"With two out of every three American households playing video games, it's clear that this mainstream phenomenon is a perfect arena for the channel's agenda of broadening the brand while celebrating imagination," Sci Fi channel president Dave Howe said.

What Sci Fi channel president Dave Howe fails to grasp here is that with two out of every three American households playing video games, your audience is busy doing other things.

Sci Fi greenlights 'GameQuest' [The Hollywood Reporter]

America's Best To Compete at World Cyber Games Finals in LA

NEW YORK, NY, September 30, 2008 - World Cyber Games (WCG), the recognized leader for global video game competitions, welcomes more than 200 of America’s very best gamers to the Los Angeles Convention Center from October 3-5 to compete at 14 top video games and the chance to take home a share of more than $100,000 in cash and prizes in the WCG USA National Final (http://us.wcg.com). More importantly, twenty five (25) WCG USA gold and silver medalists will earn coveted spots on the roster of gaming’s only TEAM USA and the opportunity to battle the world’s elite players at the WCG 2008 Grand Final taking place in Cologne, Germany November 5-9. TEAM USA will join 700-plus international players from more than 70 nations competing for a prize purse exceeding $500,000 and international e-Sports stardom at the WCG Grand Final. Team USA won the overall World Championship at the WCG 2007 Grand Final held in Seattle’s Qwest Field.

Gaming fans will be able to see several elite competitors live at this year’s WCG USA National Final as several returning members of last year’s WCG World Champion Team USA squad will participate, including:

Kamran Siddiqui – Need For Speed: ProStreet – Orlando, FL
Geoff Robinson - StarCraft: Brood War – Seattle, WA
Brian Boyle - Project Gotham Racing 4 – Chicago, IL
Wesley Cwiklo - Project Gotham Racing 4 - Los Angeles, CA
David Lathrop - Command and Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath - Syracuse, NY
Shawn Teeter - Command and Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath - San Diego, CA
Raghav Phadke - Age of Empires III – Buffalo, NY

Additionally, through a partnership with eSportsTV, fans who can’t be there live will be able to watch the tournament action with full play by play shoutcasting and up to the minute news online. Meanwhile, former pro-gamer and WCG USA emcee Andande “Swoozie” Thorne will also provide a fun insider’s look into the National Final via a series of exclusive video blogs. To view the video blogs and eSportsTV tournament coverage please log onto http://us.wcg.com and follow the corresponding links..

PC, Console and Mobile games featured in the WCG USA 2008 tournament include Half-Life: Counter Strike 1.6 (PC), StarCraft: Brood War (PC), WarCraft III: The Frozen Throne (PC), Command & Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath (PC), Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties (PC), FIFA Soccer 08 (PC), Need For Speed: ProStreet (PC), Carom 3D (PC), Red Stone (PC), Halo 3 (Xbox 360), Project Gotham Racing 4 (Xbox 360), Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (Xbox 360) and Virtua Fighter 5 (Xbox 360) Asphalt 4 Elite Racing (Mobile)

“Los Angeles will be the epicenter of both pro and recreational gaming action as the World Cyber Games USA National Final lands at the E For All expo as a spectacular ‘event within the event.’ Gaming fans and aspiring competitors can come out and see America’s very best video game players battle to become stars in e-Sports’ most prestigious tournament,” said Michael Arzt, general manager of World Cyber Games USA. “With more than $100,000 in cash and prizes on the line and only 25 precious spots on TEAM USA up for grabs, there’s no question that this year’s WCG USA Final, exploding amid the excitement of E For All, is the year’s must-attend gaming event.”

