2008/Aug - GAMERS Newspaper by Le Nurd Mystique, LLC

FREE Vol 2 Issue 8 * Gaming Articles, Monthly Editorials & Remarkable Stories

August 2008

Video Gamers Immortalized in Space by NCsoft AUSTIN, Texas (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) July 30, 2008

Could you be the savior of humankind? NCsoft® , the world’s leading publisher and developer of online computer games, has announced it will launch the “Immortality Drive” – a time capsule with the digitized DNA of select video game players and space aficionados – into orbit when famed game designer Richard Garriott travels to the International Space Station in October 2008.

As part of NCsoft’s “Operation Immortality,” Richard Garriott – the man who created Tabula Rasa, a massively multiplayer online (MMO) PC game that explores the destruction of Earth – is now venturing into space to save humanity. During the campaign, Tabula Rasa players have a chance to have their DNA sequenced, digitized and sent into space on the Immortality Drive. In addition, all players with active accounts on September 2, 2008 will have their Tabula Rasa characters uploaded to the device, giving them the opportunity to go to space

virtually. In order to make this unique opportunity accessible to as many people as possible, free trials of the game are a v a i l a b l e a t http://www.rgtr.com/trial. Garriott will place the Immortality Drive on the International Space Station when he travels there this fall. “I’ve been able to do some very exciting things in the games business, but nothing of this magnitude,” said Garriott, executive producer for Tabula Rasa at NCsoft. “I’m thrilled we can offer the once in a lifetime chance to millions of gamers to virtually go to space with me. A select few will have

their DNA digitized and sent. And, theoretically, if anything happens to the human race, it could be their DNA that is used to resurrect humanity.” Starting today and lasting through August 31, 2008, anyone with a PC and an Internet connection can go to http://www.OperationImmorta lity.com and participate in weekly polls on humanity’s greatest achievements which will be included on the Immortality Drive, such as “What is the greatest song of all time?” and “What is the greatest technological breakthrough of all time?” Current Tabula Rasa players, or those who (Continued on page 4)

PAX Coming to East Coast in 2010 To Be Run by NY Comic Con Organizers teer Press are listed among the show’s exhibitors.

The Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) will be adding an East Coast show to its schedule in 2010. The event will be organized by Reed Exhibitions, the convention organizer behind New York Comic Con, New York Anime Festival, Book Expo America, and over 500 other events in 38 countries. The exact date and location of the show has yet to be determined, and it appears that the East Coast version will be in addition to the Seattle show.

Created by the folks behind the Penny Arcade Website, PAX is in its fifth year of operation. PAX 2008 kicks off August 29th. (PAX 2007 saw over 37,000 attendees and 50 exhibitors.) While videogames are the show’s main focus,

tabletop games have established a presence as well, with this year’s show featuring several roleplaying and boardgaming events. Wizards of the Coast, Upper Deck Entertainment, Fantasy Flight Games, CCP/White Wolf, and Priva-

With the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) out of the picture, a number of shows have been trying to establish themselves in that space, including Gen Con. PAX has been among the fastest growing of those shows. Now with Reed involved, and a show location for the new PAX show presumably in a larger metro area than Seattle, the PAX shows are going to offer a major bicoastal option for electronic and tabletop gaming exhibitors and fans.

Editor in Chief: Jack R Stewart - jrstewart@ohiogamers.org Copy Editor: Ben Chronister - chronwriter@gmail.com

Andy Hopp Con On The Cob

Photography staff: Mike Henthorn - rutilius83@yahoo.com OGO Publications P.O. Box 2224 Columbus, Ohio 43216 1-877-OGO-0010

http://www.ogopublications.com Contribution Support: The Soldiery –See Ad in Back www.icv2.com - Industry News! Ohio Gamers Organization http://ohiogamers.org Executive Director: Jack R. Stewart - jrstewart@ohiogamers.org Chief Operations Officer: Matt Ferrell - bigmatt@ohiogamers.org Submissions:

