video-games-live
Latest
L70ETC, Video Games Live will both perform at WWI
Just in case you were worried about whether or not you'd see Level 70 Elite Tauren Chieftain live at Blizzard's upcoming Worldwide Invitational event in Paris, worry no more -- they'll be there. Both L70ETC and the Video Games Live orchestra will be performing at WWI, just as they did last year at BlizzCon '07.Should be a great show on both counts. Does make us wonder, though, what Blizzard is planning for BlizzCon this year -- a repeat of last year's performance would be nice and all (and we have no doubt that no matter who else plays, L70ETC will definitely have to be there, considering that they're made up of Blizzard employees), but maybe we'll get some new blood in the mix? Jonathan Coulton is definitely a name that springs to mind -- even if he's not specifically a Blizzard guy, his music is very familiar to WoW fans of all levels.Who else could they hire? Nyhm? Felicia Day to host? As fun as Jay Mohr was, seems like after all the taunting last time, he just might be trouble to get again -- Blizzard might as well choose someone that WoW fans want to see.
GDC08: Meet us at Video Games Live, get swag
We've got a pile o' swag from GDC and, like always, we're looking to give it away to you, dear readers. There are some caveats because we're short on time: notably that we're not bringing it home. Some of Team Joystiq are going to Video Games Live tonight (look for the socially awkward blogger type) and we'll be bringing all the swag you see up there and more. Want it, just stop by and say hi and we'll share. Easy, right? Anyone here planning on going?Update: We've run into some of you already, but you can find us huddled in the left rear corner of the entrance area -- just take a left as you walk in through the door!
Video Games Live announces 40 shows across the globe
Video Games Live has announced approximately 40 shows to take place across the globe over the next year. Full details aren't available on some locations, but there will be special concerts at GDC, Comic-Con, Leipzig and a bullring in Mexico (full list of locations after the break). There's really nothing more to say about VGL other than you should go and see hear it. The quality of the show is absolutely worth the price of admission and there's nothing quite like getting a chill from hearing your favorite piece of game music played by a full orchestra. If going into public isn't your thing, there's always the CD.[Via Press Release]
Video Games Live to make TV debut on Spike VGAs
Video Games Live, composer Tommy Tallarico's gaming-centric orchestra concert event, is making its national television debut next Sunday, December 9, on Spike TV's Video Game Awards. The performance will be recorded along with the awards show, hosted again this year by Samuel L. Jackson, December 7 in Las Vegas.No word on what songs will be performed, although the press release from VGL noted that "brand new never before seen material" is in the cards.
BlizzCon: closing ceremony audio, including Level 70 Elite Tauren Chieftain
Well, BlizzCon is officially over, and folks will have to wait another year to experience it again. Hopefully by this time next year, however, both StarCraft 2 and the WoW expansion Wrath of the Lich King will be on store shelves, or in your hands. Until then we'll be waiting for the dribbles to trickle out of Blizzard with more information.But, all is not lost. They did send us out with a bang that included 30 minutes of fairly decent comedy with Jay Mohr, a performance by Level 70 Elite Tauren Chieftain (the highlight of the night of which a brief video appears above), and a pretty sweet set from Video Games Live, including the Diablo theme being played on a 12-string guitar. That was the best moment of the night, and makes us wonder even more when there will be some sort of a Diablo sequel.Check out the gallery below, which contains some new shots from the closing ceremonies. You can always head over after the break to listen to the complete audio of Jay's performance, the L70ETC set, and the Video Games Live goodness. In handy mp3 format for your listening pleasure. Also be sure to check out the exhaustive BlizzCon coverage from WoW Insider, who really brought down the house with their in-depth look at Lich King, and the event as a whole.%Gallery-5475%
Azeroth Interrupted: Life Lessons learned from BlizzCon
Each week, Robin Torres contributes Azeroth Interrupted, a column about balancing real life with WoW.Well, I'm back home from BlizzCon and am reunited with my family. I feel that aside from the WoW info I absorbed there, that I have also learned some valuable Real Life lessons -- and I hope that other attendees learned some, too.Family First: Ok, I knew this one already, but BlizzCon reinforced it. Because I knew my daughter was well taken care of by her other parent, I was able to relax and enjoy myself. But also, Blizzard made their convention very family friendly. There was plenty to do for the whole family, including jousting. I saw babies strapped happily to parents and children enjoying a kind of Halloween in August, like this young Tauren pictured here. Unfortunately, my daughter is too old to be carried all day and too young to sit still for too long, but it is good to see that there will be plenty for her to do if we go as a family when she's older -- perhaps at BlizzCon 2010.
