God of Blades' Nameless King

We’ve got four events that let you game all weekend and still manage to socialize, raise money for a good cause, and maybe learn a new skill or two.

Even though God of Blades has been out for a few weeks the game’s developer, White Whale Games, hasn’t had a proper celebration to welcome the game to the App Store. That’s about to change tonight. There will be interactive glitch art from Party Time! Hexcellent!, projections courtesy of Wiley Wiggins, and music for your dancing pleasure from the capable hands of GeminiRadio. Of course there will also be chances to play the game itself along with its special, unreleased versus mode, Slayers. Throw in some beer and baked goods, charge nothing at the door, and you’ve got a proper welcome for a stellar local release. Get yourself to ND @ 501 Studios (501 N. I-35) tonight (Oct. 19)at 8pm and maybe RSVP via Facebook to be polite.

Need a reason to play games for 24 hours straight? Probably not, but here’s one anyway. Sign up for the Play Games. Heal Kids. marathon by going to their website, asking your friends to sponsor you, playing anything you like to 24 hours, and making sure the money gets to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. I’m stocking up on snacks, charging my controllers, and putting on my diaper now. Don’t judge, it’s for a good cause.

It’s not this weekend, but you should start preparing soon for the Game On Austin event coming Thursday to the Beauty Ballroom. Learn more about the event here and find out who’s coming and what games they’ll be showing here.

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James graduated from Columbia University in 2000 and moved to Austin a year later. Ever since, he has followed the arts and video game scene in ATX, editing and writing stories for the Chronicle along the way. Over his more than 20 years with the paper he has climbed the "corporate" ladder from lowly intern to managing editor.