LANtasm is Con on the Cob's very own LAN computer gaming extravaganza. It's three straight days of around-theclock computer gaming and electronic mayhem (I'm not sure what I mean by "electronic mayhem" but I thought it sounded pretty cool) Sponsored by OGO (the Ohio Gamers Organization) and NOLGA (the Northern Ohio LAN Gamers Association) LANtasm is seventy-five seats of nonstop computer action. We're still working on the schedule of events and tournaments, but here are the games currently on our minds: Call of Duty 4 Unreal Tournament 3 Unreal Tournament 2004 Battlefield 2 Warcraft 3: DOTA F.E.A.R. Team Fortress 2 Command and Conquer 3 Counter-Strike: Source We'll have a complete list of rules and instructions on this page soon, but for now here's the general gist of the thing (subject to change):

press@ohiogamers.org

Capitol Square Printing

There will be 75 spaces available. We'll supply the cables, switches, and servers. Players are responsible for supplying their own computers or laptops. • The fun begins Friday at noon and continues nonstop until Sunday at 4:00pm. There will be tournaments, prizes, and all sorts of fun stuff.

59 East Gay St

For more info on Con on the Cob see their AD in this issue.

Advertising Services/Info: press@ohiogamers.org Printers:

Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 221-2850 Legal Department Kristin Vazquez kvazquez@krvlaw.com

G.A.M.E.R.S. Newspaper is published Monthly, 12 times per year by OGO Publications, PO Box 2224 Columbus, OH 43216. For More information or Copyright concerns, please contact press@ohiogamers.org.

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GAMA recently released information regarding attendance at last month’s Origins Game Fair, and the overall signs were generally positive. The 2008 show’s total attendance of 14,190 people was an 8.3% increase over 2007’s 13,107 attendees. The increase can be largely attributed to the show's new Fair Pass wristbands, budget-rate passes into the show that allowed for browsing the exhibition hall but did not grant admittance to gaming events. According to GAMA, 2,500 such passes were sold at the show. Sales of four-day passes were nearly identical to 2007’s sales, down very slightly from 2007 (11,771 to 11,728). One-day passes saw a steep decline in sales, from 2,062 in 2007 to 1,194 in 2008, and exhibitor, volunteer, and staff

badges also dropped sharply, from 1,274 to 768. At least some of the latter decline can be attributed to rising transportation costs, as many companies have been cutting back on travel expenditures recently. Given the troubled economic times, merely holding steady in attendance would have to be considered a victory, and an actual increase in foot traffic is a very positive sign. At any rate, Origins’ core consumer base – represented by the four-day passes – seems to be holding steady. In the same statement, GAMA also announced that attendance at April’s GAMA Trade Show held nearly steady from 2007 to 2008, with only 36 fewer badges being issued at the most recent show as compared to the previous year’s edition (1,348 to 1,312). Among the notable increases were individual retailer staff (424 to 454) and individual attendees (42 to 128).

All Tournaments $15.00 entry fee per person Please note the time and date change See Website for Upcoming Events!

SEPT 14th @ 9PM BYOC PC LAN PARTY $20 Entrance Fee COSPONSORED BY THE OHIO GAMERS ORGANIZATION

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Video Gamers Immortalized in Space by NCsoft (cont) (Continued from page 1)

download and play the free trial, will also be able to enter a personal message for inclusion on the Drive. “This is your chance to leave your mark,” says Garriott. “While everyone can participate in the polls at OperationImmortality.com, Tabula Rasa players will be the only gamers in the universe who can say that a piece of them is in space, since we’re sending their in-game alter-egos, and for some, their DNA, to space with me.” Tabula Rasa, which launched November 2007, is an intense, fast-paced, sci-fi MMO PC game that puts you in the middle of the never-ending intergalactic fight for freedom against a hostile alien race

called the Bane. Players use high-tech weaponry, alien powers, and the help of other Allied Free Sentients (AFS) soldiers to rid the universe of the Bane threat. With frequent free updates to players, the game world of Tabula Rasa has grown significantly since launch. Upcoming features to the game include clan-owned Control Points, new missions, and Personal Armor Units. No purchase is necessary to participate in Operation Immortality, with free trials of Richard Garriott’s Tabula Rasa a v a i l a b l e a t http://www.rgtr.com/trial. The game is currently available at most major retailers and at the PlayNC® store. The retail box includes the first month of online game play. After the

first month, players will be charged a monthly subscription fee of US$14.99. The game is rated Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. For information about Operation Immortality, including full terms and conditions, go to http://www.OperationImmorta lity.com. For information on Richard Garriott’s Tabula Rasa go to http://www.rgtr.com. About NCsoft Corporation