Video Games Live coming to your CD and DVD player this Fall
And you do have a CD or DVD player, right? If not, you've probably made a slight typing error in your efforts to visit Koistiq.com, the world's most popular fish enthusiast blog. As for the rest of you, please note the following: Video Games Live has finally announced that a CD and DVD recording of one of their extravagant concerts will be released in the US and "throughout the world" this Fall.The alliteratively awesome Tommy Tallarico, video game composer and co-creator of Video Games Live, says he's been ignoring pleas for five years! "Since we started Video Games Live over 5 years ago we've always received at least a few e-mails and letters each week asking if and when a DVD and CD would be available." Since we're sure 90% of those messages and threats came from us, we're especially pleased that the group has finally relented and seen (heard?) fit to preserve last Novembro's Rio De Janeiro, Brazil concert in digital form. You'll find a trailer embedded after the break.More information concerning exact release dates and prices will be revealed in August. Oh, and if any fishermen are still reading this, get yourself a DVD player before then.
Game on, rock out to cover versions of top gaming themes
Game Music Central is now selling copies of "Best of the Best: A Tribute To Game Music", which is a collection of classic game song, covered by new artists. The composers might not be names that you know that well, with the exception of Video Games Live composer Tommy Tallarico, but they've composed the music for World of Warcraft, SOCOM II, EverQuest, God Of War I & II, Myst III & IV, Jade Empire, Pirates of the Caribbean, Hitman, Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 1 & 2, Shrek the Third and King Kong. Not too shabby of a musical resume.It remains to be seen how useful the website itself will be, but it has the chance to become a great place to go when you find yourself wondering "What song was in that level with all the lava?" For now, visit the site and get a preview of the songs on the CD. Our money is on that cover of the Mario Bros. theme song for being the "most annoying song of 2007," but the year is only halfway over. Who knows what our ears might be treated to in the coming months.
Video Games Live to play Kennedy Center in Wash. D.C.
OK, now Video Games Live is getting big time. Video Games Live will perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. for two days, June 29 and 30, with the National Symphony Orchestra. Yes, that was not a typo. The orchestra, which typically won't creep past the 19th century, is about to take on the last 30 years in video games."What an incredible honor for us and the entire video game industry to be playing at such a historical landmark with such a prestigious symphony," said video game composer and Video Games Live co-creator Jack Wall. Fellow co-creator and game composer Tommy Tallarico added, "We've already started inviting as many local politicians and their families as possible. It's important for us to show everyone how incredibly creative, artistic and significant video games and the culture surrounding them have become."Just pick up our jaws off the floor already. Video Games Live is also holding a contest to send someone and a guest to the event. Sponsored by Microsoft, ManiaTV and DreamAuthentics you can apply here. There will also be a pre-show on the Grand Foyer with "costume contest, free game demo handouts, prize give-a-ways" and game competitions. After the concert people will be able to meet Sid Meier (only appearing June 30) and other industry veterans. Very cool news, now we wonder if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will sit next to Sid Meier and discuss Civilization, while Vice President Dick Cheney and Epic's Mark Rein go boozing in the lobby and Cheney lets him know they got the splatter effect of shooting someone all wrong in Gears of War.[Via Press Release]
BlizzCon will get back to the classics
Blizzard fans can expect to get an earful at their visits to the World Wide Invitational and BlizzCon this year. The classical orchestra Video Games Live will be performing at both live events in and Anaheim, at no additional cost to attendees. I guess we can call that more bang for your $100 bucks of BlizzCon admission. As nifty a backdrop as this will be, particularly for the WWI and for what I am betting will be a great new Starcraft announcement, I can't help but feel disappointed. I was hoping to be able to hair metal out with my friends to another rendition of "I am Murloc." Level 60 Elite Tauren Chieftan, I miss you. I guess I will have to watch my TBC behind the scenes DVD and be satisfied with that. [via Joystiq]
