Editor’s note: Ryan Smith is a longtime gamer and freelance writer who lives in Raleigh, NC. A graduate of East Carolina University with a degree in business and marketing, he has written in the past for WRAL Tech Wire and GameArgus.com. He currently plays Xbox 360 and PC as well as Nintendo DS. For story ideas, tips and feedback, he can be reached via e-mail (ryannicksmith@gmail.com)

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Coming Aug. 26-28, Raleigh’s Convention Center will be hosting the next Major League Gaming event.

Gamers from around the world will be attending – or watching streams – for matches of Starcraft 2 on PC, Halo: Reach on the Xbox 360, or Call of Duty: Black Ops on the PS3.

What will they be competing for? Besides the prestige of course, there will be prizes up to $120,000.

Spectators will be able to enjoy the action live, with a main stage set up for each of the three main titles. In addition there will be promo booths set up for free merchandise, special events, sneak previews of forthcoming games, and more.

“When you first walk into the venue you’ll see three giant Main Stages, one for each game; each surrounded by dozens upon dozens of gaming stations, promo booths chock full of free stuff, and special floor areas dedicated to special events, sneak previews of upcoming games, and tons more,” MLG promises.

“Whether you’re there to play or there to watch, there’s an insane amount of stuff to keep you busy in between games—and you get to do it all surrounded by your fellow gamers.”

I have watched many MLG matches of both Starcraft 1 and 2; they are tons of fun.

The teamwork featured in Halo: Reach and Black Ops will be mind-blowing as well, no doubt about that.

Doors open on Friday the 26th at 1:30 PM, with events running through Sunday evening.

For more information visit the MLG website.

Around the gaming world

1UP.com has a new preview of The Elder Srolls V: Skyrim. This game looks absolutely fantastic, great screenshots and the incredible trailer are also featured.

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