video-games-live
Latest
Russell Brower at Video Games Live
If you were planning to go to the Video Games Live performance on April 1st, now you have even more reason to go: Russell Brower, Director of Audio/Video for Blizzard, will be there. It's going to be (hopefully) shown on PBS in July, so if you just can't get down there, you can at least be on the lookout for it. If you like WoW's music (or that of other Blizzard games... I'm a huge sucker for Diablo II's soundtrack) it should be worth catching. If you happen to be in the area, tickets for the show are still available from Ticketmaster.
Video Games Live trying New Orleans concert for PBS again
Video Games Live plans to record a show on April 1 (no joke) in New Orleans to be aired on PBS stations in July. As this is going on the tee-vees, special guests and spectacle are planned. Ralph Baer will play Pong against an audience member on stage, with the symphony providing the sound. Guests for the post-show "meet and greet" include Tommy Tallarico (Earthworm Jim/Advent Rising), Jack Wall (Myst/Mass Effect), Marty O'Donnell (Halo), Russell Brower (Blizzard), Gerard Marino (God of War), Christopher Tin (Civilization IV) and more. VGL Executive Producer Tommy Tallarico tells Joystiq that the previous attempt to record the show in February fell through due to licensing and approval issues. Tickets for the show are available from Ticketmaster. Hopefully, the second attempt goes smoother.
PBS recording, airing Video Games Live concert in 2010
The always enjoyable Video Games Live concert series will have a performance taped and shown on PBS stations next year. The recorded performance will occur February 5, 2010, at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans. Tickets, which start at $15, go on sale Friday, December 18 at 10AM CST (check Ticketmaster or call 800-745-3000). We contacted VGL Executive Producer Tommy Tallarico to find out about special guests for this televised concert. He told us that the performance is still in the early planning stages and wishes he had more to share. Tallarico explained, "The only thing I could really say for sure right now is that we are not only going to have special guests from the gaming world -- game composers and game designers from around the world -- we're also going to have special musical guests and celebrities not from the gaming world, but who are very well known and fantastic performers." For the rest of us not near Mardi Gras land, the concert will begin airing in June on your local PBS station and a DVD/Blu-ray version will be distributed worldwide. All of this sounds like a very clever way for PBS to attract a younger demographic. Also, if you attend the taped concert, make sure to dress business casual. Greasy gamers in T-shirts and jeans don't make for good crowd shots.
Prince of Persia creator to keynote GDC China (likely in English)
It seems that GDC China attendees have more than just a Video Games Live performance to look forward to, as it was announced today that Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner will be keynoting the event. According to a release issued today, the acclaimed designer will be speaking on "the success of the Prince of Persia series, as well as his own success as a game designer, programmer, and finally, director and screenwriter." You read that right, folks -- the man most recently penned Jerry Bruckheimer's film adaptation of the PoP series, among other screenplays. Unfortunately, those attending GDC China won't be getting the traditional, mandatory shock treatment at the show, as that has been recently banned. For shame, China! Hopefully Mechner will be enough.
Video Games Live heading to GDC China
We know, we know -- living in Shanghai, China can sometimes make it hard to see your favorite video game music orchestra live in action. Don't fret, orchestral video game music enthusiast! Video Games Live! has just announced its intentions to perform at the Shanghai Hongkou Soccer Stadium, in tandem with GDC China, on October 13. Better yet, those of you holding a VIP pass to the show (and those of you who buy one before September 19), will receive complimentary tickets to the Video Games Live! performance that wraps up China's GDC. Oh, and just in case you were wondering, the orchestra's name has an exclamation point in it. Also, we like to shout.
