Both BioWare and EA know that in order to keep an MMO from becoming derelict in a matter of months, they’ve got to listen to the right people. Whether it’s a question about the latest patch not doing what it’s supposed to do, or the re-balancing tweaks were simply off, BioWare is giving select Guild Leaders the chance to talk to the devs directly.

From March 4th to March 6th, BioWare are going to have these guild leaders fly into Austin, Texas. Attendees, either guild leaders or those who have been designated as the representative for a guild, will then have a chance to chat with the team in person. Pretty cool huh? There’s going to be an extensive Q&A session and also a roundtable discussion.

It won’t be all criticism, as lucky attendees will also get a sneak peek of upcoming content for the game and learn about what the devs have in store for SWTOR‘s future.

Haven’t gotten your golden invitation yet? If you’re 21 or older and are leading a guild in the game, you must fill out this survey in order to be considered. All applications will be accepted through February 10th.

Via Game Informer.

Who’d have thought that stuffy old graphs and stuff could be fun, eh?

But let’s face it: video game scores barely make a ripple in the mainstream arena.

Case in point – voting for the Classic FM 2012 Hall of Fame is now open – every year it features great pieces of classical music from the greatest composers in history along with fantastic movie scores, but has never featured any orchestral tracks from video games. Mark is campaigning heavily to reverse this frankly disappointing state of affairs and is urging gamers to vote for Aerith’s Theme from Final Fantasy VII.

And before you discount the campaign as completely hopeless, just remember: we managed to get Rage Against The Machine to Christmas number one against all odds.

“What I’m imploring you peeps to do is help by “liking” the Facebook page, following the twitter feed and, most importantly, taking a minute out of your day to vote – and, indeed, vote for any bit of commercially released bit of orchestral game music you like, just so we can pack the charts out with something we can all relate to.

“I’m hoping that everybody who does vote chooses Nobuo Uematsu’s “Aerith’s Theme” from Final Fantasy VII for at least one of their choices so we can really push it up the chart.

“Why that bit of music? No hidden agenda – because it’s nice and a fan favourite and one I’m sure people would happily vote for,” says Mark.

Links:

Facebook: Get Video Games Music into the Classic FM Hall of Fame Facebook Page

Twitter: @ClassicVGMusic

TO VOTE: www.classicfmhalloffame.co.uk

Although Classic FM is a UK radio station, voting appears to be open worldwide so don’t let geography stop you from lending your support to this brilliant cause. Voting closes on February 29th 2012.

Who’d have thought that stuffy old graphs and stuff could be fun, eh?

Who’d have thought that stuffy old graphs and stuff could be fun, eh?

Who’d have thought that stuffy old graphs and stuff could be fun, eh?

Who’d have thought that stuffy old graphs and stuff could be fun, eh?

Best Game of 2011
Tabs – Do I really have to pick sides on this one? People are probably going to tear me a new one for saying this, but I’m not the biggest Portal fan. That said, I simply will have to go with the heavy-weight favorite Skyrim. I haven’t played a lot of games that will literally make me stop and just marvel at the environments or how beautiful the world is. There’s so much to do, so many things to see, so many people to either kill, loot, or help (not in that order. Maybe). It’s a beautiful game, period. Skyrim is my best of 2011.

Joe – This is a no brainer for me, but I have to put Saints Row The Third at the top of this list. It is a game that is off the wall insane and knows it. Volition revels in their insanity. It also offers up a surprising amount of character depth for your main character, which is completely customizable, and yet, so grounded in the game. And if that has not sold you, did I mention that you can dress up as a toilet or blow up doll and swing a purple dildo bat? Yeah, easily the best experience I have had in 2011.

Tom – The dreaded question! For me it has to be Battlefield 3. Ok, the campaign wasn’t great, but the multiplayer was a demonstration of first-person shooter action at it’s finest. The customisation, the vehicles, and the overall feel of the game propelled it not only to the top of my 2011 chart, but also my first-person shooter chart. A must have for pretty much any console.

Vikki – Portal 2, without a shred of hesitation. Yeah, there are other contenders. And yeah, we’re talking about the sequel of a cult classic that completely redefined the puzzle genre. But for me, this was my very first interaction with GLaDOS, and that crazy-ass psycho bird-phobic has propelled herself into my All-time Top Five. It’s a game that I will never, ever, ever tire of and still simultaneously makes me feel both awesomely intelligent and thick as shit. Epic.

Biggest disappointment of 2011
Tabs – Assassin’s Creed: Revelations. I wanted more closure, I wanted more…everything. I felt like Ubisoft sold me short, given the whole lead up of, “We’ll give you more Desmond time, we’ll give you more on Subject 16, we’ll give you more.” It was Brotherhood 2.5.1, and the only thing I got was more Altair. C’mon Ubisoft, where’s the love and effort for a once great series?

