We've revamped the blog format to make it easier for you to get to the stuff you actually want. These reports will also be scheduled to come out each Friday thanks to Synthia's fabulous suggestion. As always, if you have some game industry community news worth sharing send me a PM or @GSJody on Twitter. Happy Friday!

　　

Events & Activities

Is 2012 the year you plan to socialize or network with other gamers in person? We'll be keeping an eye out for events, gatherings, and other attractions you can attend in person. If you can't attend in person, we'll share if there's live streaming of the event. Here are some recent gatherings that were announced, or maybe they're actually happening soon! You can also discuss upcoming events by dropping by the Events & Attractions Forum.

　　- PAX East April 6-8, Boston, MA, $35+ [coverage]

　　- House of LAN April 20-22 San Diego, CA $35

　　- Game Hack April 28-29, London, UK, est. £6.00 [open registration]

　　- GBLAN 5 May 4-6 Green Bay, WI $30 [scroll to bottom for pricing]

　　- Ottawa Game Conference May 29 Ottawa, Canada, CA$187+

　　- SOE Live Oct 18-21 Las, Vegas, Nevada [formerly known as Fanfaire]

　　

Kickstarter Alert

With the number of amazing kickstarters that have surfaced, we figured it is about time we share some creative ones established by people who have been in the industry. Because there are so many, we'll also have another mention to other kickstarters in our new social media reports that you'll see every Tuesday. This week's kickstarter goes to Jane Jensen's Pinkerton Road: "A Year of Adventure." This developer offers three adventure game opportunities. Watch the promo below, drop by the kickstarter page, and visit the game studio's official website.

　　

Virtual Stimulation

We'll share some virtual stuff like new map packs, DLC, and beta offers in this area.

　　- Star Wars: The Old Republic is available for free this weekend.

　　- World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria beta opt-in and FAQ.

　　- Gears of War 3 Forces of Nature adds five multiplayer maps and weather conditions.

　　- UNCHARTED 3 Drake’s Deception new multiplayer map pack announced.

　　- Secret World preorder will guarantee access to exclusive beta in May.

　　- Tera beta is happening here!

　　- Sony's Season 3 of the Tester reality show has tts finale

　　- Little Big Planet's Sackboy wanders into Wonderland.

　　- War Thunder Closed Beta combat MMO has started.

　　- Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion preorder and get in the beta.

　　

Goodies & Activities Bin

Here we'll share freebies, product announcements, and other activities you can check out.

　　- Sega’s Free Stuff Friday has Yakuza, Aliens: Colonial Marines, Sonic, and more!

　　- Get a free copy of Fallouton GOG.

　　- World of Warcraft: Noblegarden activity from April 8 - April 14.

　　- Blacklight Retribution is now in its open beta phase.

　　- Win a Prototype 2 Camaro SS and Foam blade arm on Activision's community site.

　　- Devil May Cry wallpaper available in celebration of the HD Collection version.

　　- Create a Blockbuster Movie Poster and win some City of Heroes goodies.

　　- Ghost Recon: Future Soldier (X360/PS3) multiplayer beta from April 19 to May 2.

　　- Mega Bloks World of Warcraft product line announced.

　　

Career Path

If you're trying to get your foot in the game industry door, we'll share some game industry jobs every now and then!

　　- Capcom is seeking a UK Community Manager.

　　- Gearbox has a variety of positions available!