A classical approach to Blizzard with Video Games Live
Where there's gamers, classical music will follow. Video Games Live announced today that they'll have two special Blizzard-themed concerts at Blizzard Entertainment's two major gaming conventions. The first will be at Blizzard's World Wide Invitational this Saturday in Seoul, South Korea, and the other will be at BlizzCon, held in Anaheim, Calif., in August. We're willing to put good money down right now that the orchestra will play (or at least have video of) something from the new possible Starcraft game after the big announcement this Saturday -- those of you attending in Korea get your camera phone's video option ready!The best part is admission to the concerts is included in the price of both events. No additional purchase will be required. BlizzCon prices are $100 USD per person. For those who haven't seen a Video Games Live concert it is definitely a non-meh experience -- you may very well get chills when the theme to a game you really like starts. Considering these concerts will be held with Blizzard fans present, we expect the chills to be of frost nova proportions in the audience.[Via Press Release]
Halo as performed by the Yale orchestra
Let's face it, most people don't play Halo for the pretty music, but it does feature a unique score for a first person shooter. The iconic chanting has firmly planted itself in the hearts and minds of gamers the world over. It even seems that the haunting refrain has wormed its way into the great minds of Yale University. In one of the recent performances of Video Games Live, the Yale Symphony Orchestra-Choir performed pieces from the games. The group performed music from both Halo 2 and the first Halo 3 trailer, all set to footage from the series. Tommy Tallarico even busted out the electric guitar for the finale. Scrutinize the video above, enjoy it's soothing sounds, and dream of May 16th.[Via Bungie.net]
Video Games Live holding 14 shows at 10 North American cities [update 1]
Video Games Live continues to spread its musically inclined tendrils across the North American continent, with the announcement of 13 upcoming concerts in 10 different cities. If you can't make the GDC concert next month (featuring Nintendo's Koji Kondo), perhaps you'll find solace in the complete list of events presented after the break.In addition, Video Games Live concerts are currently being planned for several European, Asian and South American venues. Keep an eye (and an ear) out for further announcements regarding international events.
Nintendo's Koji Kondo joins Video Games Live lineup
If one plans to append adjectives to Nintendo's music composer, Koji Kondo, the word "legendary" makes for an obvious start. The Legend of Zelda, along with Star Fox and Mario, are just some of the properties Kondo has contributed to since joining Nintendo in 1984. Attendees of this year's Video Games Live concert will be pleased to learn that the man himself will be making an appearance and performing "one of his favorite melodies" on stage. Can't say we've heard that one -- could someone hum a few bars?The event, which brings GDC to a symphonic end, is being held at Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium, San Francisco on March 9 at 8PM. Other highlights in this year's show include Martin Leung with a new piano arrangement, an acoustic medley by original LucasArts composers (Monkey Island!), a Chris Kline Contra presentation and a performance by voice-over artist, Dee Baker. Get your tickets here, if you please.[Via Press Release]
Video Games Live adds Halo 3, Civ IV to repertoire
Video Games Live is heading to the Hollywood Bowl and bringing with them a few pages of sheet music from the Halo 3 score, as well as music from Civilzation IV. Guests at the September 21 show include guitarists Steve Vai and Dweezil Zappa, as well as electronica artist Brian Transeau (BT).For those of you with old-school tastes, the original Lucas Arts composers will be giving "a rare special acoustic performance." The press release promises, among others, pieces from Grim Fandango and the Monkey Island series. Sure, there's Halo 3, but we're more geeked out by the thought of Lucas Arts compositions.Ticket prices range from the very low ($3.00) to the very high ($65.00) and are on sale now.
