Announced in February of this year, Blockbuster's Games By Mail program is an extension of the company's Total Access movies by mail service. Competing with Gamefly the same way Total Access competes with Netflix. Now Seattle area Blockbuster Online customers can opt into the games service, which allows them to rent any number of games, 1 out at a time, for $7.99 per month.

"We know our customers in Seattle love games, so we're excited to expand our Games By Mail pilot to include this market," said Keith Morrow, Blockbuster CIO. "We hope customers will take advantage of the service and share their feedback with us, so that we can build on our key learnings from Cleveland and further refine the offering in preparation for a national launch."

Any readers in the Seattle area planning on taking advantage? Are any of you even renting movies from Blockbuster anymore?

Seattle's Best will definitely figure into the equation, as we've flown our two East coast writers over to the West coast for the show. I'm sitting here enjoying a hazelnut mocha-something or another as I look over our rather crowded schedule. We've got previews, and hands-on time lined up for everything from eagerly anticipated console titles like Forza and MAG to the latest and greatest PC MMO titles, including looks at Guild Wars 2 and Funcom's modern day MMO The Secret World.

Along with the game time, we've got interviews lined up with industry luminaries, coverage of events from the show floor, parties, cosplay, and who knows what else. Stay tuned all weekend long to see what goodness spawns from the depths of the 2009 Penny Arcade Expo.

We're definitely going to need more coffee.

By nearly 100 they actually mean 90, with everyone from 2K Games to Zalman USA packing the show floor with stuff to see and do. Notable events include Bioware's first public showing of Star Wars: The Old Republic, demonstrations of Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed II and Splinter Cell: Conviction, and concerts and parties galore. Totilo and I will be there as well, so be on the lookout for his good looks and my astounding sweatiness. Seriously, it's like I am walking around with another me made entirely of water.

You want a full list of exhibitors? You can't handle the full list of exhibitors! But go ahead and try.

Full List Of PAX 2009 Exhibitors

- 1up
- 2K Games
- Aeria Games & Entertainment
- Alienware
- Alteil
- Ankama Games
- Antec
- Astro Gaming
- Atari, Inc.
- Bethesda Softworks LLC
- Big Fish Games
- Bioware
- Black Sheep Studios
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Capcom Entertainment, Inc.
- CCP Games
- CDV Software Entertainment USA
- Chessex
- Disney Interactive Studios
- Dolby Laboratories
- ECA
- Electronic Arts
- Eminence Group Pty. Ltd.
- Fallen Earth LLC
- Flying Frog Productions
- Flying Lab Software
- Frogster America
- Funcom
- Garage Games
- Geek Chic HQ
- Gunnar Optiks
- Harmonix Music
- Hi-Rez Studios
- Hothead Games
- Hudson Entertainment
- iGlove Inc.
- Ignition Entertainment
- ITT Technical Institute
- Jones Soda Co.
- Klei Entertainment
- Mana Energy Potions
- Mega64
- Microsoft
- Microsoft-XNA
- Mythic Entertainment
- Namco Bandai Games America inc
- Namco Networks America Inc.
- NCsoft
- Nexon
- Nintendo of America Inc
- NVIDIA
- Omni Consumer Products (Tru Blood)
- Oni Press
- Patriot Memory
- Phantom EFX, Inc.
- Pink Gorilla LLC
- Playlogic Entertainment Inc.
- Privateer Press
- Riot Games
- Rockstar Games
- Rooster Teeth Productions, LLC
- Runic Games
- SEGA
- Sony Computer Entertainment America
- Stardock Entertainment
- SteelSeries
- Sweet Kitty
- Swell Games / Simon Fraser University
- Telltale Games
- The Behemoth
- The Dreaming Comics and Games
- The Guildhall at SMU
- THQ
- TN Games
- Tozai, Inc.
- Tritton Technologies
- True Games Interactive
- Turbine
- Turtle Beach
- Twisted Pixel Games, LLC
- Ubisoft Entertainment
- Unknown Worlds Entertainment, Inc.
- Upper Deck Entertainment
- Valve Software
- Vancouver Film School
- Wacom Technology
- Warner Bros. Games
- Wizards Of The Coast
- Y-Bot Classic Video Games
- Zalman USA Inc.

All that and more in Seattle next month, September 4th through the 6th.

