Category Archives: News

Few regions have as much news as Central Florida. From the high-stakes world of Electronic Arts to small indie game developers, the community always has some stories to tell.

Ukrainian artist brings Lara Croft to life through art

Inna Vjuzhanina doesn’t necessarily paint exclusively video game characters.

But her love for the medium came from her desire to pay tribute to her favorite video game heroine, Lara Croft.

Now, the Ukrainian artist has been building a side hustle that revolves around the “Tomb Raider” leading lady.

“While searching for a way to pay tribute to my beloved heroine, I started painting,” the Ukraine-based artist said recently. “That turned out to be the biggest passion of my life. Lara Croft is one of my biggest muses to this day.”

Continue reading Ukrainian artist brings Lara Croft to life through art
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New game studio to show off spiritual exploration title at Otronicon

An Orlando video game company will finally get its closeup this weekend at Otronicon as it pushes its first title closer to the finish line.

Captilight Studios will be one of several companies featured at the video game showcase during Orlando Science Center’s signature event.

After a tough year during which the city’s indie video game industry lost some momentum because of the pandemic, Captilight Founder Deana Galbraith said it will be a good thing to reconnect.

“It’s really helpful to meet up with everyone in the community and see what they are working on,” Galbraith said. “It helps build a support network for you and for the game.”

“Path of Kami” is a puzzle game that follows the spirit of the wolf Kazeyo’s efforts to ascend after his passing.

Continue reading New game studio to show off spiritual exploration title at Otronicon

In pandemic, Ongaku Overdrive thrives with virtual video game music showcase

The yearlong pandemic has become one of the toughest external forces that the music industry has had to undergo.

But one local concert organizer has successfully pulled specialized bands together from across the country to keep his video game music concerts going.

Kent Ward recently hosted Virtua Ongaku VII on his Twitch stream, showcasing five performers – and paying them.

“It has been awesome,” said Ward, whose event raised nearly $1,000 for the performers. “We have no idea when live concerts or conventions that would book these acts will return so seeing fans step up to support the musicians has been a wonderful feeling.”

Continue reading In pandemic, Ongaku Overdrive thrives with virtual video game music showcase

ESPN: EA’s Maitland-based VP confirms return of college football video game

It appears that passionate college football fans might be able to claim a huge win in the video game world.

Electronic Arts Maitland-based executive Daryl Holt told ESPN in a story posted on Tuesday that the popular video game company would be bringing back its NCAA Football franchise.

While it’s unlikely to come this year, next year could be a possibility.

The announcement could mean hiring for Electronic Arts when it moves into downtown Orlando this summer.

Continue reading ESPN: EA’s Maitland-based VP confirms return of college football video game

Ongaku Overdrive goes virtual for next video game-music concert

A group that organizes concerts of bands that perform video game music will go virtual this weekend.

Ongaku Overdrive, which has hosted video-game themed concerts in Orlando since 2013, will feature four acts on its Twitch channel.

Ongaku founder Kent Ward started hosting the events virtually in response to the growing coronavirus pandemic. This will be the third virtual event.

“We have enjoyed hosting online concerts during this time,” Ward said in a news release. “It has given fans something great to enjoy from the safety of their home, while also supporting amazing performers in our community.”

Continue reading Ongaku Overdrive goes virtual for next video game-music concert

Return delayed

You’ve probably noticed.

But my grand return to this site has been delayed.

A family situation required travel to the Midwest for some time and I need to focus on that for the time being.

But I will be back putting the spotlight on Central Florida’s video game community in the near future.

In the meantime, dig through the site and let me know what you think about the stories I’ve shared in the last year.

Be back soon.

Together in gaming.

Marco Santana.

OVG Editor/writer/photographer/webmaster/King Bowser

Magic Gaming lose to Wizards to split two games this week

Magic Gaming couldn’t capitalize on a series of turnovers committed by Wizards District Gaming early in the fourth quarter Friday, leading to the team’s first loss of the season.

The Magic trailed by 14 points heading into the final period of the decisive game and held the Wizards without a point on their first possession.

But three turnovers in the first 1 minute, 15 seconds of the quarter – during which the Wizards were held scoreless – stopped the Magic from gaining any ground.

Continue reading Magic Gaming lose to Wizards to split two games this week

Mutineers will need strong rally to win home event after Day 1 loss to Rokkr

The Florida Mutineers have some work to do if they want to win their home tournament in the Call of Duty League.

But it’s not something they haven’t done before.

Minnesota ROKKR dominated the Mutineers in a 3-0 sweep on Friday, sending them into the losers bracket of the Florida-hosted tournament.

To come back and win, the team will need to make a run similar to the one they made in their last tournament, when they rattled off four wins in a row to clinch the title.

Continue reading Mutineers will need strong rally to win home event after Day 1 loss to Rokkr

Magic Gaming win season opener as ‘Reizey,’ ‘DT’ go off on Bucks in Game 2; ‘ToXsiK’ plays perfect game 1

Magic Gaming brought out the brooms – and Reid “Reizey” Hill had a small bout of unconsciousness – to finish off a two-game sweep of Bucks Gaming in the team’s season opener on Wednesday.

Hill finished the decisive game with 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting and hit three clutch 3-pointers in the early part of the second half to help close an 11-point first-half gap.

Hill said a familiarity with Bucks Gaming helped the team’s morale, despite heading into halftime trailing by 7.

“I was feeling confident,” he said. “We had no doubt the game was still very much winnable. We had come back against this team before in scrimmages.”

Magic Gaming won the game 66-63 after pulling off a commanding 74-64 win in Game 1.

Continue reading Magic Gaming win season opener as ‘Reizey,’ ‘DT’ go off on Bucks in Game 2; ‘ToXsiK’ plays perfect game 1

Mayhem return to action in Overwatch League with two weekend matches

The Florida Mayhem travel to Houston this weekend for a pair of matches as they try to improve on their 1-1 record.

The Mayhem start its weekend with a 3 p.m. match Saturday against New York Excelsior (3-1), which has a 10-4 map record and sits in fourth place in the league.

The squad is coming off a 3-0 sweep of Houston on Sunday, which helped Excelsior earn a weekend split.

The Mayhem follows that yo with a match against the London Spitfire (1-2).

The Spitfire picked up its first win last week and has a 4-8 map record.

Florida, meanwhile comes off a bye week after splitting a pair of matches two weeks ago.

For more info and team statistics, visit the Overwatch League’s site.