Blizzard music to be featured at Gamer MusiCON '09
If you're looking for a way to relax this weekend, why don't you hie off to Houston and get tickets to the Gamer MusiCON '09, an all-day event celebrating music from the video game industry. If you're familiar with the Video Games Live, the whole event has expanded somewhat with the help of Blizzard Entertainment and will now have a full hour-and-a-half Blizzard Live! to go along with the traditional Video Games Live! concert.Blizzard Live! will feature music, both old and some never performed ones, from Blizzard's different game worlds - Diablo, Starcraft, and Warcraft - paired with exclusive game footage and synchronized lighting. The Video Games Live! segment features music from other popular games like Chrono Trigger or Mega Man. Of course, just like any great geek and gamer event, Gamer MusiCON will feature a lot of fun in between, such as costume contests, Guitar Hero faceoffs, a Q&A with Blizzard's composers, autograph signings, and lots of swag. The event, conducted by Jack Wall and hosted by Tommy Talarico, comes to life with the help of the Houston Symphony. It will be held at the Jones Hall in downtown Houston. You'd better get your tickets today! Oh, and don't forget to bring a date.
Video Games Live to have several special shows in July
Video Games Live continues touring with a few special shows during the month of July. On July 10, the National Symphony Orchestra (which did two sold-out shows at the Kennedy Center in DC) will perform at the WolfTrap Feline Center in Virginia. Sid Meier, Civilization IV vocalist Ron Ragin and game composer Grant Kirkhope (Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata) will all be in attendance.For Texans, Halo composer Mike Salvatori will make a "special guest appearance" at the Ft. Worth show on July 14. A few days later, The Houston Symphony will perform the show in its namesake city for two shows on July 18, in collaboration with MusiCON 09. The special afternoon show is entitled "Blizzard Live!" and will showcase songs from the Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo games. Five Blizzard composers will attend and participate in a Q&A panel.There will also be a performance at the San Diego Comic-Con on July 23 at the outdoor Embarcadero Marina Park, which will include synchronized fireworks. Tickets are available at the Video Games Live site. Check out the full list of July tour stops after the break.
Mega Man 2 and 3 music premiering at Video Games Live tomorrow, June 4
If you live in the Los Angeles area, tomorrow is probably a good day to attend Video Games Live, which still has tickets available. The show will premiere music from Mega Man 2 and 3 (yeah, we can't believe that's never been done either) and there will be "several special guests." The event will take place at The Greek Theater and there are likely to be many industry folks in the audience.
You're going to love the Video Game Orchestra
You're all familiar with Video Games Live by this point, and with good reason, it's a great organization. But we want to make sure you don't miss out on one of our new favorites in the field: the Video Game Orchestra, a collection of volunteers just playing for the love of the music.We've got video of the Boston-based group's take on Metal Gear Solid 3 after the break, but we're betting you're going to want to see all of the clips on its YouTube channel right here.
Video Games Live interviews Jason Hayes in Austin
This is really interesting -- our friend Tommy Tallarico of Video Games Live recently did a show in Austin, Texas, and during the performance, they actually brought former Blizzard composer Jason Hayes up on the big screen via Skype and chatted with him about the Warcraft music they had just played. Hayes worked on some of the cinematic music for Warcraft III, and though he is no longer with Blizzard, he put together some of the new music you're hearing now in Wrath of the Lich King as well.Hayes talks about how he works closely with the cinematic team to try and come up with an appropriate mood for what's happening on screen as the music plays. Even with early animatics, he says, you can get a good sense of where the scene is going and what the story is about. He also says that the Latin lyrics in his songs aren't necessarily Latin -- he uses a translator online and picks and chooses what sounds best. So not exactly historically accurate, but it's Warcraft -- as long as it sounds good, they can justify it however they like. It's definitely a fun little chat with one of the people behind some of the sweet sounds of Azeroth.[via WorldofWar]
Video Games Live performing during E3
Offering a welcome distraction from the lights and sounds of E3 this June will be the ... lights and sounds of Video Games Live. Not to be confused with the annual event's newly re-embraced discord, the musical performance aims to strike a more harmonious chord with attendees when the show takes the stage at LA's Greek Theater on June 4.Serving as E3's closing ceremony, the concert will include selections from such games as Chrono Trigger, Mega Man and Final Fantasy, as well as possible attendance by some "very special guests." Tickets are available through pre-sale for between $25 and $70. And for those unwilling to make the trek to E3, or for avid listeners with an unhealthy appetite for video game tuneage, a second performance alongside July's Comic Con in San Diego is also planned, promising "different material and different special guests."