Halo composers Marty O'Donnel and Michael Salvatori will be joined by other members of the Bungie team to celebrate the world premiere of the music from the Halo 3: ODST trailer. After the concert, ticket holders will be able to stand in a long line, desperately trying to think of questions to ask them during the meet and greet. Might I suggest, "Is composing hard?" or perhaps, "How difficult is it to compose?" - two of my favorites.

Gabe and Tycho from Penny-Arcade will also be making an appearance. My question suggestions still stand.

VIDEO GAMES LIVE™ TO DEBUT MUSIC FROM HALO 3: ODST IN SEATTLE

Special Guests to Include: Halo Composers Marty O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori as well as Gabe & Tycho from Penny Arcade

After selling out scores of shows in front of hundreds of thousands of fans around the world, Video Games Live is proud to announce the live WORLD PREMIERE of the music from the Halo® 3: ODST trailer. The music will be given the full symphonic Video Games Live treatment at the Seattle performance at the famed Paramount Theatre on January 24th. Halo 3: ODST will be available to fans this Fall.

The Seattle performance of VGL will also feature personal appearances by veteran game composer Marty O’Donnell, best known for scoring the Halo franchise, as well as Halo composer Michael Salvatori and other members of the Bungie team— ticket holders will be able to interact with them at a post-show meet & greet. Says O’Donnell, “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.” Video Games Live was the first to perform the music of Halo with a symphony orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl in 2005 featuring the Los Angeles Philharmonic and guitar legend Steve Vai (whose guitar work appeared on Halo 2) in front a crowd of 11,000 people.

“We’ve been good friends of Marty for a long time and really love the work that he’s done,” said video game composer and Video Games Live co-creator/conductor Jack Wall. “The audience’s reaction to the Halo scores is always incredible and we’re once again looking forward to adding more exclusive music from the franchise.” Game composer and Video Games Live co-creator/host Tommy Tallarico added, “It’s always been a goal of ours to change the show each and every year. We’re going into our 5th year of touring Video Games Live and each year we continue to mix it up and add to our setlist.” Aside from the 50+ game franchises already represented and created, Video Games Live is currently working on 10 new segments for 2009 including Mega Man, Chrono Cross/Chrono Trigger, Super Smash Bros., Monkey Island, Shadow of the Colossus, Earthworm Jim, Silent Hill and more.

Joining Marty O’Donnell at the post-show meet & greet will be Penny Arcade creators/founders Gabe & Tycho, along with other industry creators, designers, artists and composers. Also appearing will be Canadian artists Splitting Adam, performing with the symphony their hit “On My Own” from the recent Need For Speed: Undercover game.

New Preferred Tickets and Additional Seating have been added today for this performance. Tickets are available at:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0F004039CD048C2F?artistid=976815&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=52

Video Games Live is currently planning over 60 shows for 2009. Additional international TOUR DATES can be found at: http://www.videogameslive.com/index.php?s=dates

"We're definitely running into space issues this year" said Show Director Robert Khoo. "Despite adding another building for tabletop and an additional 120,000 square feet overall, our numbers right now say it's going to be pretty insane."

See? Insanity! You don't want to promote insanity, at least not until you have your badge. You can head over to the PAX registration page right now and get a three-day pass for $45. It's only $5 less than you'll pay at the door, but you really don't want to be in line at the door. Hit the jump for the freshly minted exhibit hall floor plan, jam-packed with over 70 companies.

Click for a larger version.

PAX 2008 PRE-REGISTRATION CLOSING THURSDAY

Further Content Details Revealed to Tempt Procrastinating Gamers

SEATTLE - July 28, 2008 - The organizers of the fifth annual Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) today issued a reminder that July 31 is the last chance to pre-register for the gaming festival at the Washington State Trade and Convention Center in Seattle Aug. 29-31. Based on current pre-registration numbers, attendance is expected to break 45,000, guaranteeing a packed house for this year's PAX.

The keynote speaker for 2008, respected screenwriter and developer Ken Levine, will kick off the festivities, including gamer-themed music concerts, an Exhibition Hall crammed full with over 70 companies, console and PC tournaments, the Omegathon competition and a wide variety of industry panels. Significant panels and presentations will include:

- History of Harmonix: THE ROCKENING
- How to Make the World Notice Your Video Game Blog
- The Mega64 'Panel! At The Expo'
- The Power of Gaming Communities
- GamerDad's "Gaming With Children"

"We're definitely running into space issues this year" said Show Director Robert Khoo. "Despite adding another building for tabletop and an additional 120,000 square feet overall, our numbers right now say it's going to be pretty insane."