Joe – I started off with Dragon Age II and LA Noire fighting for this spot, I then realized that RAGE ended up being a bigger disappointment in comparison. While it was a hallmark shooter from the house that built the FPS genre, RAGE never did anything with its universe or narrative. The story was throwaway, the locations small and for all of its large scope, you never felt like you were exploring anything outside a three block area. Don’t get me wrong, RAGE was a good shooter, but when you look at the hype and expectation that was heaved on this game’s shoulders, it never delivered.

Tom – I am going to be a bit naughty here and say Modern Warfare 3. I never actually played it but the overwhelming response is that the game just wasn’t up to par. The run up to the release certainly had me excited, but when it came to the crunch there was nothing compelling about the Infinity Ward’s latest title. This seemed to be a sign that the poor old series, as faithful as it may be, needs to be taken round the back of the shed and done with.

Vikki – Hunted: Demon’s Forge. Since clocking this baby in Gamescom 2010, stapled onto the Fallout New Vegas Bethesda booth as if an after-thought, I’d been slightly a-buzz with anticipation. Convinced by the twisted creature design that this was going to be a sharp, surprisingly deep little game in spite the greasy overtones and lazy sexism, this is one of the few titles I rushed out to pick up on release day. Suppose it’s kind of redundant to say that I wholly wish I hadn’t, but this was even more disappointing than Bodycount. And Child of Eden. And that’s saying something.

Best Indie game of 2011
Tabs – Bastion is definitely getting my vote for this one. I know, there’s some people out there saying it wasn’t that great, but I love it. With a unique narrative style that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to and an artistic style that was a throwback to SNES days, I simply can’t say enough good things about this game. Oh, and the soundtrack by Darren Korb is a must have.

Joe – This is one that many may not have played but I fell in love with Trauma after once sitting with the game. It is a bit difficult to describe it, but I loved the surreal imagery of the game, mixing real world elements with gesture based gameplay. YOu move around a scene, looking for photos that explain bits and pieces about a woman that has been in a horrible accident. The memories come while she is in a coma. The idea and how it comes together is surprisingly fresh and well executed. It is not for everyone, but it was a striking experinece for me in 2011.

Tom – If I were to look back at 2011 I would label it as the year I fell in love with indie games. Such talent is out there, just waiting to be released on us ever-eager gamers, and finally these wonderful, talented people are being recognized. From Dust is my indie game of the year. A wonderful, simple, artistic, relaxing, and satisfying dive into the world of god sims. But really, with the slurry of amazing titles we were gifted with this year, I would say the industry is the real winner.

Vikki – Uh … while I’ve bought indie games this year, I haven’t really played any. While Bastion sits on my hard drive and I utterly expect to enjoy it, I’ve yet to play it, so for now my vote goes to ilomilo for a thoroughly relaxing, colourful, thought-provoking experience … even if I am very, very bad on it.

Biggest surprise of 2011
Tabs – I will have to go with Dark Souls on this one. I knew, going in, that it was going to be a tough game, but I didn’t expect that after beating each scary enemy boss that I would get such a rush of “Woohoo I did it!” Thoroughly unexpected how well this game played out, and I really did enjoy it despite the steep learning curve.

Joe – Deus Ex Human Revolution. While I was hoping this was going to be a solid hit, I was worried because it is difficult to make a solid sequel to a game that has become a legend over the years. But Eidos Montreal hit every note that made the original Deus Ex so fantastic. The captured the elements of play as you want to play and spec how you want to spec and the game can be won in any of those ways. Mix that in with a sleek graphical look and a fantastic soundtrack and it was my brightest surprise for 2011.

Tom – I am going to agree with Tabs and go for Dark Souls. A tough, yet rewarding RPG that simply had me coming back for more. I took a risk purchasing it, knowing I would love or hate it. Fortunately I loved it, and I will no doubt look fondly back on that game for teaching me about tolerance and persverance in those moments of video-game induced anger.

Vikki – Portal 2. Didn’t expect to buy it, let alone absolutely fall in love with it. So while it’s probably no surprise to anyone else, it thoroughly was to me!

Favourite gaming event (conventions, press events ect..)
Tabs – As I was personally able to attend only the PAX Prime 2011 extravaganza, I’m torn between saying it’s that or E3 2011. There were a lot of great demos and announcements at both events, but my vote will probably go with PAX. Being an event that is geared towards the general population and not industry specialists, it’s more accessible, and therefore it’s more fun. There was hands-on for the big titles, lots of great panels to sit in on, and a lot of fun stuff. PAX Prime 2011, that’s where it was at.