All visitors to E for All will have the opportunity to take in the action and fun at this year’s WCG National Final as well as win trips, cash and prizes. WCG Worldwide Partner, Samsung, will have a major presence, highlighted by the Samsung Experience and Samsung Mobile Challenge. “Samsung Electronics supports the WCG in America and in 70 countries around the world because we understand that gaming is a key passion and driver for our consumers,” said Steven Cook, senior vice president and chief strategic marketing officer, Samsung Electronics America. “We are constantly seeking new and engaging ways to blend the intersections between our consumers’ interests and our products. The WCG is a perfect example of how consumers’ passions, along with Samsung’s imagination, leading edge technology and design intersect to deliver a unique experience.”

Samsung Telecommunications America presents the WCG’s biggest free walk-up tournament ever: The Samsung Mobile Challenge. Visitors are invited to compete at Asphalt 4 on Samsung phones for an unprecedented opportunity to win $1,000 and a trip to the WCG 2008 Grand Final as an OFFICIAL MEMBER of TEAM USA and the very special chance to compete for up to $10,000 against 9 other nations’ finalists at the WCG 2008 Grand Final in Cologne, Germany. In addition, visitors can check out some of Samsung’s hottest new mobile phones currently available, plus some sneak previews of what’s yet to come.

Next-door at the Samsung Blu-Ray Experience, fans can check out the latest in high definition home entertainment technology, including HDTV’s featuring Samsung Electronics’ truly-immersive home 3D video technology, true Hi-Definition 1080p Television and HD gaming demonstrations showcasing the incredible new Iron Man Blu-Ray DVD and the Iron Man video game, respectively. Gamers will also have the opportunity to try their skill playing as Iron Man on the Xbox 360 for chances to win Best Buy gift cards, awarded hourly in a fun walk-up tournament. In addition, every PC and console game station in the WCG USA National Final tournament will exclusively feature Samsung’s spectacular new Touch of Color PC monitors or HDTV’s.

WCG USA Premier Partner Microsoft Xbox 360 will offer fans yet another unprecedented special preview opportunity as they allow gamers to get their hands on this holiday’s most-anticipated game title. For the first time anywhere, and only at the WCG USA at E For All, lucky gamers can play the all-new Gears of War 2 cooperative mode, “Horde.” This is an incredible opportunity to be among the first gamers anywhere to team up and fend off a seemingly endless onslaught of Locust forces to attain the highest score. Several other unique and fun “Gears of War” giveaways and promotions will take place throughout each day.

Philips amBX, will be on hand to present a variety of top PC titles that have been “amBX enabled” to deliver the ultimate sensory gaming experience.

Dust-Off will allow visitors a spin on their incredible prize wheel that showcases some of their most innovative products, including the incredible “Quiver” carrying case for gamers.

WCG USA at E for All show dates and hours at the Los Angeles Convention Center are:

Friday, October 3 10:00AM - 8:00PM
Saturday, October 4 10:00AM - 7:00PM
Sunday, October 5 10:00AM - 4:00PM

WCG USA event highlights include:

Opening Ceremony: Friday October, 3rd 5:00PM
Tournament Play and Stage Matches: Friday - Sunday
Closing Ceremony: Sunday October, 5th 2:00PM

For more information about the WCG USA National Final and Team USA please go to http://us.wcg.com.

For more info about attending the E For All expo at the L.A. Convention Center, including ticket information, please go to www.eforallexpo.com.

Not according to Gamer Grub which just announced that they have been named the official snack supplier of the World Cyber Games USA 2008. That means they will be providing their brand of snack-things to the players in the Tournament Area and Player Lounge at E for All in LA this week.

Gamer Grub comes in three (atrocious) flavors:

Action Pizza: Which is a jar of Pizza Cashews & Pitas, Tomato Sesame Sticks, Tomato Almonds, Cheese Pitas and Mozzarella Peanuts.

Racing Wasabi: Which is Wasabi Soy Almonds and Peanuts, Wasabi Peas, Honey Mustard Sesame Sticks and Pita Chips.

Strategy Chocolate: Which is Almonds, Chocolate Raisins, Cherries, White Chocolate Chips.

and

Sports PB&J: Peanuts, Peanut Butter Chips, Strawberry Jelly Chips, Bread Cubes.

