Ten San Diego Comic Con 2019 afterparties to check out

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San Diego Comic Con is finally here, and fans are packing in as much sleep as they can before the convention. What’s there to do when you’re done with the festivities? The afterparties will be at every turn for your post-con celebration. We’ve listed ten of the best parties taking place during the convention. Be sure to also check out our list of 20 panels to see at this year’s San Diego Comic Con.

Thursday, July 18

Nuclear Blast Comic-Con Kick-Off Party w/Exodus

House of Blues

6 p.m.

General admission: $30

Nuclear Blast's Comic-Con Kick-Off Party will have you throwing up the horns inside the House of Blues. Headlining the concert are thrash metal icons Exodus, who are working on the follow up to their 2014 album Blood In, Blood Out. Joining them as support are Nukem and Exmortus.

Hop-Con 7.0 (21+)

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station

7 p.m.

General admission: $75, designated driver: $35

If you're down for a drink or two, Hop-Con 7.0 will deliver some of the finest beverages in San Diego. Hosted by Stone Brewing, this event will include lawn games, a silent disco, a comedic quiz show, and music from San Diego's own Cheyenne Giles. For $75, you'll be able to try a plethora of beer on the menu, including Hop-Con exclusives Salty Gamer and TuPOG. Not down to drink? You can still come anyway with a $35 designated driver ticket.

Kristian Nairn - Rave of Thrones (21+)

OMNIA Nightclub San Diego

9 p.m.

General admission: $20 or RSVP

Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn brings the Rave of Thrones to OMNIA Nightclub. While you can purchase guaranteed tickets for $20, you can RSVP here for free entry. The RSVP list will remain open until 10:30 p.m. that night.

Friday, July 19

Galaxy Quest in Concert

Jacobs Music Center's Copley Symphony Hall

7:30 p.m.

General admission: $26 to $90

Fans of the film Galaxy Quest are in for a treat with a live concert to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Composer David Newman, who worked on the film's score, will conduct the San Diego Symphony that evening. There are a few tickets left for this special event, so get yours ASAP. The Star Trek spoof has found fans with several Star Trek actors, including Patrick Stewart and George Takei.

TCL x Polygon SDCC Party (21+)

TCL Chinese Theatre

8 p.m.

Free

Polygon and TCL join forces for a massive rooftop party. Join Polygon members Matt Patches, Susana Polo, Chelsea Stark, and Simone De Rochefort along with special guest Janina Gavankar for a night of gaming and dancing. While the RSVP is full, you can still place yourself on the wait list.

Dream Daddy: An Evening with the Dream Team

Lyceum Theatre

8 p.m.

General admission: $25

Members behind the acclaimed video game Dream Daddy will come together to discuss working on the project. They'll also sign copies of the new Dream Daddy trade paperback and crown one person World’s Best Dad. Dream Daddy recently hit the Nintendo Switch and smartphones.

Awesome Mixer Vol. 2 (21+)

Fluxx Nightclub

8 p.m.

General admission: $30, VIP: $100

Fluxx Nightclub is the place to be for a night filled with astonishing live performances from Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Gigi Edgley, Dan Fogler, and The Flux Capacitors. DJ Yondu, DJ B. Squid, DJ Adia Break, and DJ Hugh Carter will spin the jams throughout the night.

Saturday, July 20

Digital LA - Comic Cocktails (21+)

TBA

8 p.m.

Free

Digital LA invites you to unwind after a busy Saturday at SDCC with some drinks. The exact location will be sent to those who RSVP'd closer to the event. Digital LA is the biggest networking organization in the city of Los Angeles.

The Warp Core Cafe - KWF Fundraiser 2019

Kava Lounge

8 p.m.

General admission: $20, multipass: $50

The Buddha Music Group and Kevin Workman Foundation unite to deliver some great tunes while raising money for charity. Rapper Kiyoshi, producer DTO, and singer songwriter Krista Richards will perform that evening. Multipasses are available for those wanting to spend a bit more. This includes a limited edition print from artist Peter Santa-Maria and 50% off tickets for all KWF events through the next year.

Sunday, July 21

The San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog Presents Pacey-Con

The Dubliner

6 p.m.

Free

The San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog will close out the weekend with Pacey-Con. Named after Dawson’s Creek‘s Pacey Witter, this party will include trivia and prizes galore.

Forthcoming Mortal Kombat movie to be rated R and include Fatalities

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It’s been a long time coming, but work has officially started on the upcoming Mortal Kombat film. Today, screenwriter Greg Russo revealed that the movie will be rated R and include some well known Fatalities. As expected, he’s keeping silent on what fans will see on the big screen.

This is a complete 180 from the Mortal Kombat films of the ‘90s. Both were rated PG-13 to accommodate its younger audience. Something that viewers of the original movies complained about were the lack of Fatalities. In fact, the only ones featured were Shang Tsung’s soul stealing Fatality and Lui Kang’s Animality from Mortal Kombat II. Johnny' Cage’s Friendship also makes an appearance, but his opponent Scorpion still perished.

Filming for the reboot will take place in South Australia. So far, the only confirmed actor for the film is Joe Taslim, who will play Sub-Zero. Taslim is best known for his work in The Raid, Fast & Furious 6, and Star Trek Beyond.

The Mortal Kombat reboot will hit theaters on March 5, 2021.

Classic Gaming Quarterly's Chris Alaimo to appear at New Jersey's A Video Game Con

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A Video Game Con announced today that Classic Gaming Quarterly founder Chris Alaimo will be a guest at their convention.

Established in 2009, Classic Gaming Quarterly brings some in depth looks into the world of old school gaming. Some of Alaimo’s most popular videos revolve around the launch of the Super Nintendo (1.7 million views), Nintendo 64 (1.6 million views), and Sony PlayStation (1.1 million views). So far, the YouTube channel has over 110,000 subscribers. Aside from the main channel, there’s also CGQ+, which includes live streams.

Tickets for A Video Game Con are on currently on sale here. Until August 1, you can get 20% off an adult weekend pass by using the code “AVGC”. The convention will take place from September 7 and September 8 inside the Parsippany PAL in Parsippany, New Jersey.

Nintendo Switch Lite to be released in September

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Nintendo have revealed plans to drop a compact version of its popular Nintendo Switch console this fall.

Announced yesterday, the Nintendo Switch Lite will hit store shelves on September 20 for the price of $200. Unlike the normal Switch, this one features built in controllers rather than the Joy Con controllers. The lite version also features a smaller screen but a longer battery life. Because this is a condensed version, there’s no way to dock it to the TV or enable tabletop mode.

Pre-orders for the console, which will be released in yellow, grey, and turquoise, will go live soon. If you’re not feeling those colors, a special Pokemon Sword & Shield edition featuring Zacian and Zamazenta will be released on November 8. You can sign up at Gamestop to know when pre-orders go live.

Cuphead animated series headed to Netflix

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Cuphead became 2017’s most beloved indie game. Now, it’s heading to the small screens.

Announced yesterday, the popular video game will be turned into an animated series for Netflix. Titled The Cuphead Show, the series will follow Cuphead and Mugman in their journey across Inkwell Island. Cuphead developers Studio MDHR will work alongside King Features Syndicate for this forthcoming series.

Cuphead has sold over four million copies since its release. Back in April, the game made its way to the Nintendo Switch. Next year, the final piece of DLC for the game will be released. The Delicious Last Course was originally slated to be released this year, but it was delayed earlier this month.

WayForward beat ’em up River City Girls arrive on September 5

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The beloved River City game series gets another installment thanks to WayForward and Arc System Works.

On Wednesday, the trailer for River City Girls was unveiled. In this beat-em-up, River City mainstays Kunio and Riki get kidnapped, and it’s up to their girlfriends Kyoko and Misako to save the day this time. Along the way, you’ll run into some familiar faces from the River City series. While you’re kicking butt, you’ll be treated to a synthpop soundtrack featuring NateWantsToBattle, Megan McDuffee, Chipzel, and Christina Vee, who can be heard singing in the trailer.

River City Girls will be released digitally for $30 on September 5 on the PlayStation Store, Steam, GOG, Nintendo eShop, Xbox Live, and Humble Bundle. Those wanting a physical version will get one thanks to Limited Run Games. That version, however, will come at a later date.

Ten events to catch at Gen Con 2019

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As the largest tabletop game convention in North America, Gen Con delivers a plethora of content at every turn. In fact, it could be a bit overwhelming deciding what events to see during this beloved convention. Fortunately, we have a list of 10 grand things to check out while you’re at Gen Con. Some events will come with an entry fee.

The convention takes place from August 1 through August 4 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Badges can be purchased here.

Thursday August 1

Dungeon Master - The Lair of the Gorgon Queen with The Library Bards

4 p.m.

Westin : Grand Bllrm IV

$12

Improv show Dungeon Master brings forth a tale of monsters and dragons with The Lair of the Gorgon Queen. Noxweiler Berf (Total Party Killz), Jonaya Kemper (7th Sea: Lands of Gold and Fire), and Fabienne Miskelly (HyperRPG’s Grim Dark Dawn) will be joined by special guests The Library Bards (Bonnie Gordon and Xander Jeaneret).

Rougelike

7 p.m.

Westin : Grand Ballroom I--II

$6

Airing on Hyper RPG, Rougelike takes audience suggestions and gives them to a panel of participants. Everything from characters to hidden agendas are available for the picking. Hyper RPG founder Zac Eubank will take the role of GM with an unannounced line of guests set to appear.

Rat Queens

10 p.m.

Westin : Grand Ballroom I--II

$10

Hyper RPG's Rat Queens TTRPG will have a special live event, and they're welcoming everyone to come! Based on the Image Comics series of the same name, this show follows the crazy adventures of five rowdy warriors. Along with GM Emily Jacobson (Geek Girl Authority), the show features Senpai Buddies Podcast's Michelle Nguyen Bradley (Betty), SyFy Fangrrls' Riley Silverman (Braga), and Ripley Improv's Jessica Lynn Verdi (Hannah), Laurie Jones (Violet), and Aliza Pearl (Dee).

Friday, August 2

Yaya Han Cosplay Q&A

6:00 p.m.

Westin : Grand Bllrm III

Free

Cosplayer Yaya Han has been seen at countless conventions around the world as a judge for competitions. She's also been featured on shows such as Heroes of Cosplay, Hangin with Web Show, and King of the Nerds. If you're have some burning questions for the cosplayer, she'll be available to answer them during her special one hour Q&A session.

Kollok 1991

10 pm.

Westin : Grand Ballroom I--II

$18

Airing on Hyper RPG, Kollok 1991 pushes the boundaries on what a live TTRPG can do. The story follows a group of kids in the eerie town of Kollok, Washington. At every turn, chaos erupts in this supposedly peaceful area. Along with GM Zac Eubank, the show features Meghan Camarena (a.k.a. Strawburry17) as Skye Hawkins, Hyper RPG's Lucas Eubank as Billy Baker, Shelby Grace (a.k.a. Shubble) as Mikayla "Mickey" Jones, and Andre Meadows (a.k.a. Black Nerd Comedy) as Marcus Bennett.

NerdProv: Improv For Gamers (RATED R)

11:30 p.m.

Westin : Grand Bllrm III

$10

Looking for a laugh? ComedySportz Indianapolis has you covered with NerdProv: Improv For Gamers. Some of your favorite games will be subjected to ridicule, but it's all in the name of fun. This is for attendees ages 18 and over. Since 1993, ComedySportz Indianapolis has been the longest running improv show in the region.

Saturday, August 3

Streaming RPGs: For Players & GMs

10:30 a.m.

ICC : 232

Free

Over the years, TTRPGs have been taking over Twitch and YouTube. If you've ever thought about showcasing your crew's exciting D&D adventure, Streaming RPGs: For Players & GMs is the perfect panel for you. Representatives from Twitch channels such as Geek and Sundry and Saving Throw will be present to discuss how you can join the fun.

Let the Girls Play!

11 a.m.

Hyatt : Studio 1

Free

Tennessee's Currey Ingram Academy has been teaching young girls how to play TTRPGs through their yearly Camp Beech Creek. Teacher Danielle Powell leads this panel showcasing how to encourage girls to dive into this world of gaming.

Sunday, August 4

Music & Ambiance

11 a.m.

ICC : 212

Free

One thing that can make or break any TTRPG is the music. Having the perfect sounds can truly enhance the storyline for you and your players. Syrinscape creator Benjamin Loomes will be on hand to showcase his product, which delivers glorious soundscapes for your next session. Syrinscape is available to download here.

Lawyers & Licenses: Game Publishing

12:50 p.m.

JW : 202

Free

Have a great new idea for a TTRPG? You're going to need a ton of paperwork to get it off the ground. Lawyer Eugene Beliy and a slew of industry veterans will join forces to discuss the ins and outs of game publishing.

Ten events to catch at Anime Expo 2019

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Anime Expo arrives this week, and it means cosplayers are working endlessly on their attire, and exhibitors are double checking their inventory. Aside from the new friends and memories being made, there's a plethora of things to do and see. Here are 10 events that will surely leave con-goers thrilled during the four day convention. Tickets for Anime Expo are still on sale to the general public here. The convention takes place from July 4 through July 7 inside the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California.

Thursday, July 4

So You Want To Be An Anime Voice Actor?

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Live Programming 1 - LACC Petree Hall

Do you have dreams of becoming a voice actor in anime? Well, this panel will feature some of the biggest names in the industry to give some tips for making that dream become a reality. Voice actors slated to appear on the panel are Xander Mobus (Mob Psycho 100), Cassandra Lee Morris (Sword Art Online), Michael Sinterniklaas, Kyle McCarley (Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans), Lisa Ortiz (Queen's Blade), Jamie Marchi (Fairy Tail), and Cherami Leigh (Sailor Moon Crystal).

VJ Got Us Fallin' In Love: Incorporating Anime Into Live Visuals

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Live Programming 4 - LACC 411

Over the years, a growing number of visual jockeys have been invading the con scene. This special panel discusses what it takes to become a VJ in today's market. Long Beach audio/visual group Averted Vision will be present to answer some burning questions.

Cosplay Wrestling Federation: AXtreme Rules (18 +)

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Live Programming 2 - JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom

Cosplay Wrestling Federation returns to Anime Expo with AXtreme Rules. Established in 2013, this federation has been featured at numerous conventions across the country, including MAGFest and Sakura-Con. Some of the wrestlers stepping foot in the ring that evening include Spicy Burrito, Skeletor, and Mario. The event, which is for attendees ages 18 and over, will be livestreamed on CWF's Twitch channel.

Friday, July 5

Fashion Show

12:30pm - 3:00pm

Live Programming 1 - LACC Petree Hall

This year's fashion show will feature popular brands h.NAOTO, Acryl CANDY, Metamorphose, and amnesiA&paramnesiA. If that's not enough, HYPLAND will showcase items from their BLEACH collaboration, and Hot Topic will debut a new collection. Michelle Nguyen Bradley (Hyper RPG's Rat Queens) will be the event's MC. Fans will have the chance to shop for items at The Annex @ Kentia Hall.

POC in Cosplay

4:30pm - 5:30pm

Live Programming 5 - LACC 404AB

Cosplayers Little Sprite Cosplay and Kiss A Frog Cosplay discuss the trials and tribulations of cosplaying as a person of color. From cultural appropriation to make up, nothing is off limits in this informative discussion.

Saturday, June 6

*New Game Premiere* by Former-CTO of Square Enix

11:30am - 12:30pm

Live Programming 3 - LACC 408 AB

Former Square Enix CTO Yoshihisa Hashimoto arrives to showcase the brand new game Technologia School of Magic. Produced through his company Life Is Tech, this RPG teaches players all about tech coding with the help of popular Disney characters. The game is set to launch sometime in the future.

Masquerade

8:00pm - 11:00pm

Main Events - LACC Hall B

For years, the Anime Expo Masquerade brought the best of cosplay and live performance. This year's event will choose World Cosplay Summit U.S. teams for both 2019 and 2020. To witness the action live, you'll need a ticket for this event along with a Saturday or four day badge. Tickets can be bought here.

Preview Screening & Panel: 'ZombieCON' the Movie

9:30pm - 11:30pm

Video 1 - JW Marriott Diamond Ballroom (A-D)

Forthcoming indie film ZombieCON will hold a special preview screening for Anime Expo attendees. The horror flick, which was produced by Big Squid Productions, revolves around cosplayers traversing a zombie infested Los Angeles. Several stars from the movie, including Melissa Jane Rodriguez and Punkie Johnson, will be on hand to discuss it following the screening.

Sunday, July 7

Making Doki Doki Literature Club

10:00am - 11:30am

Live Programming 2 - JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom

Released in 2017, Doki Doki Literature Club! quickly became one of the most talked about indie games of the year. While it looks like a typical cute visual novel, it manages to surprise players with its compelling storyline. Game creator Dan Salvato will be on hand to discuss everything about creating this praised game. If you haven't played this game, you can get it for free here.

Yoshihiro Ike: Anime Soundtrack World

12:30pm - 2:30pm

(Main Events - Hall B)

Since 1995, composer Yoshihiro Ike has been delivering beloved musical compositions for AIBOU: Tokyo Detective Duo, Kuroko's Basketball, and Tiger & Bunny. At Anime Expo, he's bringing his music to life with Yoshihiro Ike: Anime Soundtrack World, which features 50 musicians from Los Angeles and Nashville. For this live musical performance, you'll need a Sunday or Four Day badge and a separate ticket, which you can buy here.

Final Fantasy live-action TV show in the works

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The highly popular Final Fantasy series will be heading to the small screen in the future.

Announced yesterday, Sony Pictures Television and Hivemind will join forces with Square Enix for a live action show based on the video game. The show is slated to take place in the Final Fantasy XIV world Eorzea. This won’t be the first video game adaptation for Hivemind. The company are working with Netflix on the upcoming adaptation of The Witcher.

The Final Fantasy series has been the subject of numerous animated adaptations over the years. One of the most noticeable ones was Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, which was released in theaters on July 11, 2001. While the film failed to do much in the box office, it was praised tremendously for its CGI.

Fortnite's 14 Days of Summer event set to begin tomorrow

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Fans of Fortnite will be pleased to know their 14 Days of Summer event is slated to kick off tomorrow (June 25).

Announced today, this event will run for the next two weeks, and those who play every day will be rewarded greatly. There will be 14 Limited Time Modes for you to complete in Save The World mode. Take care of the whole thing, and you’ll be rewarded with a brand new weapon. Some of the modes range from a water balloon fight (Splashdown Squads) to taking out your opponents with only headshots (Headshots Duos). These modes will also be available to play in the popular Battle Royale Mode.

Speaking of Battle Royale Mode, a weapon will be released from the vault every 24 hours. You’ll also be able to gain a free reward daily. A new island is also set to debut in Creative. As expected, some new items will be available in the shop. Head here for more information.