The Score of Cool Springs - Official Blog

Pokemon Trivia Contest (featured in the 3/14/10 Score Lock-in)

2010-03-14T01:26:00.001-08:00

1) What is the name of the tool you use to catch a Pokemon you've reeled in with a fishing rod?

a) Nerf
b) Kit Kat
c) Lure Ball
d) Cut and Paste

2) Pokemon is the second-most successful video game franchise in the world. Name the first.

3) In what year was Pokemon created?

a) 1994
b) 1996
c) 1998
d) 2000
e) 2011

4) True or False? In 1997, a famous Pokemon TV episode aired in japan that caused children all over the country to suffer epileptic seizures. The episode never aired again.

5) Which is not a feature of the Score Mini Membership?

a) 10% off used games
b) 10% extra trade-in credit
c) $5 off a purchase once a month
d) One complementary day pass a month
e) Play in the store whenever you want and get into all tournaments for free

6) Name the Pokemon formed from a mutation of an extraterrestrial virus exposed to a laser beam, that can transform into four different forms, has a signature atatck of "psycho boost," and was used in a promotion with NASA to teach children about outer space.

7) In the Gameboy Advance game "Pokemon Pinball (Ruby and Sapphire)," name the Pokemon you can't capture in the game's "Travel Mode."

a) Regice
b) Registeel
c) Beldum
d) Cyndaquil
e) Jirachi

8) What is the actual name of the "wood gecko" Pokemon that is one of the three starter Pokemon available at the beginning of Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire?

9) Which of these Pokemon is allowed to be used in the 2010 National Pokemon Video Game Championship?

a) Arceus
b) Jirachi
c) Dialga
d) Mew
e) Celebi
f) Darkrai
g) Shaymin

10) Name any game coming out next week.

BONUS QUESTION 1:

Name the Pokemon featured in Super Smash Bros Brawl which has the Final Smash "Aura Storm."

BONUS QUESTION 2:

In Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, your "Eevee" can evolve into one of 5 different Pokemon. Name one.

BONUS QUESTION 3:

How many colosseums are available in Pokemon Battle Revolution (Wii)?

BONUS QUESTION 4:

Name the ice cream company sponsoring the March 26 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Tournament at The Score of Cool Springs.

ANSWERS!

1) C
2) Mario
3) 1996 (although 1994 was accepted as correct as well due to some ambiguity)
4) True
5) E
6) Deoxys
7) D
8) Treecko
9) C
10) God of War 3, Command and Conquer 4, Infinite Space, Metro 2033, etc.
BONUS 1) Lucario
BONUS 2) Vaporeon, Flareon, Jolteon, Umbreon, Espeon
BONUS 3) 14
BONUS 4) Coldstone Creamery

February and March Tournaments Announced!

2010-01-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

Head down to The Score to sign up. We're advertising these on Facebook and elsewhere and pre-registration on Facebook is already in the hundreds for some of these. All tournaments cost $5 to enter, and the winner receives a free video game (retail value $59.99 or less)! We give away prizes and other promotional items to random participants as well.

See you there!

Friday, February 5 (7 PM) - Army of Two: 40th Day Tournament

Friday, February 12 (7 PM) - GoldenEye 007 N64 Tournament

Friday, February 19 (7 PM) - Super Smash Bros Brawl Tournament

Friday, February 26 (7 PM) - NCAA Football 2010 Tournament

Friday, March 5 (7 PM) - Guitar Hero Tournament

Friday, March 12 (7 PM) - Halo 3 4x4 Team Slayer Tournament

Friday, March 19 (7 PM) - BioShock 2 Tournament

Friday, March 26 (7 PM) - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Tournament

The New ScorePoint Program & Other Announcements

2009-12-30T18:21:00.000-08:00

SCOREPOINTS PROGRAM CHANGES: In order to reward customer loyalty more effectively in 2010 and beyond, we are simplifying and strengthening the ScorePoints program.

Out with the old, in with the new:

+1 ScorePoint - every $10 spent or every $5 in trade-ins
+1 ScorePoint - play in any tournament (lots of tournaments beginning in January)
+1 ScorePoint - purchase any gift, from The Score, for a Score private party held at The Score
+1 ScorePoint - attend any Score private party

+2 ScorePoints - playing in any Score league

+3 ScorePoints - refer any new Score Member
+3 ScorePoints - refer any booked Score private party

Extra ScorePoints will be awarded for winning any tournament or league, based on the number of participants.

Once any customer goes beyond Level 7 and reaches 1000 ScorePoints, he or she will "Prestige" and return back to 0 ScorePoints in exchange for a special Score patch to go on the VIP Jersey. Then, all the prizes, in-store credit, etc. can be earned again. We will honor all ScorePoints accumulated under the original system.