NCsoft North America is headquartered in Austin, Texas and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korea-based NCsoft Corporation. NCsoft, with its own development and publishing offices in Texas and California, also works with

other NCsoft subsidiaries and thir d par ty developer s throughout North America to develop and publish innovative online entertainment software products. The company has successfully launched multiple online titles in the last three years and continues to support its franchises, which include Lineage®/Lineage II, City of Heroes®/City of Villains®, Guild W a r s ® / G u i l d Wa r s F a c t ion s ® / Gu ild Wars Night fall®/Guild Wars: Eye of the North ™ , Richard Garriott’s Tabula Rasa®, Dungeon Runners™ and Exteel™. More information about NCsoft can be found at www.PlayNC.com. NCsoft, the interlocking NC logo, PlayNC, Lineage, City of Heroes, City of Villains, Guild Wars, Guild Wars Factions, Guild Wars Nightfall, Guild Wars: Eye of the North™, Tabula Rasa, Dungeon Runners, Exteel and all associated logos and designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

On Wings Of Frost - Part II By Nate Breidenbaugh OGO Publications Writer “Arise, and to arms!” The gruff voice shouted. Morgan recognized it as the old sergeant, Owain, who whipped the men of his heavy infantry regiment into fighting order by his voice and his lash. “The Rocarian dogs approach!” Morgan had slept rolled up in his great pinecolored robes, as he always did, and he was up and gathering his belongings quickly. After he had strapped his dagger to his belt, placed his scrolls in his pouches, and retrieved his plain ash staff from the shadows of his tent, he stopped and pushed the shouts and clanking steel of the men outside his tents from his mind. Today is the day, He thought with excitement and fear. He 4

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was certain that this time Alaistarus would not survive their second meeting. The desperate sounds of the soldiers’ preparations came rushing back to him and he made his way out of the tent and into the camp. He was faced with a sight that, despite his cynicism, genuinely impressed him. The men of Owain’s heavy infantry regiment, known as “Owain’s Hammer,” were drawn up into battle order. They were clad in padded jackets and brigantines, with all manner of helmets atop their heads. They carried kite-shaped shields and their twelve-foot-long spears that were meant to halt a cavalry charge. They stood like statues in their five ranks, twenty-five men wide each, and one behind the other. Morgan saw the rank fear in their young eyes, and felt no pity for the fact that some of

them would not make it back to their cold ales and warm whores tonight. Owain and his standard, a yellow square of tattered cloth with a black war hammer upon it, stood in the middle of the front rank. “About time you made your presence known, wizard!” Owain shouted at him, not taking his eyes from his front. “To your place in the rear!” Morgan made his way quickly to the back of the regiment. It was from here that he could support the men with his magic as they were locked in savage combat. The men directly in front of him turned and gave him fleeting looks of hatred, as was typical of late. Even on the morning of battle they cast him away. Their hate and mistrust knew no bounds, but they tolerated him, as he was an asset to their regiment,

indeed even a potential lifesaver in the heat of battle. Owain was a large man, indeed larger than any Morgan had ever seen. He was even more deadly looking in his war kit, a long mail coat and a cauldron helmet, upon which he wore a livery jacket with the same gold hammer as the regiment’s standard. He was pressed, polished, and thoroughly professional, but there was a rough, murderous quality in his eyes before this battle. “There’s no glory in war, men!” Owain shouted, after a long silence had passed in the damp morning’s light. “There aren’t any trumpets, or chivalrous warriors, or saving the fair bloody maiden!” He gestured with his hand toward the river. “We are here to do a job, and that job is to keep these filthy Rocarian savages (Continued on page 6)