BBC talks to composer about the challenges of writing game music
James Hannigan, music composer for the Harry Potter games and Red Alert 3, spoke with the BBC about the challenges of writing game music. He explains that games often require him to write music for scenes he hasn't seen -- the complete opposite of what happens in film and television. An interesting observation involves the differences between composing for third- and first-person games. Hannigan points out that more prominent music could "conflict" with the player's sense of immersion in a first-person game, often prompting more understated approaches compared to third-person adventures. He also appreciates gaming's influence on getting younger fans hooked on classical music, which becomes "acceptable and reasonably fashionable to people because it comes from their favorite games." With shows like Video Games Live getting more attention, it's always interesting to gain some insight into an aspect of games that too often goes uncelebrated.
Video Games Live premiering 'Halo 3: ODST' tune in Seattle this weekend
Video Games Live has announced it will debut music from Halo 3: ODST at its Seattle show this Saturday, January 24. The symphonic treatment will be given to the music heard in the ODST trailer, along with standards to the experience. Halo composers Marty O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori, plus members of Bungie, will attend the concert and take part in a post-show meet and greet.Tickets for the concert are still available. Oh yeah, Gabe and Tycho from Penny Arcade will also turn up at the post-show festivities. So, brush off your tuxes for a night at the symphony.**You don't really have to wear a tux ... just have some class and don't show up in shorts and a J!NX shirt.****We love J!NX.
Halo 3: ODST soundtrack to debut at Video Games Live event
With a new Bungie developed game in the works comes the dynamic musical duo of O'Donnell & Salvatori. On January 24, Bungie will debut the soundtrack for Halo 3: ODST at a Video Games Live concert in Seattle. Special guests at the event will include the famed Halo team of scorer Marty O'Donnell and (the elusive) composer Michael Salvatori, among others. "I've always debuted my music with Video Games Live and it's an honor to be involved with such a highly successful production. It's a fantastic show and a great and unique way to connect our music with an audience," O'Donnell said of the popular Video Games Live show. Video game music fans in the Washington area can purchase tickets for this Saturday's show from Ticketmaster.
Joystiq interview: Tommy Tallarico of Video Games Live
Tommy Tallarico has been working in the video game industry since 1991, and has worked on the audio and music for over 250 games, which sounds exhausting enough. He also ocassionally co-hosts Reviews on the Run (formerly Judgement Day on G4), he's a co-founder of the Game Audio Network Guild, serves on the advisory board for the Game Developers Conference, and somewhere amidst that schedule he found time to co-create (with game composer Jack Wall) the live-action game music experience that is Video Games Live. Video Games Live has been bringing the rocking tunes of games to audiences around the world for three years now. Whereas Jack Wall provides the baton-waving, classy dress portion of the show, Tallarico is the tennis-shoe wearing, Spider-Man guitar-wielding rock element. Check out our full interview with Tommy after the break, and check the VGL schedule to see if there's a show near you -- because everyone should hear the Mario Bros. theme played live at least once. If you can't make it to one, enter our Joyswag Video Games Live giveaway.
Joyswag: Video Games Live album
Update: Entry period has ended.If you can't make it to any of the upcoming Video Games Live performances, we'll bring the show to you. Joystiq is giving away five free copies of the recent Video Games Live: Volume One, delivered right to your door. Just leave a comment below (after you've read our interview with co-creator Tommy Tallarico), telling us what piece of gaming music you'd love to hear at a VGL concert, and we'll randomly select five winners to receive a copy. To enter this giveaway: Leave a comment telling us your favorite piece of game music that you'd like to hear played live. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person per calendar day (comment more than once and we'll force you to play the Atari 2600 version of E.T. forever, Clockwork Orange-style). This entry period ends at 11:00pm ET on Friday, October 10th. We'll randomly select 5 winners at that time to each receive one copy of the EMI Classics album Video Games Live: Volume One (valued at $15). Please check your e-mail! For a list of complete rules, click here.
