Realm Media Networks launches LeaderShell.com for Dallas News!

Regular visitors to Realm Media may have noticed that things have been pretty quiet recently. No, we're not dying off, we were just working on a new site that would be focused on the Dallas/Fort-Worth area. We've now launched that site, which can be found at LeaderShell.com.

The goal of LeaderShell.com is to provide the same great Dallas-based coverage, but to go further with more events, more coverage, more reviews, and of course more contests! If you don't live in the Dallas-area, don't worry, you'll still be eligible for all the contests, but our real goal is to reach out the community around us, so we can help people in the DFW area find out about great gaming events nearby.

Unbeknownst to most people, Dallas is home to great gaming software companies like id and Gearbox, and we have a great gaming convention every year in QuakeCon. Beyond that, there are usually several gaming competitions each year, and numerous other gaming events put on by smaller companies. In the mobile space, there are many great developers putting out iPhone games now, and we hope to cover them more with LeaderShell.com.

So turn that frown upside down, RealmMedia.com is coming back better than ever as LeaderShell.com, and we hope that you'll be a part of us. Want to see what's coming soon? Check out our Event Calendar, and if you have something to add, send us an e-mail at events[at]leadershell.com. Be sure to follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/Leadershell to keep up with all the latest news. We also have a great new mobile site for LeaderShell.com, just visit us using your iPhone, Android phone, Palm Pre, or Blackberry!

We hope to see you all there, and thanks again for all your support!

Happy New Year 2010 from Realm Media Networks!

We at Realm Media Networks would like to say thank you from all of us, and wish you the best for 2010. We look forward to bringing more news, reviews, and contests for all your favorite consoles. We've got a backlog of games to review and give away, so stay tuned for what's sure to be an exciting year.

2010 promises to be an interesting year in news, with both Sony and Microsoft likely to show more of their motion-controlled systems at this year's E3 Expo which will be taking place June 15-17, 2010. We're also hoping to have more Dallas-based events for all our local video game enthusiasts, including QuakeCon, which should happen in mid-August.

And then there are the reviews and contests. In 2009, we started giving away everything we received to review, giving away over $500 worth of games, music, and accessories. In 2010 we hope to expand on that number, so keep an eye on the site for all the latest contests.

Thank you again for all your support.

Live Streaming April 22, 2008: Teenage Zombies

Tonight's live streaming will be an experiment in Nintendo DS videography. We've selected the new title Teenage Zombies: Attack of the Alien Brain Thingys that we recently received for review. We'll be streaming live tonight, Monday, April 14, 2008 from 7-9 PM Central time. We're using the Mogulus service, and an integrated chat room in the embedded player lets you interact with us at anytime while you're watching. The player is embedded below for your convenience.

Before and after the live stream, we'll be looping random Realm Media videos, including game trailers, and some old footage of a guitar hero tournament. Use the "On-Demand" menu to look through all our video offerings, and feel free to live chat with our staff during the broadcast!

And as always, Our live and archived streams will be available at anytime through our stream page.

Gears of War 2 coming November 2008

Microsoft and Epic Games have been denying rumors of a Gears of War sequel since the original came out in 2006, with only a "wait and see" comment here and there. At the Game Developers Conference today, Microsoft had a short teaser trailer and Cliff Bleszinski came on stage to announce that Gears of War 2 would be arriving this November. Our network site Gears of War Realm has the latest:

Providing a dramatic close to Microsoft’s GDC keynote address, Epic Games Inc.’s lead designer Cliff Bleszinski announced that the epic saga of Marcus Fenix and Delta Squad continues exclusively on the Xbox 360 this fall with Gears of War 2. This highly anticipated sequel to the 4.5 million-selling blockbuster Gears of War delves deeper into humanity’s struggle for survival against the nightmarish Locust Horde, and promises to take high-definition visuals to a whole new level.

To our team the original game was just a tease, the appetizer to the ‘Gears of War’ characters and new style of gameplay. We were so amped to get to the next chapter, and dig deeper into the universe of this franchise," said Cliff Bleszinski, lead designer for Epic Games. "Gears of War 2 is an even bigger, better, and more badass experience than the first game, and we can’t wait to get it in the hands of eager gamers this November."

There's sure to be more info available at E3 2008 later this year, keep an eye on Gears of War Realm for all the latest news.

Gears of War 2 Announced for November [Gears of War Realm]
Gears of War 2 teaser trailer

Ultimate Mortal Kombat will use dual screens to 'compliment' the experience

Fans of the Mortal Kombat series are looking forward to the release of Ultimate Mortal Kombat on the Nintendo DS this November, and our network site TRMK has gotten an interview with Producer Hans Lo. In it, he discusses some of the upcoming features, how the game is being ported, and how their planning on using both screens of the ubiquitous Nintendo portable.

TRMK: Are there any plans for uses of the DS's unique features such as "dual screen", touch screen, and/or headset?

Hans Lo: It's about finding what works best and makes sense for the game. It's not our intention to change the way the games are played, but to compliment what is already there. So with that being said, we are looking at some things now that take advantage of the dual screens, and touch screen. We'll keep you guys in the loop as we move forward.

Unfortunately he doesn't mention specifics, but it sounds like the developers are trying to take their time to make the game enjoyable for everyone. It's exciting to read that 3 of the 4 original Mortal Kombat team members are working on this project, hopefully the game will live up to the uber-fan's expectations.

Ultimate Mortal Kombat Developer Interview with Hans Lo

Video Games Live CD and DVD announced for release [update]

I was able to catch up with Tommy Tallarico before tonight's Video Games Live event in Dallas, Texas, and found out more about the CD and DVD that have been in development. Production is nearly complete, and they are going to begin advertising with a trailer on their website tomorrow, June 21st. It will mark the first time a live video game concert has been released on CD or DVD in the United States.

Video Games Live is the premiere video game music concert in the United States, and has been receiving praise from gamers and non-gamers alike. The traveling show combines traditional orchestras with an interactive multimedia presentation for an experience that appeals to a wide audience. CDs and DVDs can't begin to capture the energy of such an elaborate concert, but for those that can't attend, it will be a good look at one of the most unique experiences a gamer could have.

Video Games Live Official Website

Update:The announcement has been made on the official site. The video is being made from footage from the Rio de Janeiro concert in Brazil earlier this year.

Video Games Live invades Dallas June 20th and 21st

Video game music has evolved a lot since the days of Pong, when simple beeps were enough to immerse a gamer. Now full orchestras are being employed to record soundtracks, and music designers create themes that merge and interact with the gamer as the video game is played. Rarely do gamers get to see and hear what these themes sound like performed live by a qualified orchestra, but Video Games Live has been bringing precisely this experience to venues around the world since 2005. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has teamed up with Video Games Live to perform at the Meyerson Symphony Center on June 20th and 21st in Dallas, Texas.

Realm Media Networks will be attending the event on June 20th, and will provide unique coverage of the event itself, along with interviews with major players and performers including gaming legends Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, co-creators of Video Games Live. Join us for our coverage of the Dallas event with feature stories, pictures and interviews later in the week!