ASTRO Gaming and iam8bit invite you to the first ever Speaker Tag Design Competition! The top video game equipment manufacturer and the leader in video game inspired art are bringing you the opportunity to get your own art in front of thousands of gamers as an ASTRO Special Edition headset.

Why are we working with iam8bit? The iam8bit team are the absolute true kings of curating and presenting the best video game inspired art. Working with epically skilled artists that produce only the most astonishing work, they can spot talent like no one else.

It’s really quite simple to join in. Just head on over to our Speaker Tag Design Competition app on our Facebook page and upload your art with the PSD template we’re providing below. The 9 finalists with the most votes will then be curated by the rad folks at iam8bit. From that 9, we’ll pick one to go on an A30 Special Edition and another for an A40 Special Edition.

How can you gain votes? You can share your submission through Facebook, twitter, wherever. Tell your friends, family, whoever about your submission!

What are you waiting for? Time to level up.

How do I enter?

1. Download the ASTRO Tag Competition Template here.
2. Make an awesome design in the template. Save a JPG of it with the Preview layers on and go to ‘Submit an Entry’.
3. Tell all your friends by sharing your submission to get more votes.
4. The top 9 designs with the most votes in each category will make it to the final round.

What’s the prize?

The top 9 finalists will get one free set their designs on custom speaker tags for their A30 or A40 headset.

The winner in the A30 category will have their artwork appear as an official ASTRO A30 Special Edition, plus an A30 Audio System with an ASTRO prize pack (see below).

The winner in the A40 category will have their artwork appear as an official ASTRO A40 Special Edition, plus an A40 Audio System with an ASTRO prize pack (see below).

The ASTRO Prize Pack includes a Scout Backpack, an ASTRO Headset Stand and 3 sets of speaker tags with their winning design.

Click here for the Official Rules.

- ASTRO stanimal

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Wow. This past MLG Anaheim event was an absolutely surreal experience. With the MLG having a heavy east coast presence, there are many localized teams that aren’t able to make the journey across the country due to a number of reasons when the MLG hosts its singular west coast event. Traditionally this seems to have folks walking away with a generally underwhelming experience from a spectator attendance standpoint. This year’s west coast show was a break in that chain of history with yet again another record setting event for the MLG on multiple levels.

The production value of the live streams that the MLG has spent a huge focus on this year have been met with a resounding success. With 30,000,000+ stream views world-wide and double the spectators of the record setting Columbus event, it’s clear that the MLG has found a rhythm that has been embraced by the community. One of the most difficult things to do is to find a balance that translates to a show that’s entertaining to watch for both an online and live attendees. Picking the right games that translate to both of those very different experiences is something that the MLG has definitely done well this year. The Halo series has been the hallmark of what defined the MLG for years, and has been the building block of their success. The Halo community has been the foundation for the MLG. Much of the MLG’s success definitely goes out to so many of the early adopters from the Halo community that poured their blood, sweat, and tears into a league that they believed in, and that has allowed the MLG to only get better over the years. The CoD community with all of the players and fans who spend countless hours pitting against each other in one of the biggest FPS games being played, and has felt left out of live events from previous years, has also played their part in growing their presence at the live events. This presence has shown the world that they’ve got the drive to move competitive gaming far beyond what it currently is. Then there’s StarCraft…

Being what I will refer to as a PC gamer, I’ve been waiting for the MLG to really embrace PC games. The World of Warcraft PvP part of the league last year was great, but I always felt like there was so much more out there that could be embraced and bring the MLG to the next level. With the addition of Starcraft 2 to the pro-circuit for 2011, and the overwhelming success it has brought to the MLG after just three events, it has become crystal clear that there will be even more of a focus on PC games in the years to come. The global participation of the community for this game is something that has allowed for that sweet spot of entertainment for the spectators both online and at the event, and is definitely taking MLG to that next step as a global leader in competitive gaming. I wouldn’t be surprised to see even more of a push for similar games on the circuit in the near future.