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On Wings Of Frost - Part III (cont) (Continued from page 4)

from burning your farms and raping your wives!” He walked from man to man as he roared, staring inches from each man’s face, mail softly clinging as he stepped. “We go out there, we kill them, and those of you who are lucky will be back in camp tonight. Now march! Form column! By the left, wheel!” The regiment made a clean turn to the left, as their drills had trained them to do, and the column snaked its way down the road to the Four Rivers, where the fires of the enemy camp smouldered, and Alaistarus the Red awaited. When they crested the last hill, they saw the Army of Caenoth at the ready. The crest was a swirling mass of activity, as the various regiments of foot and cavalry arrayed themselves for the upcoming battle. The men paused and muttered among themselves in terrified voices. From what Morgan could gather from the scout that rode up to meet Owain, war had been declared the preceding day, as King Paulus V of Rocaria had executed a Caenothan messenger in front of his court, his dagger taking the first life in what was sure

to be a long and bloody conflict. Morgan scoffed to himself at this, as the story had no doubt been wildly exaggerated as it made its way through the simple minds of the common soldiery. Either way, the two nations were at war, and they would be striking the opening blows here. The regiment took its place in the main battle line, two regiments from the center. They were arrayed in the standard battle order, with the spearmen and heavier armoured infantry front and center, and the archers and nimble skirmishers to the rear. The knights of Caenoth were on the wings, their lances pointed skywards and their horses bucking impatiently. They were brave, and their axes and maces had gained them a fearsome reputation through the ages, but they were but a few hundred. All told, from what Morgan could see, ten full regiments had sallied, and they occupied a hill between two small forested areas, with the juncture of the four rivers a mile or so to the West. The banners flapped in the wind, and all were fairly silent, as a lone drum sounded the order to stand to, a steady pum-pum parrum, pum-pum parrum. The ranks parted and

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Owain appeared, his face obscured by the mail hood that covered his head, save for his chiseled face, which bore a look of determination, fear, and the hatred of Morgan that he shared with his men. “If I didn’t have to have you, wizard, you wouldn’t be here.” He said curtly, drowning out the impending peril in Morgan’s conscious mind. Morgan began to speak, but Owain drew in closer and cut him off. “I know why you are here, though, and it is not for me, or Caenoth, or my men. I know that you want to find a spellbook. Those Combat mages are powerful indeed, are they not?” He jabbed a mailed mitten into Morgan’s chest. “Remember why I have you here, not why you are here. Abandon my men on some quest for power, and by the gods, when I am done flaying the flesh from your body, I will wear your hair as a reminder to all other traitors of their fate, should they cross me, or the Hammer. Am I clear, wizard?” Morgan was too stunned to speak. All he could do was look Owain in the face and nod his head, barely able to contain his fury. Owain disappeared to the head of the regiment again. Morgan glanced around in a desparate

and futile dearch for any support from any of the other men present, but they cared not for him. He was about to walk away and forget the whole endeavor when the drums suddenly stopped. He looked at the nearest soldier to him. He was young, and small, with a shock of red hair poking out of the bottom of his helmet. He trembled like a leaf in the breeze, and his labored breath frightened Morgan. The young man’s eyes were glazed with terror, and transfixed forward. An odd rhythm overtook the drums of the Caenothan army. These were more sinister drums, and they echoed over the hill opposite the one upon which they stood. They gradually increased in volume to a deafening roar, having been joined by the echoing shouts of officers’ orders from across the valley. Morgan turned back to the valley and beheld a terrifying sight. A full two thousand men, by any reckoning, were arrayed in the valley below. Sunlight glinted off of their armour and their grey tunics were as a great fog blanketing the battlefield. Morgan counted fifteen regiment banners flapping in the wind. The army of the nation of Rocaria had arrived.

AniGames 101 Main St. Toledo OH 43606 Front & Main 419-690-0414 ssagan2@mac.com

Go Mini's North West / Central OH Cell: (614)572-3946 Office: (888)254-0761 Web: www.gominis-ohio.com 6

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Anime DVD's T-shirts Board Games Card Games Miniature Games

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Sales Rise For Promotional Advertising Company Marketing Inflatable Products Even In Slow Economy Los Angeles CA (PRWEB) July 30, 2008

Inflatable 2000, a Californiabased manufacturer of promotional banners, flags and inflatable items, has gained an increase in sales with niche promotional advertising & marketing products even with a slowing economy. The competition for promotional advertising is intense. Everyone is out to get their name in front of consumers in clever and catchy ways that will separate their brand from the pack. With the advent of viral marketing and internet phenomena including YouTube

and Google the search for effective advertising solutions are at a critical stage. But Inflatable 2000, a promotional products manufacturer based in California, is banking on a traditional form of brand promotion that truly is giving more bangs for the buck. Banners, flags and inflatable products are nothing new, but how they're used and by whom are having a unique affect on the way corporations and businesses develop a stronger, more cohesive workforce. The company picnic has become an important event in corporate team building relationships among employees that will carry over into the

office and Inflatable 2000 has a wide variety of promotional products that encourage staff to work together to achieve common goals. Custom inflatable products can increase company pride by having the company logo emblazoned on the product and teach valuable teamwork by having staff compete in races, cliff climbing walls, golf putts and many other creative activities. Inflatable 2000 has seen a dramatic increase in their sales to companies looking to make a big splash at a wide variety of networking events. Many corporations will attend trade shows, conferences, seminars and other business related

functions that have booths and tables set up to promote their goods and services. With an interactive inflatables product companies are able to generate significant buzz as those in attendance discover the entertainment value of participating in competitive team games that stress cooperation and teamwork. Recently Inflatable 2000 upped the inflatable product ante when they introduced the extreme "Wrecking Ball" concept to their catalogue and added an edge to the fun and games. While most of the interactive inflatable products promote teamwork the Wrecking Ball is (Continued on page 12)

The Great Luke Ski to Perform at Neovention Reborn Jack R Stewart OGO Publications PRESS RELEASE That’s right Boys & Girls, the Great Luke Ski will be performing at the grand revival of Neovention. For those of you that were there Luke last performed at Neovention 98. Well he’s back & better than ever! So, For those of you who have not been on the convention circuit or have been living on another planet. heres a bit about the Great Luke Ski: At Dragon*Con 2004, Dr. Demento declared “the great Luke Ski” to be his radio program’s “Most Requested Artist of the 21st Century”. Since then, Luke has held onto that title by having a song within the top five of “The Dr. Demento Show’s” year-end “Funny 25 countdown of his most requested songs of the 8

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year for five years in a row, including two of them at #1 (”Peter Parker” featuring Sudden Death in 2002, and “Stealing Like A Hobbit” in 2003). His song parodies, originals, stand-up and sketches about pop culture pheonema (doot doo, do-dodo!) have make him a favorite performer at science-fiction and fandom conventions all across the midwest and beyond. He’s released seven albums over the past ten plus years, and a DVD in 2006, titled “The Ego Has Landed”, featuring appearances by many fellow members of “the Funny M u s i c P r o ject” (theFuMP.com), a full live concert, and music videos for “Hobbit” and his convention favorite “Grease Wars”. His latest album “BACONspiracy” features many of the new songs he’s created for the FuMP, such as his new Doctor Who tribute “It Takes Who”, and his Piratey Dr. Demento hit, “You Don’t Know Jack”.

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According to The Los Angeles Times Disney is revamping its free ad-supported Toon Disney cable channel and will relaunch it next February as Disney XD. It will target boys from 9-14 with an array of live action and animated programming that will include the Toei/Disney coproduced short form anime series RoboDz. Thanks to shows like Hannah Montana and the High School Musical made for TV movies, the Disney Channel is already a huge hit with girls from 9-

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14, while Toon Disney, which shows a hodgepodge of animated series (including the anime series Digimon, Shinzo, and the French/Japanese coproduction Oban Star Racers) and long-in-the-tooth live action series such as the Power Rangers, only manages to get 10-15% as many viewers as the Disney Channel in spite of the fact that it is available in just as many households. The Times is reporting that Disney estimates that tween boys account for some $50 billion in spending worldwide. In addition to its purchasing power this demographic is highly desirable for advertisers who want to