Joe – While I don’t go to many, this is a shoe-in as E3 is always my favorite event of the year. Seeing the games that are coming to us in the next 12 months, along with talking with the people that make those games is hands down the event of the year. I mean, this year was my chance to strike up a conversation with Randy Pitchford, Todd Howard and many others over a four day period. Props also goes to all the wonderful PR people that I get to put a face on after a year of just email conversation, and the fellow writers that I get to catch up with for the few spare minutes that we might have.

Tom – Eurogamer was my personal highlight. I’m sure most gamers out there who are fortunate enough to go to these events will agree with me when I say video game conventions are just awesome. Being in any environment with a bunch of people who share a common interest is always an amazing and exciting experience, and you never know what you might see!

Vikki – I think my favourite press event this year was the Dead Space 2 preview night. Not only did I meet a whole heap of thoroughly awesome individuals that night, I hadn’t been that excited about a release for some time. Held in a crypt and crammed with reps from the entire DS universe, including the anime movies, graphic novels and original game design team, it started off 2011 with a bang. The game was epically brilliant, too.

Video Game Guilty pleasure of 2011
Tabs – Dynasty Warriors 7, without a second thought. KOEI has beaten this horse dead again and again, and yet I have to admit that there’s a very soft spot in me for killing thousands of pixelated soldiers on a historic battlefield. It’s great therapy when you’ve had a crappy day or you just want to vent your frustrations. Didn’t get what you wanted for Christmas? Nothing like charging into battle on Red Hare and razing everything in sight.

Joe – How anyone cannot have Bulletstorm in the category is beyond me. Bulletstorm was a game that seemed like a throwaway title by Epic. There was a bit of press and advertising, but it just launched out of nowhere and I dismissed it at first. Later, I picked it up on sale and enjoyed every bit of the four and a half hour ride. It was short, rubbed an itch that should have been scratched by Duke Nukem Forever and was funny throughout. It was mysoginistic, crude and lacked any social commentary whatsoever, but it was plain fun throughout and highly enjoyable.

Tom – Again, I am going to agree with Tabs. I have long since been a fan of the Dynasty Warriors series, so naturally Dynasty Warriors 7 just sapped the time from my life. I know it’s repetitive, I know it’s not really that rewarding, and by God do I know the graphics are rubbish, but I love it! Slicing my way through hoards of warriors over and over again with some sort of heavy metal in the background is a winning formula for me!

Vikki – Alice: Madness Returns. In theory, I shouldn’t like it – poor control scheme, repetitive game play and a glitched cheevo here and there – but I loved this little game. It took me months to finish it and there were several occasions when I swore I’d ragequit FOREVER, but as a fantastically dark, twisted, grim little tale with gob-smacking graphics and a thoroughly immersive narrative, this is as good as it gets.

Most excited about in 2012
Tabs – This has got to be a battle between three titles: BioShock Infinite, Kingdoms of Amalur Reckoning, or Metal Gear Rising Revengeance. Don’t roll your eyes at me like that — whether you want to admit it or not, Platinum Games has proven that they’re great at fast-paced action games, and Metal Gear Rising looks like it will be one hell of a ride. Reckoning is Studio 38/Big Huge Games’ big console project, and it’s everything that Fable should have been, in my opinion. I’m very excited to see what will come of this project. …do I even have to explain why am I excited for BioShock Infinite?

Joe – I assume my answer will be the same as others, but Mass Effect 3 is all that is on my mind right now. About the only way that would change is if we get more news about the Saints Row 4 title, but I doubt that is coming in 2012, so Mass Effect 3 is where all my eggs are sitting. I mean, I have put in for two vacation days for this title just to play it non-stop.

Tom – You know what? I’m going to be a little bastard and say everything. I can’t wait to see how upcoming titles are received, what surprises are in store, and what the future holds. Bring it on, 2012!

Vikki – MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3. MASS EFFECT 3.

Us lot at GGS Gamer are an imaginative bunch, so for you viewing pleasure here are some extra categories that the team came forward with…

Best Soundtrack - Deus Ex Human Revolution

Best Marketing Ploy - Skylanders

The Put Them Out of their Misery Award - Rock Band 3 DLC

Most Hilarious Use of Motion Controls in a Game - Have You Watched those Singstar Dance videos…Priceless

Best Use of a Comic License that is not Batman Because that Game is Already good – Captain America: Super Soldier

Best Use of Dildo Bat – Saints Row The Third

Best Use of Burt Reynolds – Saints Row The Third

The Duh, Of Course It Will Be Free to Play Before the End of the Year Award – DC Universe Online

Worst Part of Steam Sale in 2011 – Stupid Fucking Coupons!

Best Bug-Eyed What the Fuck Faces – L.A. Noire

Happy New Year!

Who’d have thought that stuffy old graphs and stuff could be fun, eh?