As always, congrats go out to the winners of the event:

Halo Reach: Eon Instinct
CoD Black Ops: Quantic Leverage
SC2: MVP

With Raleigh just a few short weeks away, and the momentum that is charging this season, it will be exciting to see yet another record breaking event. You can also bet there will be a scramble from many of the teams and players to dethrone these champs as quickly as possible.

Want to see some amazing photos capture from the event? Hit up our Facebook page here!

- X

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Another epic San Diego Comic-Con has passed only to once again rock the geeky cores of superfans everywhere. You got your usual fare of epic parties, awesome cosplay, kick-ass merch and insane lines for panels. And of course video games.

The thing is that every year, it doesn’t get old because there’s always something new. New shows and movies are coming out, some comic book series is nailing it or you have an insatiable need to buy the latest Tokidoki bag.

So being that this is my third Comic-Con, I’d like to consider myself somewhat of a veteran. Many trials and experiences have taught me how to navigate the 120K people crashing San Diego’s Convention Center. First, I go say hi to all my favorite web-comics. This includes the royal company of Penny Arcade, usually Questionable Content and Cyanide and Happiness. The best thing about the Cyanide and Happiness guys is that they can do live sketches for a price and if you give them a few keywords, they’ll totally make you the coolest comic in under a minute right in front of you. Wanna see what they made with the two subjects of “Call of Duty” and “Valentine’s Day”? (Hint, that whole last sentence was a link.)

Then I go off to see if I have anything cool to buy. Usually I find a t-shirt or two, some cool posters or some plushie/toy thing to add to my little collection on my desk. It’s cool. Don’t judge me.

After all that is done, then I can go check out all the rad games like Mass Effect 3, Starhawk, Rayman Origins and more. One that immediately caught my eye was Rayman Origins with it’s got co-op and stunning good looks. I’m SO getting that. Then you have an obvious favorite of mine, Mass Effect 3. It’s got a kick-ass universe that can actually challenge some of the best science fiction available. And you get sweet guns to mess aliens up with. I’m not going to go into too much detail, I’ll leave that to the pros. I just know I’ll probably pour another 100+ hours into the game.

Call me cheesy but when I overheard someone call Comic-Con the spring break for geeks, I couldn’t disagree more. If you like all things cool, check it out one year. Totally worth it.

And while you’re at it, check out pics from Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 of San Diego Comic-Con on our Facebook!

- ASTRO stanimal

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We’re heading back to San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) for another crazy five days of geekiness, comics, cosplay, autograph sessions, and more. Hopefully no Twilight fans, nothing personal guys.

Along with all the geeky shenanigans that encompasses SDCC, we’ll be there to support all our video game publishing friends to ensure that all the attendees get to play their games on the finest audio equipment available. Want a chance to test out our gear?

You can find us at the following booths:

- SONY PlayStation
- EA/Bioware
- Ubisoft
- Square Enix
- Capcom
- Konami

Wanna see what awesome speaker tags we made for this event? Follow our updates on our Twitter and Facebook!

Oh, and if you’re going and you see an rad dude with a set of white A30s a cool hat, say hi. That’ll probably be me.

- ASTRO stanimal

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As a thank you to all our loyal ASTRO fans who helped us reach 20,000 followers on both our Facebook and Twitter, we’re returning the favor and providing you with four amazing ASTRO wallpapers for your PC, iPhone and Android devices.

Brought to you by the enigmatic ASTRO designer, Chris “ASTRO ChChang” Chang, we present the following four new designs to use on your PC/Mac, Android phones and iPhones. Go get the pixel art one, that wallpaper is especially my favorite.

Right click and hit “Save Link As” to download your favorite style and resolution.

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iPhone 4

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Want all of the wallpapers in all sizes? Just right click here and hit “Save as” to grab!

- ASTRO stanimal

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It’s not often we’re asked to participate in a charity event this cool. Let me tell you a bit more why you gotta check this out and participate.

All of your favorite YouTube Call of Duty commentators have come together to bring you what’s called the Call of the Community. A way to bring in everyone for a great cause, to help others, and to show the world that gamers can do more than just play games. For more details, watch this video right here.

