of two, and tossed immediately into the unforgiving gauntlet known as Mario Kart: Double Dash.

Already, 16 of these contestants have been culled by the first round of the competition. Those who survived must now face three more rounds before claiming the lofty prize of an all-expense paid trip to GAMESCOM and $2,500 spending cash -- rounds which will pit them against one another in Geometry Wars 2, an unknown rhythm game, and PAX's' always entertaining mystery finale. Stay tuned!

Gallery: PAX East: Omegathon Round 1

JoystiqPAX East's Omeganauts assemble, the Omegathon begins originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>omeganautsomegathonpaxpax-eastpax-east-2010penny-arcadetournamentSat, 27 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Senior Producer Patrick Bach]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/interview-battlefield-bad-company-2-senior-producer-patrick-ba/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/interview-battlefield-bad-company-2-senior-producer-patrick-ba/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/interview-battlefield-bad-company-2-senior-producer-patrick-ba/#comments The Battlefield: Bad Company 2 celebrity bracket challenge was a lonely event for us gamers -- while there were lots of TV stars and NFL players around to talk to, we had to really search the club for someone who actually had some insight on the game for us. But there in the back, among the PR organizers and "Athlete Relations" representatives, we found the game's senior producer Patrick Bach (second from right in the picture above). He may never have starred on a network drama or celebrated on the field after a touchdown, but the guy knows how to make first-person shooters, and that's good enough for us.

After the break, hear what he thinks of celebrities playing his game, just how ready DICE is for release, and what kinds of secret plans his team has for DLC.

Continue reading Interview: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Senior Producer Patrick Bach

JoystiqInterview: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Senior Producer Patrick Bach originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athlete-relationsbattlefield-bad-company-2benefitscelebritydicedlcdownloadable-contenteaElectronic-ArtseventMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2patrick-bachpdclproducertournamentvehiclesXbox-360Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA hosts Battlefield: Bad Company 2 celebrity benefit tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/ea-hosts-battlefield-bad-company-2-celebrity-benefit-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/ea-hosts-battlefield-bad-company-2-celebrity-benefit-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/19/ea-hosts-battlefield-bad-company-2-celebrity-benefit-tournament/#comments
As reported on these very pages yesterday, EA and DICE got a group of semi-celebrities together last night to celebrate the impending arrival of Battlefield: Bad Company 2 with a charity tournament, pitting NFL stars and 90210 actors against each other in a bragging rights team match. The celebs also selected their own team names for an upcoming Major League Gaming tournament, and the winning team in that match (which you can predict right now on GameStop's website) will end up giving $25,000 to the winning celebrity's charity of choice.

The event kicked off with a red carpet event, and Matt Lanter and Tristan Wilds of the new 90210 joined gossip blogger Perez Hilton to talk about crushes on their costars and how awesome Bad Company 2 was. Meanwhile, we wondered, where's the actual game?

Gallery: Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Celebrity Tournament

Continue reading EA hosts Battlefield: Bad Company 2 celebrity benefit tournament

JoystiqEA hosts Battlefield: Bad Company 2 celebrity benefit tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefieldbattlefield-bad-companybattlefield-bad-company-2celebritieschad-ochocincocharitycharlie-oconnelldicedonnie-edwardseaea-diceElectronic-Artsgreg-grunberghal-sparksMicrosoftperez-hiltontournamentXbox-360Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Hungary spanks America in Dragon Age: Origins contest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/hungary-spanks-america-in-dragon-age-origins-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/hungary-spanks-america-in-dragon-age-origins-contest/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/hungary-spanks-america-in-dragon-age-origins-contest/#comments The dust from the 24-hour Dragon Age: Origins Warden's Quest tournament has begun to settle, and the sleep-deprived, blood-soaked winner has been declared: The team representing the nation of Hungary. The Hungarians trailed in the rankings until the fourth round of the contest, when they rallied to pass the BioWare Community team (who finished in second place). We guess you could say they were just Hungarier for victory than everyone else.

America, however, must have only been slightly peckish, ending up with a disappointing ninth place (or next-to-last place) finish, and getting eliminated in the third round of the competition. This might be a small blow to our egos, but hey -- at least we're still better at dragon slaying than the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Booyah!

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqHungary spanks America in Dragon Age: Origins contest originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americabiowarecontestdragon-age-originseaElectronic-ArtshungaryMicrosofttournamentXbox-360Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2009: And the final Omegathon event is ...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/pax-and-the-final-omegathon-event-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/pax-and-the-final-omegathon-event-is/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/06/pax-and-the-final-omegathon-event-is/#comments
It's been a long, hard struggle for this year's Omeganauts. The initial lineup of 20 contestants has been whittled down to the only two participants who made it through the gauntlet unscathed. Now, we'll shortly know the winner following the final round: A no-holds-barred match of ... Skee-Ball. (Seriously.) We'll let you know the results as soon as the dust settles!

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the annual uber-tournament, and a super special congratulations to whoever manages to bowl wood with the greatest amount of dexterity. For those playing along at home, the final lineup for the tournament is posted below.

JoystiqPAX 2009: And the final Omegathon event is ... originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>omegathonpaxpax-2009skee-balltournamentSun, 06 Sep 2009 21:19:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2009 Omegathon events and contenders revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/08/pax-2009-omegathon-events-and-contenders-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/08/pax-2009-omegathon-events-and-contenders-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/08/pax-2009-omegathon-events-and-contenders-revealed/#comments
At last, the terror-inducing gauntlet of games that participants in this year's Omegathon must navigate has been revealed by a recent press release. Listed below are the six rounds that will serve as the unforgiving battlegrounds for twenty contestants (who are named after the break) -- we can't wait to see how tournament-style Bookworm Adventures will play out.

Blood will be shed, boys will become men, girls will likewise become women -- and only one will triumph with tickets to this year's Tokyo Game Show (and $5,000 in walkin' around money) clutched in their victorious paw.

Gallery: PAX 2008: Omegathon Final

Continue reading PAX 2009 Omegathon events and contenders revealed

JoystiqPAX 2009 Omegathon events and contenders revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookworm-adventureshalo-3-odstomegathonomegathon-2009pax-2009penny-arcadepenny-arcade-expotgs-2009tournamentSat, 08 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stream EVO 2K9 from home, maintain a safe distance from stray Shoryukens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/stream-evo-2k9-from-home-maintain-a-safe-distance-from-stray-sh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/stream-evo-2k9-from-home-maintain-a-safe-distance-from-stray-sh/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/13/stream-evo-2k9-from-home-maintain-a-safe-distance-from-stray-sh/#commentsIf you like to watch crazy high-level play in fighting games this weekend, but are among the few people who won't be in Las Vegas from the 17th through the 19th, you'll be pleased to learn that this year's EVO 2K9 fighting game tournament will be streamed online on Capcom-Unity, Shoryuken.com, and the EVO 2K9 site.

From the comfort of your own home, you'll be able to watch people like national Street Fighter IV champion Justin Wong and the legendary Daigo Umehara deliver swift punishment to so-called "competitors" in games including Street Fighters III and IV, Soul Calibur IV, SSF2THDR, Guilty Gear XX Accent Core, and more.

If you do happen to make it to Las Vegas's Rio Resort and Casino, you'll be able to play the first public demo of PSN/XBLA Marvel Vs. Capcom and more on the tournament's demo stations.

JoystiqStream EVO 2K9 from home, maintain a safe distance from stray Shoryukens originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoevo-2009marvel-vs-capcom-2street-fighter-ivtatsunoko-vs-capcomtournamentMon, 13 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST