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12 Sims players will compete for $100,000 on a TBS game show
'The Sims Spark'd' will premiere on July 17th.
World of Warcraft bikes take shape in episode 6 of Azeroth Choppers
Despite delays and distractions, Team Alliance and Team Horde are nearing the finish line with their World of Warcraft-themed bikes in the latest episode of Azeroth Choppers. Episode 6 doesn't show us the finished bikes just yet, but you can get a sense of what both vehicles will look like as the teams start putting the finishing touches on their bikes. The episode also looks behind the scenes at Blizzard, showing the process for converting these machines into in-game items. Of course, the premise for the show has involved a contest from the start, not just for the teams but for the players. Voting for which bike design should appear in the game will start on May 29th, and fans are advised to start voting early -- the close of the polls is on June 2nd, just enough time to film the conclusion. You can watch the full episode just past the break.
NBC's The Voice will use iTunes purchases as votes
The Voice is an NBC reality talent show that lets singers compete for US$100,000 and a recording deal with Universal Republic Records. Like other reality shows, The Voice lets viewers vote for their favorite contestants by phone, through the NBC Live app, and online at NBC.com. A new twist in the rules will also let people vote with their wallet by counting a vote every time someone buys the artist's song on iTunes. Admittedly, some votes will be accidentally cast by iTunes users who are buying out of pleasure and not for voting reasons, but NBC and Universal Media Studios don't seem to mind. They seem happy with the new voting scheme which links sales to popularity and generates extra money for all involved.
GT Academy competition to be featured in Speed Network reality show
Not only are the best Gran Turismo 5 players getting a chance to be professional racecar drivers, but they're gonna be on the teevee, too! The competition, which started up this month, is turning into a reality show on the Speed Network next year. When the finals start up in March of 2011, the last 32 contestants and their travels and travails will be filmed for the show as they go through the last of the contest and the race training process. It's not mentioned whether or not the contestants will have to perform stunts on a desert island, live in a house together while under the watch of cameras 24/7, or give roses to each other but we'll just assume, since it's a reality show, that all of those things will happen. We also wonder which contestant will be the plucky, charismatic racer that eventually becomes a D-level celebrity.
Meet the Testers, cast of PSN reality show
With a host that's "crazy for RPG" and a model, plus guest appearances by the "legendary" David Jaffe, upcoming PSN reality show, The Tester, has already locked up the celebs. But what about the unknowns -- those everyday, real folk -- vying for an entry-level job in the industry? Today, we're introduced to these eleven strangers, picked to work for Sony, to test games and have their lives taped, to hopefully get smashed and hook up and puke and then start some real drama if the video editors are any good, 'cause, boy, game testing is really kinda boring and ... hey, did we mention there's still an unannounced celebrity that's gonna show up? Stay tuned! [Via PlayStation.Blog]
Sony seeks participants for PSN reality show, 'The Tester'
Sony has announced an open casting call for a new reality series, created specifically for PlayStation Network, dubbed "The Tester." Participants will run a gauntlet of elimination challenges, with the aim of outshining their fellow competitors in the fields of "mental prowess, dexterity and video game knowledge." The winner will, of course, receive "every gamer's dream job" and become "The Tester," who is a tester of PlayStation games.Those looking to put this wacky and mildly voyeuristic job interview on their resumes are encouraged to submit their details and a short video to Sony's official website. To be considered, you must be older than 21, a resident of the United States and have an unflappable desire to tell someone that they need to tighten up the graphics on level three. The series, which will eventually comprise eight HD episodes, will debut this winter on PSN -- at an unannounced price. How's that for reality?
Reality TV: 'Legendary' rockers perform Rock Band 2 for upcoming show
There's some reality to the Rock Band show casting call that popped up on Craigslist this week after all. We've received confirmation from a reliable tip of an event featuring some "Legendary Rock Royalty" playing ... Rock Band 2 for an "upcoming TV show taping." If you're in the Los Angeles area, you're welcome to check it out: Where: The Viper Room When: Monday, September 15 -- free admittance from 7pm to 7:45pm (doors close at 7:45pm sharp) What else: Must be 21 or older. Email "rockbandshow [at] yahoo [dawt] com" to get on the list. Space is limited! (We know, we know, it sounds mad sketchy, but it's legit. The organizers are simply keeping a tight lid on the full details. Just be sure to tell someone where you're headed Monday night, you know, in case you disappear or something ... It's totally worth the risk just to get on TV, right?)[Image credit: eric dickman]
Survivor starts first HD season September 18
Mark your calendars, the 17th season of Survivor makes its HD debut September 18. The entire fall debut schedule for the 2008-09 CBS lineup is available at TV Squad or in the embedded video after the break, but considering there's just one top rated show that we've waited years to watch (or not watch, considering the glut of reality TV) we'll focus on this one for a moment. Apparently this season's caught the bug of production problems already, although none seem to have anything to do with Sony's slick XDCAM production system that promises real time human drama, backstabbing and tribal council votes in 1080i.[Via TV Squad]
Wife Swap seeking gamer families
WoW Insider has been contacted by a producer of the reality show Wife Swap -- apparently they're on the hunt for families who play WoW and other MMOs together, so they're sending out a casting call to the community. Any families applying should play MMOs together, have two parents and two children between 7 and 17, and live somewhere in the United States. If you're chosen for the show, you get a $20,000 honorarium, and anyone who refers a family that makes it on the show gets a grand for their efforts.Of course, you couldn't pay me enough to appear on a show like this (and there is no guarantee, of course, that the show will competently portray a family that plays games together as a healthy, valuable thing), but to each their own -- maybe this is just the opportunity you've been waiting for. If so, drop an email to the producer: gaby dot wifeswap AT gmail dot com, with a family photo and a description.It definitely sounds like an interesting experience, though. If you're willing to throw your family's hat into the ring, there you go -- throw away.
Gamers into soldiers: SOCOM Hell Week begins
You think you like playing SOCOM? Want to live the life of a SOCOM soldier? Well, the online reality series, SOCOM Hell Week, should have you disagree. The Sony-created show is entering its second season, and it promises to torture its contestants even more. Obstacle courses, freezing surf, and live fire training are all part of the insane experience that promises to transform gamers into soldiers. Check out season 2 at socomhellweek.com.