OK, so I'd be down with checking out Action Pizza and Racing Wasabi, and maybe, maybe the chocolate one. But Bread Cubes and Peanut Butter Chips? Sounds like the business end of a peanut butter and whiskey all-nighter.

GAMER GRUB(TM) BECOMES OFFICIAL SNACK SUPPLIER FOR WORLD CYBER GAMES USA 2008

SAN DIEGO, CA – October 2, 2008 – Biosilo Foods today announced that Gamer Grub™ has become the official snack supplier of the World Cyber Games (WCG) USA 2008 (www.wcg.com/usa). Through this partnership, Gamer Grub will supply its great tasting, healthy line of performance snacks to the gamers participating in WCG USA at E for All in Los Angeles, CA from October 3 – 5, 2008.

Additionally, Gamer Grub will sponsor the reception for World Cyber Games USA players and VIPs during E for All to honor the top WCG USA competitors that will attend the WCG 2008 Grand Final, held from November 5 – 9, 2008 in Cologne, Germany.

“World Cyber Games USA is extremely excited to partner with Gamer Grub and introduce it to America’s and the world’s elite gamers,” said Michael Arzt, general manager of World Cyber Games USA. “We believe that this new innovative performance snack product is a great asset to pro and recreational gamers alike and can become a ‘must-have’ new accessory in the market.”

Designed for hungry gamers who want to continue playing games while consuming snacks, Gamer Grub is a great tasting, healthy line of performance snacks. With a patent-pending formulation to support cognitive functions, gamers will have the opportunity to boost core gaming systems and speed reaction times for maximum gaming performance. The ergonomic packaging design maximizes fast-action dispensing of the snack—eliminating the potential of keyboard crumbs and greasy fingers.

“We are honored to have this opportunity to become the official snack supplier for WCG USA 2008. We believe we have tapped into a whole new category of peripherals with Gamer Grub and will help gamers reach a new level of performance,” said Keith Mullin, founder and CEO of Biosilo Foods.

Gamer Grub is currently offered in four tasty flavors; Action Pizza, Sports PB&J, Racing Wasabi and Strategy Chocolate. Gamer Grub will be available online and at retail stores beginning in 2009. For more information on Gamer Grub, visit www.gamergrub.com.

About the World Cyber Games

The World Cyber Games (www.WCG.com) is the premier blue chip global video game tournament and festival. First founded in 2000 to promote global harmony through e-Sports, the WCG has grown steadily ever since and often been referred to as the “Olympics of Gaming” by several notable media outlets. Behind the slogan "Beyond the Game" and with more than 1.5 million contestants from over 70 countries expected to participate in this year's Grand Final event in Cologne, Germany, the World Cyber Games has developed into a true global phenomenon with unquestioned prestige and arguably the largest annual prize amounts at stake.
Gamer Grub

She even warns readers not to snicker, seeing that ESPN broadcasts the even less athletic pro poker tourneys. It doesn't take long for the article to enter familiar territory, pinning the hopes of pro gaming on Johnathan "“Fatal1ty" Wendel, who wraps up the shortish story with this doozie of a quote:

“It’s the same way with the big rock-’n’-roll stars,” he says. “You think it’s all glitz and glamour, but it’s a lot of time on the road, away from your family, sleeping in strange places. It’s fun for now, but it’s also a lot of work.” But, he adds with a sly smile, “nobody can say video games are a waste of time anymore. I’m living proof of that.”

Sly smile? Yikes!

While I understand this was meant to be more of a gee-whiz article, it would have been nice to really dig into the world of pro-gaming and dredge up some sort of conclusion about the likelihood of its success. What about DISH Network's pro-gaming efforts?

Video-gaming strives for respect. Is it a sport?

Many of you may find it fascinating that while the WCG exclude the Wii, PS3, DS and PSP for any sort of competition, mobile gaming is strongly represented with the cellphone title Asphalt 3: Street Rules. Yes, participants from 70 countries assemble once a year to play a shitty Outrun knock-off on mobile phones. That's the world we actually live in.

Official WCG 2008 PC Games:
· Half-Life®: Counter-Strike™ 1.6 (5 v. 5 Team FPS )
· Starcraft®: Brood War™: (1 v. 1 RTS)
· WarCraft® III: The Frozen Throne™ (1 v. 1 RTS)
· Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath™ (1 v. 1 RTS)
· Age of Empires® III: The Asian Dynasties (1 v. 1 RTS)
· FIFA Soccer 08 (1 v. 1 Sports)
· Need For Speed™ ProStreet (Xbox 360 in US & Canada) (1 v. 1 Racing)
· Carom3D (1 v. 1 Casual)
· Red Stone (4 v. 4 Team MMORPG)

Official WCG 2008 Xbox 360 Games:
· Halo® 3 (4 v. 4 Team FPS)
· Project Gotham Racing® 4 (1 v. 1 Racing)
· Guitar Hero® III: Legends of Rock (1 v. 1 Music)
· Virtua Fighter® 5 (1 v. 1 Fighting)

Official WCG 2008 Mobile Game:
· Asphalt 3: Street Rules (1 v. 1 Racing)

WORLD CYBER GAMES ANNOUNCES TEAM USA

America's 22 Best Gamers To Compete Against Over 700 PlayersFrom 75 Countries In e-Sports' Biggest and Most Prestigious Tournament - The 2007 World Cyber Games Grand Final - Taking Place In Seattle Oct. 4-7

(Orlando, September 16, 2007) - The World Cyber Games (WCG) 2007 USA Championship: National Final concluded today at Universal Orlando Resort with 22 of the finest video game players in the country earning a share of $100,000 in cash and prizes and spot on TEAM USA's roster. Now the American Team will travel to Seattle, Washington October 4-7 to compete on the biggest stage in competitive gaming — The World Cyber Games 2007 Grand Final.

Earlier this year, over 10,000 gamers set out to make the United States' national team by enduring online qualifiers, live regional qualifiers and finally the WCG USA National Final. Those elite 22 players now comprise TEAM USA and will face off next month against 700 top gamers from 75 countries for gold medals and a share of nearly $500,000 in cash and prizes.

Team USA 2007 Includes:

PC
StarCraft®: Brood War™
Champion: Geoff Robinson (Mill Creek, WA)
Runner Up: Daniel Eidson (Reston, VA)

WarCraft® III: Frozen Throne™
Champion: Phil Crawford (Hopewell Junction, NY)

CounterStrike™
Champion: Team Emazing Games (eMg)
Michael Guevara (Queens, NY)
Scott Cavallero (Vineland, NJ)
Matt Beahan (Plymouth Meeting, PA)
Nazar Vynnytsky (Queens, NY)
Robert Irey Jr. (Birdsboro, PA)

FIFA Soccer 07
Champion: Felipe Stoyne (South Plainfield, NJ)

Need for Speed™: Carbon
Champion: Kamran Siddiqui (Orlando, FL)

Command & Conquer 3 Tiberium Wars™
Champion: Shawn Teeter (San Diego, CA)
Runner-Up: David Lathrop (Fulton, NY)

Age of Empires® III: The WarChiefs
Champion: Ragave Phadke (Buffalo, NY)

Xbox 360 Games
Project Gotham Racing® 3
Champion: Wes Cwiklo (Camarillo, CA)
Brian Boyle (Lincolnshire, IL)

Dead or Alive® 4
Champion: Carl White (Toledo, OH)
Runner-Up: Jeremy Florence (Rio Rancho, NM)

Gears of War®
Champion: Team Infinite
Keith Haggen (Phoenix, AZ)
Jesse Cranker (Bowling Green, OH)
Michael Cannon (Harrisburg, PA)
Jesse Rodriguez (Chicago, IL)

Tony Hawk's Project 8TM
Champion: Dustin Valcalda (Reno, NV)

Widely regarded as the "Olympics" of competitive video game tournaments, this year's WCG USA National Final showcased some of the most exciting and competitive gaming action in e-Sports. With an audience of well over 10,000, packing the Universal Studios' Soundstage 33 over the course of the three day event, this year's WCG USA Championship series was by far the most competitive National Final in the league's seven year history.

"The high level of play at the WCG USA 2007 National Final not only exceeded my expectations, it was a great indication of the progression of e-Sports in this country," said Michael Arzt, General Manager, World Cyber Games USA. "TEAM USA has a tremendous opportunity to compete against some of the world's most renowned gamers and bring home some serious hardware. Next month's WCG Grand Final will certainly be an event not to miss."

The 22 players who comprise TEAM USA's roster will now travel to host city Seattle, WA on October 4th - 7th for the 2007 World Cyber Games Grand Final, taking place at Qwest Field.

The World Cyber Games 2007 National Final will be televised on Spike TV on October 12th. The Grand Final will be televised on November 9th.

"Coverage of the World Cyber Games Grand Final is a great addition to our lineup as it appeals to our core demographic," said (SpikeTV Marketing VP Dario) Spina. "Interest in professional gaming is starting to explode and the World Cyber Games brings together the best gamers in the world for an unmatched competition. The fact the Grand Final is in the United States this year makes this the perfect time to begin covering this world class event."

How does something 'start' to explode? I mean, either it is exploding or it isn't..and professional gaming isn't. Blossoming perhaps, but when the best coverage you can get is on a show that made my 60 year-old mother stay up till 1:30am to watch her son on TV you definitely aren't exploding.

WORLD CYBER GAMES ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE BROADCAST AND INTERNET COVERAGE ON SPIKE TV AND MTVN DIGITAL NETWORKS

Spike TV To Telecast WCG Grand Final And Feature WCG Event Highlights On Weekly Original Series, Game Head

MTVN Websites Xfire, GameTrailers, and Spike TV.com/IFILM To Run Original WCG Content Leading Up To Grand Final
NEW YORK, NY, June 28, 2007 - The World Cyber Games (WCG), the recognized blue chip leader for international video game competitions, announced it will present and distribute proprietary WCG content across Spike TV and MTVN's cross-platform network of broadcast and digital media outlets. This marks the largest multi-media platform deal for the WCG and the first time Spike TV will telecast the WCG Grand Final. The announcement was made by Michael Arzt, general manager of International Cyber Marketing USA, organizer of the WCG, and Dario Spina, senior vice president of marketing for Spike TV. The World Cyber Games on Spike will be presented by Worldwide Partner Samsung Electronics and others.

"We are pleased and fortunate to unite with a premier global media partner and brands like Spike TV and MTV Networks to deliver cutting edge e-Sports coverage and storytelling to the world," said Hyoung Seok Kim, CEO of International Cyber Marketing.

"Working with Spike TV is a great opportunity for the WCG to continue to showcase its unique brand of Olympic-style game festivals to a broader consumer audience than any other e-Sports property," Arzt added. "We want to utilize this partnership to create an elevated and immersive experience for the gamers, fans and our partners in the U.S. by further establishing e-Sports as a sports and entertainment genre for a new generation."

Spike TV will be designated as an official media partner at WCG domestic USA events and host broadcaster for the WCG Grand Final to be telecast in November in a one-hour special. The WCG will be featured on Spike TV's original series Game Head for several weeks leading up to the WCG 2007 Grand Final to be held this October at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington.

"Coverage of the World Cyber Games Grand Final is a great addition to our lineup as it appeals to our core demographic," said Spina. "Interest in professional gaming is starting to explode and the World Cyber Games brings together the best gamers in the world for an unmatched competition. The fact the Grand Final is in the United States this year makes this the perfect time to begin covering this world class event."

In each episode of Game Head, there will be a recap of the competitions leading up to the WCG Grand Final, behind the scenes look at this emerging world cultural festival, and profiles of the international e-Sports superstars. Spike TV will promote the show on-air with tune-in spots and online at spiketv.com/IFILM, GameTrailers and Xfire. Also, each episode in 2007 will be streamed on the Game Head page of spiketv.com for one week following the on-air premiere.

MTVN's GameTrailers and Xfire will combine forces to deliver coverage of the 2007 WCG through short form video segments. Additionally, Xfire will give the public the ability to test their skills against some of the teams that are competing in the WCG 2007 through sponsored "Play With The Pros" events.

With well over one million players from more than 70 countries, the World Cyber Games is widely regarded as the gaming world's premier tournament. Featuring online and offline events held throughout the world, the year-long series attracted more than 1.3 million competitors worldwide in 2006. The 2006 WCG Grand Final in Monza, Italy broke new ground as more than 24 million people tuned in to watch the competition unfold in real-time, marking the first-ever global, live satellite broadcast for an e-Sports event.

Registration for the WCG USA 2007 Championship Tournament is underway at www.worldcybergames.com/usa as are a number of WCG global market registrations. Interested players should consult their own country's respective WCG website, all of which can be accessed via www.worldcybergames.com.

In 2007, the United States will be at the center of the e-Sports world as the WCG Grand Final will take place in Seattle in October. Additional details regarding the WCG Grand Final and USA Championship Series will be released shortly.

Corporate partners for the 2007 WCG USA and Global programs include Worldwide Sponsor Samsung Electronics, Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Games for Windows, Circuit City Stores, Philips amBX, Procurve Networking by HP, Samsung Digital Camera and Dust-Off. Additional partners will be announced soon.

Ziff-Davis sends word that they're handing out free one-year subscriptions to Electronic Gaming Monthly via a World Cyber Games sponsorship. The offer is limited so hit it like quick. The offer lasts through Friday or while supplies last, which ever comes first. Brian Crecente

Free Subscription

The Cyberathelete Professional League's World Tour, which gave away $1 million in prize money to pro-gamers last year, isn't going to happen this year, the BBC reports.

Many expected the World Tour 2006 to be more successful as it picked Quake IV as its central game.

Although there has been no official announcement from the CPL that the World Tour has been cancelled, the organisation's founder, Angel Munoz, has said in interviews that it will not now take place.

More than just the possible signs of one pro-league taking a turn for the worse, the move could have some serious impact on the players who make a living gaming and, perhaps, the sport of pro gaming.

The story points to people like David Kinnaird, who quit life as a tennis pro to become a pro-gamer, and the oft cited Jonathan Wendel.

I see this as the unfortunate effects of a hobby becomning a sport. You can't have as many leagues as pro-gaming has, some of them are going to die. What I hope doesn't happen is that some mega-company like Viacom comes in and snatches up the sport.

My hopes rest with the World Cyber Games, but I have a sinking feeling they may not win.

I love corporate sponsorships, but not so much when it changes the face of the thing that is being sponsored. So today's announcement of Microsoft pumping cash into the ever growing World Cyber Games leaves me with mixed emotions.

Msoft today announced that they have become the sponsor for the World Cyber Games through 2008. Yay.

Under the terms of the alliance, as the press release puts it, Windows and Xbox 360 will be the exclusive gaming platforms for the PC and console. Boo.

Microsoft is going to provide games, consoles, Live connections and peripherals for all events. Yay.

"Over the years, we have admired the incredible growth of cybersports and WCG's role in expanding the reach of these worldwide tournaments," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president, Interactive Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft. "Because of WCG's history as a truly global gaming competition, it was a logical choice to team up with them and extend the reach of these events even further."

And, perhaps, the reach of Microsoft? Boo.

"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.