build brand loyalty. To attract this coveted audience Disney wants to create an entire network targeting tween boys with a mix of movies, live action series and animation. Building on its success with Hannah Montana, in which a teen girl leads a double life as a rock star, Disney XD will present a male fantasy version of Hannah Monta na--Aa ron Stone, a live action show about “a video game virtuoso who leads a secret life as a crimefighter.” The Disney XD channel will also continue to present animated series including Disney’s Phineas and Ferb, and Batman: The Animated Series

as well as RoboDZ, a Toeiproduced CGI short form anime series , which is also likely to get plenty of exposure in various online venues (the first episode is already available on the series’ homepage). The changeover from Toon Disney to Disney XD will undoubtedly result in a considerable reduction in the number of minutes of anime programming available to American audiences, but since the viewership of Toon Disney was so low, and the network’s three mainstay anime series (Digimon, Shinzo, & Oban Star Racers) have been rebroadcast so often, the effect will be minimal.

Pre-Orders Offer Best Opportunity for Consumers to Secure “Industry-Changing” Toy When It Goes On Sale In Stores On October 14th NEW YORK (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) July 31, 2008

Fisher-Price® Friends {a division of Fisher-Price, Inc., a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT)} announced today that starting on August 5th, consumers will have the chance to get a jump on the hottest toy of the holiday season as retailers offer the opportunity to pre-order the already acclaimed new Elmo Live. Just like the phenomena of Tickle Me Elmo in 1996 and TMX Elmo in 2006, there’s already a buzz about the newest Sesame Street sensation. Elmo Live debuted at New York Toy Fair in February – the toy industry’s major event – and instantly became the talk

of the show. Video footage featuring a sneak peek of the toy quickly spread throughout the Internet with postings on thousands of blogs and websites. With all of the excitement, top toy retailers are already planning major events to support the toy’s launch on October 14th. This year, in an attempt to fill the expected crush of consumer demand, Fisher-Price is working with retailers including Wal-Mart, Toys“R”Us, Target, Kmart, amazon.com, eToys.com and more, to offer a special opportunity to preorder the toy online at their individual websites. “We would like to see that everyone who wants an Elmo Live will be able to get one,” says Neil Friedman, president of Mattel Brands. “This pre-

order opportunity offers the best chance to those who order now that they will have Elmo Live on October 14th when it goes on sale in stores nationwide.” He notes that FisherPrice determines how many toys to produce based on a careful review of past sales and in conjunction with all retailers, but, “with a toy as exciting as this one, it is impossible to predict accurately just how many will be needed to ultimately meet consumer demand.” This pre-order opportunity helps Fisher-Price and the retailers gauge early consumer demand, while there is still some time to adjust production plans to increase the total number of products to be manufactured. And for those

who order now, it is a good bet that product will be available for them, if supply is tight later in the season. “Elmo LIVE is one of WalMart’s Top 12 Toys this Christmas and we’re sure it will be flying off the shelves just as quickly as we can stack it up,” says Laura Philips, vice president and divisional merchandise manager of toys for Wal-Mart. “We’re committed to staying ahead of demand, and the opportunity for our customers to pre-order online at Walmart.com ensures that every child who wants an Elmo Live will have one this holiday season.” Simply magical best describes the new Elmo Live. In this truly life-like creation, for the first (Continued on page 14)

TSTC First to Offer College Certificate and Degree Programs in Virtual World Abilene, TX (PRWEB) July 28, 2008

Texas State Technical College (TSTC) will transcend traditional online education, by being the first to offer a fullyonline accredited certificate in a virtual world. Beginning fall '08, TSTC will be offering a Digital Media certificate utilizing virtual world technology using Second Life as the primary delivery method. "The 3D environment, which makes the virtual world so real you can almost reach out and touch it, offers students the opportunity to participate in an online learning community, and fully immerses the learner in a stimulating online experi-

ence," said Chris Gibson, Associate Vice President of Educational Technology. Students earning the Digital Media certificate will have the opportunity to further their education by earning an associate degree in Digital Media in spring 2009. "To our knowledge, we are the first institution of higher education to develop a complete online certificate or degree in the virtual world," added Gibson. "We, at TSTC believe once students are exposed to this form of highly interactive education, they will drive this evolution of online education." The Digital Media certificate will include courses in computer applications, professional