Score Members will continue to earn double ScorePoints for doing any of the above.

In addition to the base Score Achievements listed above, some extra bonus opportunities will be available from time to time, which are awarded above and beyond the regular ScorePoints above. The first of these bonus opportunities are in effect for January:

+3 Bonus ScorePoints - beat Bradley in the Mystery Tournament on January 4 (open to Members only) or in a Mario Kart Wii race as part of the January 16 event
+2 Bonus ScorePoints - bring in any A on a test to The Score (redeemable once)
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - bring in any B on a test to The Score (redeemable once)
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - attend any tournament in January wearing a Score Sweatshirt or Hoodie
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - purchase either version of the COD Modern Warfare 2 strategy guide (while supplies last)
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - trade in any two used strategy guides
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - purchase any magazine at The Score
+2 Bonus ScorePoints - purchase any of The Score's 2009 Games of the Year
+1 Bonus ScorePoint for each correct answer on the Lock-in Trivia Contest (January 29)
+10 Bonus ScorePoints and Score Facebook status update about your accomplishment - defeat any Geometry Wars 2 record held by Bradley during the month of January

All ScorePoints doubled for trade-ins applied toward Bayonetta, Army of Two, or Mass Effect 2.

MEMBERSHIP BONUS IN JANUARY! Purchase or renew a Score Membership in January and receive a free gift: a Score Sweatshirt!

A Score Hoodie can be exchanged for the Sweatshirt for just $9 more if desired. Offer good while supplies last or until January 31, 2010.

NEW YEAR'S LOCKIN CANCELLED: Due to weather concerns, we have cancelled the New Year's Eve Lockin.

OTHER CHANGES: The following changes will also be put into effect beginning January 1, 2010:

- System Repairs will be completed by our independent contractor every week in house. The exact dates in which system repairs will occur at The Score will be posted in the store at the beginning of January. Having our contractor repair systems on site will speed repairs significantly since they can be picked up immediately upon completion. The prices of these repairs beginning January 1 will be $75 (Wii), $90 (Xbox 360), and $100 (PS3).

- New Store Hours: Monday through Thursday 10a-9p; Friday 10a-9p (9p-10p Members Only Gaming); Saturday 10a-9p (9p-10p Members Only Gaming); Sunday 12p-6p (6p-7p Members Only Gaming). Customers can still shop, purchase, and trade in games during "Members Only Gaming" hours even if not a Score Member - these hours are in reference to the gaming floor only.

- Sundays at The Score will be "Sunday Family Game Day," in which all games available for in-store play are rated E for Everyone.

- Prices for in-store gaming will increase to $7.99/hour or $19.99/day. Prices for Score Membership will not change until April 1, 2010.

- Charmaine Fessler will assume the role of Chief Marketing Officer for Score Holdings LLC, The Score's parent company. Marcus Moore is promoted from VP, Retail Operations to Chief Operations Officer, and George Sibble is promoted from VP, Finance and Strategy to Chief Financial Officer.

The Score's 2009 Top 10 Games of the Year

2009-12-28T14:01:00.000-08:00

We're proud to present The Score's 2009 Top 10 Games of the Year. With as many great games that were released in the last 12 months, the games that made this list are truly worth your time to seek out and enjoy. Hopefully, 2010 brings a list even half this strong of quality titles by this time next year.

HONORABLE MENTION: Scribblenauts (Nintendo DS)

The most innovative game currently on the Nintendo DS platform. A thinking person’s game, Scribblenauts pushes the limits of both vocabulary and creativity to devise solutions to pass level after level. Think of a word, and you can draw it using the DS stylus and have that object appear in the game to use to solve a puzzle.

10) The Sims 3 (PC)

The life simulator returns with greatly expanded features and new gameplay options. The addition of entire communities of Sims with which to interact, along with the addition of customizable character traits and aspirations, give the franchise a breath of fresh air. Oh, and it’s nice to have a PC game that doesn’t require a new graphics card to play!

9) Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story (Nintendo DS)

An accessible, funny, highly-enjoyable role-playing game for the Nintendo DS. Mario and Luigi team up once again, and this time work in tandem with Bowser to take on Lord Fawful, the main enemy from the previous game in this series. The sheer variety of things to do in this game will provide hours and hours of gameplay, and as usual, the visuals and sound are top-notch. This is the best handheld game on any platform released in 2009.

8) DJ Hero (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii)

It’s unfortunate that the market is saturated with Guitar Hero and Rock Band titles, causing many gamers to overlook one of the best and most innovative titles of the year on any platform. The game’s variety of difficulty settings make it accessible for just about anybody, and the variety of music genres represented in the game’s huge track list make it fun for groups to play. Just like Guitar Hero, any music fan or budding musician should play this game.

