Gaming Calendar

Looking to enjoy some video-game culture, but don't want to spend the entire weekend obsessing about your Animal Crossing house? Here are a few options that are in your wheelhouse, but not actually in your house.

TX Chip
Spider House Ballroom (2906 Fruth)
Thu., Aug. 8 (aka tonight), 8pm

It's another solid lineup of pixelated, high-energy jams tonight from the folks at TX Chip. This month's all local bill is topped off by the bleeping anarchy of Yatagarasu. Opening up are the more danceable beats of HimsyPimsy, Active Knowledge, and No-Bit. As always there will be visuals to accompany your dance floor spasms courtesy of Vision System.

IGDA Microtalks
Austin City Hall (Second & Lavaca)
Fri., Aug. 9, 7pm

Seven individuals from all over the video-game-industry spectrum have 10 minutes each to share a nugget of their expertise. Topics covered include art, sound design, animation, and a few business-y bits. They put together a little video to get you amped for the event itself. Afterward, take a stroll to the Ginger Man for bonus schmoozing. RSVP on Facebook to help them get a sense of how many to expect.

The Highlighter
Pluckers (9070 Research Blvd)
Tue., Aug. 13, 7pm

Looking to support crowdsourcing campaigns, but don't completely trust the internet? Come out and learn about local initiatives and see if any of them deserve your hard-earned cash. If nothing else, you might learn a little something about how to successfully woo crowds into funding you. Read our story on the Highlighter's last event for more info.

Hargrave Arcade
1185 Hargrave St.
Sat., Sept. 21, 9pm-2am

After a hiatus, the Best of Austin winning Hargrave Arcade returns to fulfill your dream of playing retro games, seeing live music, and supporting a good cause all at the same time. Organizer Trey Parker busts out his arsenal of vintage gaming systems, plays movies in his backyard, and supplies drinks and vegan eats for a measly $10, all of which goes to charity. Chip tune artists MonsterVision and Chalkboards keep the crowd moving and the money raised goes to Pass Love Charity Foundation in observation of Intergalactic Peace Day.