ARRRR! FLYING LAB SOFTWARE CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE PIRATE DAY IN SEATTLE THIS WEDNESDAY Seattle-based Flying Lab Software is developing online video game Pirates of the Burning Sea for the PC

WHAT:
Citizens of Seattle, video game fans and pirates alike, will all gather together to celebrate "International Talk Like A Pirate Day" in honor of day's the official video game, Pirates of the Burning Sea, this Wednesday. The event, sponsored by local video game developer Flying Lab Software, will feature the local pirate group, SeaFair pirates who will be offering free tours of Seattle's waterfront to guests on their pirate ship, The Moby Duck, hands on play-time with the soon to be released Pirates of the Burning Sea video game, a chance to mingle with the development team behind the game, and much more!

The event is free and open to the public. Non-press members please RSVP http://pirates.meetup.com/111/calendar/6376562/

WHEN:
Wednesday, September 19th
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Seattle Aquarium
1483 Alaskan Way # 59
Seattle, WA 98101

MARINERS AND NINTENDO TEAM UP TO SALUTE FANS

Sept. 15 is Nintendo DS Day at Safeco Field

The Seattle Mariners and Nintendo are thanking fans for helping make the Nintendo Fan Network (NFN) at Safeco Field a success. The first 1,500 Fans who bring their Nintendo DS to the game on Saturday, Sept. 15, when the Mariners take on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, will be offered free access to the NFN. Additionally, Nintendo will give away 16 limited-edition Nintendo DS Lite systems featuring the Mariners logo and autographed by Mariners players. Good seats for the game, and all remaining Mariners home games, are still available.

The Nintendo Fan Network (NFN) was offered exclusively during the 2007 season at Safeco Field. NFN delivers interactive baseball-related content to subscribers using their Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite portable game systems and accessing an exclusive Wi-Fi network connection. For a fee of $5 per game (or $30 for 10 games), NFN users can access a menu of interactive options including: a live video feed of the game, scores from other MLB games in progress, player stats and team standings, trivia and word search games against other fans and the ability to communicate with other fans via Nintendo Fan Network Messaging.

On Sept. 15, up to 1,500 fans will have free access to NFN, just stop by the kiosks located on Safeco Field's Main Concourse near Sections 143 and 186 to pick up your complimentary NFN day pass. For those who don't already own a Nintendo DS unit, they are available for purchase at the same kiosks. The cost is $129.99 for the standard Nintendo DS Lite and $139.99 for the Mariners limited-edition, available exclusively at Safeco Field.

The Mariners special edition Nintendo DS Lite features the Mariners logo on the front cover. Sixteen of the special units will be autographed by Mariners players and given away at random to fans during the game. Winners will be able to use their Nintendo DS units immediately to access the NFN free of charge.

Nintendo's most popular video game character, Mario, will make a special appearance at Safeco Field on the 15th to meet fans. He will be available for photos at the top of the grand staircase of the Home Plate entrance until game time.

Nintendo DS was introduced in 2004 and has revolutionized handheld game systems. As the world's fastest-selling portable game device, it provides users with a unique game-play experience using features never before offered by any other home console or hand-held game system, including dual screens, controls that utilize both touch and voice, and wireless game play.

I did some documentation at tonight's Mariner game against the Los Angeles Angels where I brought my DS phatty and my Girlfriend Lite along. With both in tow, I decided to try out the Mariner/Seattle exclusive Nintendo Fan Network... NFN allows you to pay in cash at one of the two kiosks and they'll issue you a ticket with a Passcode which is a lot shorter than having to enter in all your credit card and personal information but is totally useless if you want food delivered to your seat... I'd like it noted that they had the option for a Kobe Beef burger for $15 USD. I don't go to enough Mariner games to know whether the Kobe Beef is a normal option or if it was for this game in particular as it was Japan Night and Seattle and Kobe are "sister cities."