7) Borderlands (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)

The distinctive art style and the flavorful personalities grab you right away, and the enjoyable gameplay and rich, dynamic world don’t give you back. Borderlands, and it’s four-player-cooperative multiplayer full of rewarding quests and big, bad bosses to take down, is the perfect complement to more straight-ahead first-person-shooters like Halo or Call of Duty.

6) Dragon Age: Origins (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)

This is as much of a classic storytelling experience as any piece of fiction you’ll read this year. BioWare has done it again, creating in the world of Ferelden a place that you won’t want to leave. The depth of the characters, the intrigue of the plot, and the strength of the gameplay are enough to make a strong case for Game of the Year, and the fact that it’s not even the best role-playing game of 2009 is a testament to the quality and quantity of video games that were released over the past 12 months. Still, Dragon Age is absolutely a must-own title for any role-playing game fan.

5) Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)

Well, this was a bit unexpected: a Batman game NOT tied in with a movie? Yes, and it’s the best Batman game ever, with arguably the most engrossing realization of the Batman universe ever created in any entertainment medium – TV, movie, or game. Sneak stealthily through danger, deploying Batman’s wealth of gadgets and weaponry on his utility belt as needed to take out the Joker’s henchmen. If you missed this one in September when it was released, give it a spin soon, or we’ll have to send Scarecrow after you.

4) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)

The next iteration in the Call of Duty franchise does not disappoint. Plenty of multiplayer depth, including the new addition of a two-player cooperative mode, complement a pitch-perfect single player campaign well. The addition of customizable killstreaks was a nice touch. Even though Modern Warfare 2 is one of the best games of the year, perhaps it’s a bit too realistic: controversy over the terrorism scene in the single-player campaign, along with some launch-day multiplayer bugs, keep it from claiming the top overall award from us.

3) Demon’s Souls (PlayStation 3)

Absolute masterpiece and the new standard of role-playing gameplay on any console. Demon’s Souls, yet another niche title from little-known RPG-maker Atlus, fuses innovative multiplayer elements into a primarily single-player RPG experience to create something totally new and fresh for fans of this genre of games. The raw, unforgiving difficulty of the game is so intense that it draws you in, adding another layer of depth to one of the most unforgettable, rewarding games you’ll ever play. We can’t rave about this game enough – this game will change the way role-playing games are created for years to come.

2) New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo Wii)

Can a game be innovative and nostalgic at the same time? The new Super Mario Bros. game on the Wii manages to do both, taking cues from previous Mario games with its ingenious level design and hidden secrets sprinkled throughout, and including brand-new four-player cooperative gameplay that makes this the one and only must-have Wii-exclusive video game released in 2009. The inclusion of Coin Battle and Free-for-all multiplayer modes add hours of replayability to the game – a first for the Mario series. This one has been hard to find since it was released in November, and for very good reason.

1) Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PlayStation 3)

Uncharted 2 isn’t just a crowning achievement for the video game industry, it’s a sign of things to come as entertainment media continue to converge. Some games are just as fun to watch as they are to play, and this is one of those games: part Hollywood blockbuster, part Silicon Valley tech showpiece, Uncharted 2 is so accessible and fun to play that owning a PS3 without this game should be a crime. Throw in some incredibly addictive, very-well-thought-out multiplayer modes, and you’ve got The Score’s 2009 Game of the Year.

Holiday Hours Through January 1, 2010

2009-12-20T16:05:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 21 - 9 AM to 9 PM
Tuesday, December 22 - 9 AM to 9 PM
Wednesday, December 23 - 9 AM to 9 PM
Thursday, December 24 - 12 PM to 4 PM
Friday, December 25 - CLOSED
Saturday, December 26 - 8 AM to 11 PM
Sunday, December 27 - 12 PM to 6 PM (regular hours)
Monday, December 28 - 10 AM to 9 PM (regular hours)
Tuesday, December 29 - 10 AM to 9 PM (regular hours)
Wednesday, December 30 - 10 AM to 9 PM (regular hours)
Thursday, December 31 - 10 AM to 8 PM; 8 PM - 8 AM for New Year's Eve Lock-in

Score Pre-order Prices for 2010!

2009-12-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

The Score is the best place to pre-order games. GameStop is the best place to get hassled about pre-orders and trade-ins right when you walk in the door.

And for those pre-order deals they occasionally get: is $3-$5 in cash savings worth some little piece of plastic, some crappy t-shirt they give you, or some in-game DLC that you'll be able to download anyway even if you buy from The Score? NO! LOL...

Even if you're not a Score Member, you'll still save money at The Score over GameStop. Don't believe us? Come try us out and you'll see.