Video Games Live seats in Indy up for sale
Tickets are now on sale for the two Video Games Live shows planned in conjunction with Gen Con Indy Friday & Saturday, August 11-12.After a stop in Philly earlier this month, the VGL tour is moving on to Houston July 14th, Chicago August 5th, and then Indianapolis the weekend after that. More on reserving seats for the Hilbert Circle Theatre can be found on the official announcement page (via the pic to the right or the Read link below).Judging by the reviews of the Philly show so far, Video Games Live sounds like it could be a lot of fun. If they keep providing public access to Guitar Hero II, they may have sold this blogger on going already. We hope Midwestern gamers not attending the Chicago show can make a pitstop in Indy to keep Tommy's show on the road. So, yeah ... rock on.See also: Official VGL report from Philly (with some local links to boot) Video Games Live ticket purchases opened a bit early The official page for Gen Con Indy PS2 impressions: Guitar Hero II
Video Games Live starts ... damn, in 3 hours! [update 1]
I'm walking out the door now, but wanted to remind any Philadelphians that Video Games Live is going down at the Merriam Theater (on Broad St., just south of City Hall) at 8pm. There will be stuff going on before and after the show, in addition to the show itself, so if you feel like making a night of it, tickets should still be available at the door.As promised, I'll* be meeting up with a couple readers at dive bar extraordinaire, McGlinchey's, just around the corner at 259 S. 15th Street around 6PM. If you're looking for a cheap beer, a round or two of Metroid Prime: Hunters, and a whooping smoke-induced cough before the big show, this is the place to be. Look forward to meeting anyone attending!*I'll be the tall dork with a Joystiq shirt on and a now super-lame DS Phat.[Update: Chris will be meeting peeps at 6PM, not 7PM as previously stated. The time of this update is 6:15PM, so you're already 15 minutes late dammit! -Conrad]
Video Games Live hits Philly tomorrow
The previously canceled but now resuscitated Video Games Live show is ready to play its third show to date at Philadelphia's Merriam Theater in Center City tomorrow night. Like their show at GDC in March, this one is tied to a popular event -- namely Wizard World Philadelphia -- giving them a built-in audience who've already traveled to the city. The GDC show in San Jose sold out, no doubt as a result of the hoards of gaming geeks and industry insiders around, but there are still tickets available in Philadelphia (comic book geeks, what's up?). In addition to the great music, the pre-show festival includes a costume event and a special meet and greet. Philadelphia attendees include Marty O'Donell (Halo), Jason Hayes (World of Warcraft), Martin Leung (Video Game Pianist) and me! Alright, maybe I'm not a celebrity, but I'll be there with a handful of Joystiq t-shirts so if you see me*, ask for one. If there's enough Philly readers going (c'mon guys!) it might even be fun to meet up before hand, play some Metroid Prime: Hunters, you know the deal.*I'll be the tall guy with a Joystiq shirt on!
Video Games Live Concert Review
The estimable San Jose Mercury News has posted a short review of last weeks Video Games Live concert that we reported on a while back. The show featured newly-arranged renditions of the themes from WoW & Halo, among others, and was apparently quite well-received by the crowd. The review is mostly positive, with the only negative points directed toward the venue;apparently was not the ideal place to hear symphonic music.I bet this show was a lot of fun. I probably wouldn't recognize 90 percent of the tunes to save my life, but it's not too often you get kids packing a stadium to listen to a symphony; any excuse for that is just fine by me. Click here to read the full review.