Straight from the streets of Seattle, Washington comes this bit of Mario street art. I say "bit", but in reality, this must have taken quite a bit of time. Each of those little squares of paper is stapled onto this utility pole to create a cool pixel/mosaic effect. I'm always amazed that stuff like this happens to completion in a public place without anyone getting all hot under the collar about it. Many cities would have stopped this project after the first 20 pieces were in place. If it were Boston, they'd call out the bomb squad. Flynn De Marco

Paper Mario invades Seattle! [The Tanooki - Thanks Matt]

Big time Hollywood stars just love to do some video game voice work for some extra bread. No-name actors love to do the same. And for less money! Take theater actress Jen Taylor, who voices Cortana in Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2. For the first game, she got about US $500 and twice that for the sequel. She adds,

But the technicians had gotten so good at what they were doing. That they got twice the amount of work done in half the time. So my actual pay was about the same.

US $500 to voice one of the most memorable characters in a smash hit video game? That seems rather low. Brian Ashcraft

Actors Make Extra Cash [Seattle PI via Cathode Tan]

Statistical site Sperling's BestPlaces has, via survey, been able to determine what I already know: Seattle is Numbah One for gaming in the nation. But when our homeless people look like video game characters, this is a big No Duh.

Sperling commissioned the survey based on the number of video game systems owned per household - defined as an Xbox 360, Xbox, Windows based PC, PlayStation 2 or GameCube - as well as the number of games purchased, the number of game rental and the frequency of online gaming via Xbox Live or Windows.

When the end times come and the gamers must rise up against the Insane Jackass Army, headquarters will be at my house. You guys can sleep on the fold-out.

As the smoke of massive cartridge and cd-fueled bonfires sully the weeping sky, we will amass in ranks along the shining halls of Westlake Center. The hardened EB employees there will lean on the shoulders of sympathetic Hot Topic gloomygirls, weary from a long night of outfitting our soldiery with shuriken carved from the CDs of the used sports games bin.

We'll be forced to pillage Hot Dog on a Stick for rations, dazzling the fearful employees with bright, seductive games of Loco Roco, Nintendogs, and Zuma before drafting them into the rank and file and starting them on more serious pursuits.

Outside, the shambling Jackasses begin to close in. Eliza Gauger

Seattle Named Number One Gaming City [Gamasutra]

Previously on Kotaku: Link Alive and Well in Seattle

I am about to hop on a plane to Seattle to visit FASA Studio and check out Shadowrun for the Xbox 360/PC. I'll be posting a feature later this week with hands-on impressions and plenty of awkward erection moments, but for now hit the comments to let me know any specific questions you may have about the game. I really will try to ask a few of them. Also, the trip is sponsored by Microsoft - this includes the flight, a minimum of 5 bottles of Cristal, some of those people who just stand around and fan you with palms, and hotel accommodations - all per my contract. I'll send a postcard. Mark Wilson

Expect plenty of posts for the convention delivered as quickly as I can find a way to get them from my tiny little computer to the tubes.

I've already been chatting up Robert Khoo, he's a lot of fun to talk to and seems very psyched about this year's show. I hear tell there's going to be lots o crowds, exhibitors and maybe even some announcements.

Can't wait. If you're there and happen to see me roaming aimlessly, as I usually do at these things, say Hi. Brian Crecente

Here's the description:

Blogphotopodcasting: New Media in the Game Industry
Join pioneers in the new media industry as they discuss how they're blazing the trail for mainstream news and how the mediums of the past are shaking in their boots. Panelists include Brian Crecente (Editor, Kotaku), Ashley Jenkins (Fragdolls.com), MC Wilson (Broadcast Gamer) and Julianne Greer (Editor, The Escapist).

If you're heading to PAX come by and help fill a seat or two. The panel is Sunday, Aug. 27 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

This is going to be my first PAX and I'm psyched. And yes, I'll be liveblogging the shit out of it. Hmmm, I wonder if I can liveblog my own panel? I could be snarky about myself. NICE! Brian Crecente

What was the totally fair and balanced criterion?

"The large amount of games played on Xbox Live and the high number of video games owned put Seattle at the top of list, but clearly the survey confirms that games are sweeping the U.S.," said Bert Sperling, founder of Sperling's BestPlaces.

Is it just us, or does that make it seem as if the criterion on a survey sponsored by Microsoft to find the epicenter of gaming was "How many people play XBox Live?"

But to be fair, this was the other criterion: "the number of video game systems owned per household — Xbox 360 , Xbox , Window-based PCs, PlayStation 2 and GameCube — number of games purchased, number of game rentals, and frequency of online gameplay via Xbox Live or Windows games, among other factors." It still seems pretty Microsoft oriented, but that — at least — makes it look a bit better.