WoW Moviewatch: Video Games Live performs a Warcraft Medley
With the flurry of activity surrounding the Worldwide Invitational, the live stream was the best thing that you could watch if you weren't in Paris yourself. During the closing ceremony, Video Games Live performed a Blizzard-centric symphony. For those that missed it, VGL is organized by Tommy Tallarico, the MC, and Jack Wall, the conductor. Both have composed music for video games for years, but now also travel around the country working with leading orchestras to perform that music live on stage for audiences.After viewing the closing ceremony, I checked out their website and discovered that they were performing in Austin, Texas two weeks later! Armed with ticket and video camera, I wasn't sure what to expect, but was thoroughly pleased with the performance. They can only play about 20 of their roughly 50 arranged pieces per night, so I was treated to music from Final Fantasy, Warcraft, Starcraft, Super Mario Brothers, Halo, Metal Gear Solid, and many others. In between the segments were games, costume contests, and commentary. At the end, they offer a meet and greet with the crew, as well as some video game industry professionals occasionally. In all, it's about a 5 hour event.If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...Read on after the jump for more tidbits about Video Games Live ...
Video Games Live to release CD
Record company EMI Classics has announced the release of Video Games Live Volume One, a recording of the famous traveling orchestra (led by friend of WoW Insider Tommy Tallarico) that plays videogame music, including that of the Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo series. You may have seen the group last year at BlizzCon, this year at WWI, or (likely) this year again at BlizzCon, and they got rave reviews every time they played.The recording was conducted by Tallarico, recorded at Abbey Road, and features the Slovak National Orchestra, The Crouch End Festival Chorus, and "the videogame pianist," Martin Leung. The CD will have eleven tracks (full tracklist after the jump), and will feature music from a slew of terrific videogame soundtracks, including our own Warcraft series (and Civ IV, which is probably the best music I've ever heard in a videogame, ever). EMI plans to release the CD in America on July 24th, and in Europe and the rest of the world on August 20th. It should be available for digital download right now in the UK, and an iTunes exclusive release will be available on the 20th.Sounds like an amazing recording -- fans of Video Games Live will certainly enjoy it. You can see the full tracklist below.
WoW Moviewatch: Video Games Live
If you missed the live stream of the 2008 Blizzard Worldwide Invitational closing ceremony, you'll probably be regretting it right about now. They brought back Video Games Live, a group that works with local orchestras and choirs to perform music from video games, to play a montage of Blizzard's greatest music from games such as Warcraft, Starcraft, Diablo, and WoW. It was so amazing that I immediately bought tickets for VGL's upcoming performance in Austin!If you have any suggestions for WoW Moviewatch, you can mail them to us at machinima AT wowinsider DOT com.Previously on Moviewatch ...
Video Games Live announces 50 shows for world tour
You wouldn't castigate us for saying that many classic video games are loved and remembered not just for their gameplay and characters, but their memorable music. Why, just think of The Legend of Zelda's dum dum, da da da dadum, da da da da daaa da da da da da dadum! Or Sonic the Hedgehog's dada da da dee dum dum, da dada da dum dee dum dum. And who could forget Mega Man's dada dada dadee dum, dadum dadum dum daaa?If you're a video gamer who appreciates everything from 8-bit beeps and boops to rousing orchestral scores, we encourage you to drag those big ears of yours to a Video Games Live concert. Created in 2002 by composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, Video Games Live honors a wide range of games in -- thanks to its 50-show strong world tour -- a wide range of American and international venues. See a complete list of planned concert locales (including France, China, Taiwan, Scotland and Portugal) and dates after the break.