development, basic graphic design, digital imaging, digital publishing, computer illustration, fundamentals of photography and design communication. Class size is limited and registration is available until August 22. Visit v.tstc.edu for more information or contact Donnie Armstrong at donnie.armstrong@tstc.edu (325.235.7414 or IM to Mater Gamba). A b o u t T S T C The Texas State Technical C o l l e g e S y s t e m (www.tstc.edu) consists of four technical colleges under the leadership of Chancellor Bill Segura, Ph.D.: TSTC Harlingen, TSTC Marshall, TSTC Waco, and TSTC West Texas, which has campuses in Abilene,

Breckenridge, Brownwood, and Sweetwater. TSTC colleges are among the top colleges in the nation to confer associate degrees in precision production, and associate degrees in all disciplines for Hispanic graduates. TSTC can also boast the number one Texas college in associate degrees conferred in engineeringrelated technologies/technicians and computer and information sciences & Support services (Community College Week, 2007). More than 13,000 students attend TSTC each year in credit programs alone, and that number grows to more than 30,000 when short-term continuing education and corporate training programs are included through TSTC Corporate College. G.A.M.E.R.S.

Pro Gaming is about to Explode…and No One is Safe. FRAG, a First-of-Its-Kind Documentary on Professional Video Gaming Offers Free Viewing and Launches Online Store. CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) July 29, 2008

Independent filmmaker, Cohesion Productions today announced that FRAG, a documentary on professional video gaming will coincide the August 1st opening of their online store and DVD release with a free showing at QuakeCon. Professional video gaming, cyberathletes and eSports are new concepts for many of us and never before in history has anyone conquered the controversy and corruption seen in this industry. FRAG sheds light on the struggles cyberathletes face while breaking into professional video gaming and maintaining success. Like all sports exploitation, abuse, and sometimes abandonment cause many gamers to fail to reach the top but again like all sports

heroes exist.

had to say about FRAG:

The August 1st showing of FRAG will be on the QuakeCon main stage at 7 p.m. in the Chantilly ballroom of the Hilton Anatole Hotel in downtown Dallas and will be followed by a Q&A session with Director, Mike Pasley and Executive Producer, Judd Saul. QuakeCon is a free convention open to the public.

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Cohesion Productions will also be offering a free showing to the attendees of Fan Expo Canada, which runs from August 22nd to August 24th. Now in its 14th year, Fan Expo is Canada’s largest gaming event attracting over 40,000 attendees at the Metro Toronto Convention Center.

a just good old fashioned take your opponent out contest that features an inflated ball player's hurl at each other to knock them off their inflated pedestals. Now accounting and marketing can settle their differences in a safe and entertaining way while still letting off some steam. Inflatable 2000 has been providing advertising and marketing solutions for a wide variety of businesses through custom banners, flags and inflatable products that effectively brand a company while delivering buzz worthy graphics and slogans. Inflatable 2000 has been a terrific option for start-up 12

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You can preview the film on www.FRAGmovie.com.

• Here is what the media has

Inflatable Products (cont) (Continued from page 8)

“In sum, FRAG addresses the issues while also celebrating the players.” – Cinematical • “Not just fun and games…'FRAG' exposes dark side of pro video game circuit.” - WCF Courier • “…quite possibly the best of the bunch.” – indieWIRE DVD FEATURES

companies looking to generate brand awareness for their launch by providing promotional set ups including advertising balloons, blimps, party tents, kiosks and trade show booths. In addition to marketing and advertising campaigns Inflatable 2000 has achieved a solid reputation as a party rental supplier of amusement products including inflatable obstacle course, jumpers, water slides and many other kid and adult friendly games.