We Built This City On Videogames [Gamescoreblog]

According to NST game designer Richard Vorodi, Metroid Prime Hunters at final testing, was just a little shorter than Retro's Metroid Prime. Whether that is a run-through of Metroid Prime for the first time or a second or third run through MP wasn't clarified. But, according to Nintendo, the game has some meat to it.

Visually, the levels look incredible, the visor and guns really push the DS hardware to a place where it hasn't been before. It looks like Metroid Prime in the palm of your hand. Prime enthusiasts will be pleased by this. How does the game play? There's a full run down after the jump.

The biggest adjustment to the series is obviously the touch-screen based controls for adjusting the "look" and targeting. The lock-on mechanic is gone which will add a different dynamic to the game's boss encounters.

Unlike other Metroid games, in Prime Hunters your suit is pretty much finished at the outset. Sure, there are the requisite energy tank and missile upgrades, but you'll already be jumping and morph balling like a veteran bounty hunter. While this might be off-putting to some who enjoy the collect-a-thon aspect of the Metroid series, or demand that it be there for the sake of "history" - ultimately when facing the game's bounty hunters (and you face one very early on) you'll be happy Samus' suit is already tricked out.

Switching into morph ball mode is done via the touch screen (just like switching weapons). When users click the ball icon in the lower left Samus shifts into morph ball and the L trigger releases her bombs. Yes, bomb jumping is there and is a part of the game. While the multiplayer is something exciting and interesting to see in the Metroid world, the single player of Prime Hunters may end up being its stand-out feature. Assuming it is the lengthy, well designed adventure all signs point to it being, the DS may have another "must have" title in its library.

"Hosting the World Cyber Games in Seattle is a fitting tribute to our thriving video game industry, which has over fifty game development companies in the Puget Sound area, said Mayor Greg Nickels. We welcome the opportunity to host participants from around the world and show them our Seattle hospitality."

Last year about 700 finalists from 67 countries competed in the finals in Singapore.

Also, gamers won't be chatting during the fragfest as the VOIP isn't available while running around the maps blowing each other up. It's there for pre and post-game trash talk.

So, how does Metroid Prime Hunters play? Handheld gaming and First Person Shooter aren't exactly the peanut butter and jelly of the gaming world. The screens are small and it's tricky enough to be precise with dual analog sticks. But Metroid Prime Hunters doesn't have analog controls. Players move with the d-pad, fire their weapon with the left trigger and look around with the touch screen. How does the stylus work as a targeting mechanism? More after the jump.

To call a stylus-based look in a game is touchy, if you can pardon the pun. However, NST combatted the touchy stylus controls by including a bunch of customization for the game's controls - including a look sensitivity adjustment. The control scheme for Hunters might not feel perfect from the beginning, but if players spend enough time with the game and try and tune the controls and the look sensitivity they may find a setting and set up that works for them.

Each character in Metroid Prime Hunters has a bipedal form and an alt form. These alt forms are all essentially variations of Samus' morph ball with different attacks and abilities (one bounty hunter can climb up walls in its alt form). This, coupled with some weapons being more powerful in the hands of certain hunters, leads to a teeter totter of balancing issues. Now, in a couple hours of multiplayer play, it's pretty hard to detect an imbalance in multiplayer play, but when the game hits retail it's something that will be looked at closely.

There's a wealth of multiplayer modes and maps to play. Each one of the game's 30 maps (they aren't all available from the start) are playable online in a variety of modes ranging from a slayer gametype to some modes that are similar to a CTF one flag with four players racing for the prize or 2v2 teams can be formed. Players can acquire new characters to play online via progression in the single player mode - beating one of the bounty hunters in single player unlocks them for online play. Or, if someone in multiplayer is playing a character you don't have, and you kill them - now you can play as that character in multiplayer.

After stumbling walking back up to my hotel room in Seattle, I fired up the unofficial Kotaku laptop. It's the "unofficial Kotaku laptop" because I'm the only one who uses it and I've had it since college. It runs like a pre-Pentium computer. As a joke, once I tried to load World of Warcraft on to the machine. The joke was on me. It can barely handle Oregon Trail - many rivers have been forded, but no more. Logging in to check my email, the old cow just up and died. Smoke, whining noises and the sounds of disappointed Kotaku boys and girls who'd have to wait until I returned, got pulled over racing home from the airport to post frantically to compensate for my absence. My mother told me once that absence make hearts do something. I don't really care, unless it fixes laptops.