Even though it seems like there’s quite a few awards shows these days, this one could end up being pretty cool — especially if you happen to be a fan of video games and celebrities from TV, sports and movies. Spike TV’s Video Game Awards, which premiere on Saturday, December 12 at 8PM Eastern, has announced some of its big time celebrity guests and presenters, and we’ve got the “who’s who” scoop right here, direct from the event’s official press release.

BIG NAMES IN GAMES COME OUT FOR
SPIKE TV’S “VIDEO GAME AWARDS 2009”

Academy Award™-Nominated Actor Jake Gyllenhaal, Green Day, Snoop Dogg,
Olivia Wilde And Zachary Quinto Kick-Off All-Star Line Up

Spike TV’s 7th Annual “Video Game Awards 2009” Premiere LIVE On
Saturday, December 12 At 8:00 PM ET

New York, NY, December 7, 2009 – Megastars from the worlds of video games, Hollywood, music, sports and more will gather to pay tribute to the outstanding achievements within the video game industry during the past year at Spike TV’s 7th Annual “Video Game Awards 2009.” Broadcasting in over 180 territories and countries, the VGAs will be a global celebration of all things gaming as it premieres LIVE on Spike TV Saturday, December 12 at 8:00 PM, ET (tape delay west coast).

Academy Award™ nominated Actor Jake Gyllenhaal will be on hand to dole out the night’s most prestigious honor, Game of the Year, as well as to present a special look at his upcoming Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, future blockbuster “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.”

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We gave you a preview of this game before, complete with a look at the innovative new skateboard controller. Now, you’re wait is over because the game hits store shelves in North America today. Available for the Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, the game’s main attraction lies in its wireless skateboard controller that’s full of motion sensors and allows players to more or less feel that they are on a real skateboard and part of the game.

The game and skateboard are bundled together for $119.99, which is relatively cheap considering the many hours of fun you can have around the office watching your co-workers wipe out trying to relive their skateboarding “glory days.” So, dig into your closet and pull out that old pair of Vans because its time to ride, the Tony Hawk way. Or, at least you can try because let’s face it, you’re never going to be close to as good as Tony Hawk.

But at least if you fall down a bunch of times while playing the game in your living room, nobody will see it and make fun of you. And that’s a good thing.

To me, riding a skateboard is up there with other sports like surfing. I’ve tried it but I am in no way ever going to be as good at it as someone like Tony Hawk. He has the tools, the talent and the drive to become one of the greatest skateboarders the world has ever known. He’s also become a pretty huge gaming mogul in his spare time with a whole slew of games bearing his name.

His latest, called Tony Hawk: RIDE, is another in a series of what looks to be hugely successful games bearing the Hawk moniker. In this one, you actually ride the game controller version of a skateboard and try your best to shred like Mr. Hawk. The game also has a story to it as well and in this new trailer, graciously provided by our good friends at Activision, that part is showcased. Well, sorta.

To understand, just click through and watch the trailer for yourself. Its funny and it has a heart. . . in the right place. Tony Hawk: RIDE, from Activision and Robomodo, hits store shelves for XBox 360 and PS3 on November 17th.

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In the eyes of many, Microsoft knew they were the underdogs going in to E3’s press conferences this year as it had barely any top titles set to come out the rest of the year. But today, they came out with all guns blazing, being the first to show footage, trailers and song announcements for Beatles: Rock Band. To be released on 9.9.09, Beatles: Rock Band features a uniquely animated visual take on the Beatles entire career and musical catalog, starting off in their simple black and white suits to the psychedelic color explosion of their later years.

Of the 45 songs coming with the game, 10 were announced: “I Saw Her Standing There”, “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, “I Feel Fine”, “Day Tripper”, “Taxman”, “I Am the Walrus”, “Back in the U.S.S.R.”, “Octopus’ Garden”, “Here Comes the Sun”, and “Get Back”. In addition, the entire Abbey Road album will be released as downloadable content as will “All You Need is Love” which will give a donation based on sales to the charity Doctors Without Borders. Making sure to have E3 be the top spectacle of the industry, Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison were welcomed to the stage before the first major celebrities of the event, Paul McCartney and Ringo Star.

Both men seemed excited to be there and about the game, despite Paul joking that they couldn’t actually play it themselves. Also for the Beatles: Rock Band demonstration, a Rock Band team played “I Want to Hold Your Hand” on stage using a Beatles: Rock Band kit including a drum set with cymbals and a bad ass looking Bass.

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