The event will be a team based tournament that will be livestreamed entirely starting with the draft tonight, Friday the 15th at 9PM EDT/6PM PDT. Once all the players are put on teams, the full event happens on Sunday the 17th starting at 3PM EDT/12PM PDT.

Want to pitch in and help out? Head over to http://CalloftheCommunity.com and look for the button to ChipIn. Your donations can go a long way to help the following charities:

• - Gamers Outreach – http://GamersOutreach.org
• - Thirst Relief – http://thirstrelief.org
• - Anthony Nolan – http://anthonynolan.org

If you want to donate, you might have a shot at winning the following gear from us:

• - 4x COTC A40 Wireless Systems
• - 4x Scout Backpacks
• - 4x A*STAR In-ear Headsets

Join all of us to show the world that we’re the most generous and thoughtful bunch out there. Who knows, you might catch me on the livestream or playing.

- ASTRO stanimal

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We’re super excited to work with our friends at Square-Enix to bring you this awesome Deus Ex: Human Revolution contest! So, what you do is get your snazzy iOS device with a camera (like an iPhone, iPod, iPad), download the free app from this link, and take a picture of the QR code in the above image.

Now if you scan the other QR codes hidden all over the interwebs and the entire community reaches 1 Million points, every participant will get a DX:HR Xbox 360 Avatar prop or a PSN Home companion. Hit up the Deus Ex: HR Facebook Page to find more QR missions.

Now this is the part where you’re gonna be interested. If you can get all 21 QR codes, 10 lucky winners will walk away with a kick-ass prize package that includes the following:

1) Custom Deus Ex: Human Revolution ASTRO A40 Wireless Systems
2) 1 copy of Deus Ex: Human Revolution Augmented Edition (Console of choice)
3) 1 Square Enix Products PLAY ARTS -KAI- Adam Jensen Action Figure
4) Limited Edition Deus Ex: Human Revolution Compression Sleeves

So what are you waiting for? Scan that QR code and find the rest!

- ASTRO stanimal

Restrictions:

Must have access to an iOS device with a built in camera. Open to Residents of the US and Canada, must be 17 years or older, and if under 18 entrants must have parental consent. Entrants must be registered by connecting to facebook.

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Now announcing the A30 Silver Edition, you can get the cross-gaming powerhouse of a headset with 6 brand-new exclusive speaker tag designs or make your own with your artwork at our tag customizer. Be sure to check out the new artwork cuz I’m totally calling dibs on the Argyle and Creatures designs.

You can switch on the fly from game play, text & voice as you run through life. You also get a sweet multi-function button that can answer/hang-up calls, start/stop music or fast-forward/rewind tracks. In case you weren’t sure or forgot, the A30′s are perfectly compatible with iPads, iPods, iPhones (iPhone 3 and later models), along with PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones and other media devices. That’s a lot of stuff man.

The A30 Silver Edition is only $129.95 with one set of exclusive Studio Tags or make your daily fashion statement by adding more tags for just $19.95.

- ASTRO stanimal

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Are you a hardcore gamer fortunate enough to be living in the nation that spawned DreamHack and DICE? Basshunter too. Well you’re lucky. That’s what. And I’m talking about Sweden.

In addition to your epic contributions to gaming, we have partnered with GameGear.se to provide all Swedish gamers the opportunity to purchase ASTRO Gaming gear without all the fun international shipping and duties. Also, GameGear.se will ship to Finland and Norway.

Want to check out their webstore, facebook and twitter? Links are all below!

Store: http://www.GameGear.se
Facebook: GameGear.se
Twitter: GameGearSe

- ASTRO stanimal

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When we see cool stuff on the interwebs, we jump on it just like the rest of you. The latest and raddest thing we came across was Turntable.fm, a virtual DJ party website. Check it out here:

http://turntable.fm/astrofm

You can stop in and listen to ASTRO staff play their favorite jams or you can even DJ yourself. All you have to do is search for your favorite tracks or even upload your own. It’s that simple.

It’s pretty fun and we’ll be rollin’ in there bunches so stop by and join us at ASTRO.FM.

Kthx,

- ASTRO stanimal

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