World Cyber Games released the list today of games that will be played for the WCG series in 2006. The eight games that are going to make some pro gamers even richer are: StarCraft: Brood War, Warcraft: The Frozen Throne, Half-Life: Counter-Strike 1.6, Warhammer 40,000: Winter Assault, FIFA Soccer 06, Need for Speed Most Wanted, and on the Xbox 360 (the aforementioned are all on PC) Dead or Alive 4 and Project Gotham Racing 3. If only I was good at one of those games.

There's a contest up over at World Cyber Games for gamers to vote on the best shoutcasters. When I first saw the contest, I wondered "what the hell is a shoutcaster?" It's basically an announcer doing the play-by-play for a game tournament. Anyway, voting enters you in a contest for a mouse or an mp3 player. So go try and win free stuff, cheapskates.

Commentator Poll [World Cyber Games]

This Wednesday, the final round of the WCG started in Singapore. Even though it is one of the largest of its kind, the event does not include PlayStation titles in the competition. According to the Korea Times, Sony feels uncomfortable with the whole setup as the World Cyber Games is organized by a South Korean Samsung subsidiary.

This might be more of a Gizmodo question, but don't Sony and Samsung work together to make LCDs? I am miffed as to why PS games would be excluded, why the Korea Times says Sony is uncomfortable and who this subsidiary is exactly. The reason for all this, I hope, is more than just patriotism.

Find the Article Here [The Korea Times]

The World Cyber Games will get its first female gamer this month when Austria's Verena Vlajo will compete in her country's Dead or Alive Ultimate team in the Grand Finals, held in Singapore. She could've competed last year, but withdrew for personal reasons.

The event's organizers also said a three-year-old Iranian kid will be competing, the youngest ever. The toddler will play FIFA Soccer 2005. After he destroys some pimply faced teen, he'll have cookies and take a nap. Geez, when I was three was eating snot and wetting my bed. Still am.

Read More Here [Korea Times]

The UK leg of the WCG is throwing down the mitten today (midday) at London's NamcoStation, nestled on the London's South Bank.

There's an incredible prize up for a member of the public too - if you're any good at Need For Speed Underground 2, get down there, because the person with the best score at the end of the day gets to go to Singapore for an all-expenses paid trip with the UK WCG team! Yup - you'd be the UK's Need For Speed Pro Gamer (at least for a week!).

Starts in 90 minutes!

A Singaporean man was given a deferral for his mandatory military service so he could compete in the World Cyber Games this week.

Stanley Aw gets to postpone his two years of military service by two months so he can compete in the games. The Singaporean government apparently view computer gaming as either a sport, culture or art. I m not sure which.

In line with the Government's support for sports, culture and the arts, the Ministry of Defense will consider granting one-time deferments for pre-enlistees who are selected to represent Singapore at prestigious international sports and cultural events.

I m sure Aw is going to be super popular when he finally gets around to training for some real world running and gunning.

Singapore Man Defers Military Duty for Video Game Competition [AHN]

New York is gearing up for the U.S. finals of the World Cyber Games scheduled to be held at the Hammerstein Ballroom from Sept. 8 thorugh Sept. 10. The winners will get to divvy up a $34,000 prize pool and, more importantly, travel to Singapore to represent the U.S. in the Grand Finals in November. The winners of that mega game-off will get a chunk of the $420,000 being given away.

More importantly, the growth of the e-sport is showing just how popular pro-gaming has become.

Unlike any other gaming tournament, WCG US Finalists are flown to New York and stay at the Official World Cyber Games Players Village. The winners of each event will form Team USA and go to Singapore to face over 800 players from 70 countries, the world s elite gamers, at the Grand Final. More then $2.5 million in cash and prizes is expected to be distributed on a worldwide basis between an estimated 1 million gamers participating in World Cyber Games events.

All the sport needs now is to convince one of the major networks to televise the championships. Nowadays a sport can be made or killed based soley on its television appeal.