Local Game Art

Local Artist and gamer Mel K. selling video game themed art
Local artist Mel K, better known online as "Mel the office gamer girl", is having an online super sale of her pixel work. Usually showcasing at local galleries and events, Mel fuses together perler beads, to create some our favorite video game characters from back in the day. Check out the sale going on now by clicking here

Gameworks Franchise Purchased By Investors, ESPN

Big Changes in store for Gameworks

The popular gaming venue formally owned by Sega, has been purchased by investors in cahoots with entertainment giants ESPN. A stroll through our very own Tempe Gameworks location proved to be a disappointment regarding things to come. The changes seen were no good. All of the cheery Sega logos, Sonic the Hedgehog merchandise, and anything else distinctly "Gameworks", is now gone. In addition to removing just about everything signature, they have also removed all of their Japanese UFO (crane game) machines and every single one of their classic game cabinets (the wooden ones). At this rate, Gameworks will become nothing more than another Dave and Busters providing mediocre sports themed entertainment and overpriced everything.

Update! When asked about the changes at their current locations, the Gameworks Facebook page stated that they are still involved with Sega, and that big changes are coming for all of the venues. It may be too early to guess what any of those changes may be.

Mana Bar opens second location 7/16

Congratulations to the Mana Bar!

What's better than a night out with friends? How about throwing today's hottest video games and top shelf drinks into the mix? Back in March of 2010 Australia's Mana Bar opened their first location in Brisbane. Plans for a second location were announced less than a year later after the venue became way more successful than anyone could have imagined. Their second location, located in Melbourne, opens this Saturday and promises to bring great games, awesome drinks, themed events, and a whole lot more to the gaming community. Follow them on Facebook for updates and to find out where one of their venues might pop up next!

When will Phoenix get a video game bar?

If you're a gamer and you live here in the valley, you probably already know that there's not much of a gaming community outside of tournament play and special events. While part of the problem may be due to the unrelenting heat, there's no reason that gamers in the area shouldn't hold get togethers and events on a regular basis. There is a glimmer of hope with some smaller game venues holding regular events and promoting a sense of community among local gamers. One such place is CADE on 4th street in central, which showcases local gamer art, monthly video game trivia, tournaments, and serves as a general hang out spot for gamers in Phoenix. How much longer will it be before a video game bar opens in Phoenix? It's already proven to be a profitable venture, and there's no doubt that gamers in the valley would flock to such a place containing such unimaginable amounts of awesome. Who will take on the challenge? Who will bring us Arizona's first ever video game bar?!