Syfy, in partnership with World Cyber Games and Samsung, announced that WCG Ultimate Gamer will return for a second season of eight episodes beginning in August. WCG Ultimate Gamer pits the top video game players in the US against each other to test their skills in a range of video game and real-life challenges while seeing if they can survive living together as housemates. Only one gamer will emerge victorious to claim the title of Ultimate Gamer.
This season offers an exciting twist as everyone can help select the final cast member in an online contest starting May 17th. Fans can vote for their favorite contestant at www.WCGUltimategamer.com. Participants will be able to choose a 12th contestant from a list of three finalists, enabling fans of each gamer to rally support for their favorite prospective champion.
Produced by ITV Studios for Syfy, each of the one-hour TV episodes will focus on in-game and real-life challenges for the dozen rivals living together in Los Angeles, while they compete for $100,000 in cash, an ultimate Samsung Electronics prize package, the chance to become the face of the WCG – representing the organization at events around the world – and bragging rights as the best all-around gamer. Last year’s winner Mark “Applesauce” Smith traveled to China, Mexico and around the U.S. as he represented World Cyber Games and WCG Ultimate Gamer.
The challenges in WCG Ultimate Gamer include dramatic video game battles using Samsung’s leading edge technology and real-life scenarios inspired by best-selling games. Over eight weeks, the next Ultimate Gamer will need to demonstrate top-notch skills while excelling under the pressure of head-to-head elimination rounds and successfully navigating the drama and twists of this unique reality TV show.
During the first season, contestants faced large-scale real-life challenges that took them beyond the game. For example, in the episode featuring the game “Rock Band,” the gamers had to form a band, create a look, learn to play a song by The Donnas, and then perform it using real instruments in front of a live audience as the band judged their performance.
Another challenge featured gamers showing off their slam dunk skills in front of basketball legends, including NBA Slam Dunk Champion Spud Webb, three-time NBA Finalist Darryl Dawkins, and four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Lisa Leslie. The twist—the entire contest took place over a swimming pool. The first season is available for viewing on Hulu.com.
This season, the final contestants will face off at the prestigious 10th anniversary WCG 2010 Grand Final competition and festival taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center, September 30th – October 3rd 2010. The WCG Grand Final is the world’s largest gaming festival, held annually with more than 1.6 million participants from around the world.
Published on May 18, 2010