Extended interviews with Jon Romero, co-creator of DOOM and Quake, Billy Mitchell, main character from the ‘The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters,’ and Michal "Carmac" Blicharz, Editor-in-Chief and Video Producer for SK Gaming. Feature-length commentary from FRAG’s Direc-

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tor and Executive Producer Bonus Features including deleted scenes, produc-

tion notes, illustrations, trailers, and much more! Related Links www.cohesionproductions.com www.FRAGmovie.com

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“Industry-Changing” Toy (cont) (Continued from page 11)

time ever, Elmo seems to actually be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like the real Muppet, Elmo, from Sesame Street. His mannerisms are right on target as his h e a d moves back and forth as he speaks. He waves his arms, sits and stands, even crosses his legs, all the while telling stories and jokes, singing songs and playing games. Children can activate the magic with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo’s foot, tummy, back or nose. With today’s announcement regarding pre-order opportunities, Fisher-Price also re-

leased video of Elmo Live footage featuring new, neverbefore-seen content. Chris Byrne, aka The Toy Guy®, calls Elmo Live an industry

changing toy. “Elmo Live delivers a rich play experience that is engaging and interactive. It’s as close to being w i t h Elmo in the fur as any toy has ever been,” he says. “We anticipate that this

will be sold out very early in the season, so taking advantage of this pre-sale opportunity will be a key strategy for anyone who wants to score one of these toys.” This is the most life-like Elmo ever developed, according to Gina Sirard, Fisher-Price vice president of marketing. “With today’s technology, we’ve been able to make the magic between child and toy even more seamless and exciting than ever,” she says. “This Elmo is

packed with unprecedented movement and an abundance of creative content, never before featured in a plush product.” “The other Elmo toys made you laugh and dance, but Elmo Live really touches you. It’s so amazingly alive,” says toy expert Jim Silver. Elmo Live, for children 18 months and up, will retail for approximately $59.99.

Calendar Of Events Matsuricon (Anime) - http://www.matsuricon.org/

Worthington - Aug 22 - 24

Novacon-Ohio (LAN/Gamin Mini-Con) - novaconohio.com

Streetsboro - Sept 19 - 20

Con on the Cob (Gaming/Art) - cononthecob.com Mid Ohio Con (Comic Books) - midohiocon.com Ohayocon (Anime) - ohayocon.org Bashcon (Gaming) A&G Ohio (Anime & Gaming) - aandgohio.com NeoVGcon (Video Gaming) Neovention Reborn (Gaming and More) - Neovention.org 14

G.A.M.E.R.S.

Hudson - October 2 - 5 Columbus - October 4 - 5 Columbus - January 30 - Feb 1 Toledo - Feb 20 - 22 Cincinnati - March 13 -15 Strongsville - March 20 - 22

Akron - March 27-29

Classifieds Section Pending Classified Categories Help Wanted Ohio Gamers Organization, a Non Profit Organization, is looking to fill the following positions: Public Relations Volunteer Coordinator Programs Manager These Jobs do receive a weekly gas stipend for working 3-4 days a week, when travel is necessary, and are first in line to get paid upon our 502c3 grants that we are currently filing for. We also have a small number of other volunteer jobs! Please Call (877)OGO-0010 To apply today!

OGO Publications is looking to hire for the following positions for its Growing newspaper GAMERS.: Advertising Sales Newspaper Editor Graphic Designer Writers Photgraphers Sales position does pay 1020% commission on all ad sales!

Volunteering Volunteers need for staffing Neovention Convention. Will receive free badge for working at lest 8 hours of the convention. Visit Neovention.org or email volunteers@neovention.org for more details.

For advertising in our classifieds section, send questions/ads to press@ohiogamers.org Prices Are: $.03 per regular letters $.05 per bold or italic letters

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Please Call (877)OGO-0010 Or email press@ohiogamers.org To apply today!

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The Soldiery, Inc. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your full-service gaming source for 17 yearsâ&#x20AC;? Collectable Card Games, Roleplaying Games, Historical Miniatures, Games Workshop, Wizkids, Paints/Brushes, Gaming Supplies. Extensive inventory of new/used items, including singles: Weekly events - 11 Gaming Tables

4256 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43214 (614) 267-1957 Fax (614) 267-0558 drowsydragononline.com

thesoldiery.com

mail@thesoldiery.com

Hours: Mon closed, Tue - Thu 3 pm - 9 pm, Fri 3 pm - 1 am, Sat 1 pm - 11 pm, Sun 1 pm - 7 pm

Buy, Sell, Trade used gaming items and distressed store inventories! G.A.M.E.R.S.

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