Title Release Date Score Membership Price

Bayonetta (X360 / PS3) January 5 $56.99
Divinity II: Ego Draconis (X360 / PC) January 6 $56.99
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics January 12 $56.99
Army of Two: 40th Day (X360 / PS3) January 12 $54.99
Blood Bowl (X360 / PC) January 13 $56.99
Sands of Destruction (DS) January 13 $32.99
Dark Void (X360 / PS3 / PC) January 19 $56.99
Mass Effect 2 (X360 / PC) January 26 $54.99
Mass Effect 2 Collector’s Edition January 26 $64.99
MAG (PS3) January 27 $54.99

Heavy Rain (PS3) February 2 $54.99
Dante’s Inferno (X360 / PS3) February 9 $56.99
BioShock 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 9 $54.99
Star Ocean: Last Hope International February 10 $56.99
Alien vs. Predator (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 16 $56.99
Ace Attorney: Miles Edgeworth February 17 $26.99
Two Worlds 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 22 $56.99
Gran Turismo 5 February 23 $54.99
Heist (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 23 $56.99
Lost Planet 2 (X360 / PS3) February 23 $56.99
Splinter Cell: Conviction February 23 $54.99
Splinter Cell: Conviction Lim Edition February 23 $74.99
Champions Online (X360) February 24 $56.99
LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 February 24 $46.99
Just Cause 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 26 $56.99
Singularity (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 26 $56.99

MLB 10: The Show March 1 $56.99
Battlefield Bad Company 2 March 2 $54.99
Front Mission Evolved March 2 $56.99
Final Fantasy XIII March 9 $54.99
Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition March 10 $46.99
Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey (DS) March 10 $29.99
Metro 2033 (X360 / PC) March 16 $56.99
Ninety-Nine Nights 2 (X360) March 16 $56.99
Blur (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 17 $56.99
MLB 2K10 (X360 / PS3) March 17 $56.99
R.U.S.E. (X360 / PS3) March 23 $56.99
Dead Rising 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 24 $56.99
God of War 3 (PS3) March 24 $54.99
God of War Ultimate Collection (PS3) March 24 $89.99
Mafia 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 24 $56.99
Max Payne 3 (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 24 $56.99
Moto GP 09/10 (X360 / PS3) March 24 $56.99
Red Cell (X360 / PC) March 24 $56.99
Red Dead Redemption (X360 / PS3) March 24 $54.99
Super Street Fighter IV (X360 / PS3) March 24 $36.99
Supreme Commander 2 (X360 / PC) March 29 $56.99
Brink (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 31 $56.99
Fallout New Vegas March 31 $54.99

FIFA World Cup 2010 (X360 / PS3) April 27 $56.99
Resonance of Fate (X360 / PS3) April 28 $56.99

Skate 3 (X360 / PS3) May 18 $54.99
Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow (DS) May 19 $32.99

Score Membership Benefits (as of December 2009)

2009-12-02T10:02:00.000-08:00

We've listened to you, our customers, and have several changes to our Score Membership program to announce.

Here are the Score Member benefits, as of December 2009:

- Score Members play for FREE and can bring a friend for $5/hr or $10/day (regular price $6/hr or $15/day).

- Score Members play for FREE in all tournaments (regular price $5 to enter)

- Score Members get 20% off used games and accessories

- Score Members get 20% extra trade-in credit (we already beat GameStop in this regard, so this makes it even better)

- Score Members get 20% off all strategy guides and hint books

- Score Members get discounts when pre-ordering games (typically $56.99 for new titles, or $54.99 for popular new games coming out soon, such as Mass Effect 2, Splinter Cell Conviction, God of War III, or Final Fantasy XIII)

- Score Members are eligible to participate in ScoreSwap, our subscription rental program similar to Netflix or GameFly. This is one of the best things this business offers to gamers. Have one or two games out at a time, swap them out constantly, and avoid buying every new game that comes out...and you don't have to ship anything or wait for games to arrive!

- Score Members earn double ScorePoints on everything. ScorePoints are our customer loyalty program that itself is getting a facelift heading into 2010.

- Score Members can participate in Members Only hours where only Members can play games in-store. These are Friday night (11 pm - 12 am), Saturday morning (9 am - 10 am), Saturday night (11 pm - 12 am), and Sunday night (6 pm - 7 pm).

- Score Members can participate in Membership Monday, where on the first Monday of each month from 7 pm to 9 pm, only Members can be in the store. Members can bring a friend to Membership Monday FOR FREE, and we'll have one of our famous Mystery Tournaments from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm!

THE SCORE OPENS AT 5 AM ON BLACK FRIDAY!!

2009-11-25T20:07:00.000-08:00

Check out our ad insert in the Thanksgiving edition of the Tennessean!

We open at 5 AM that morning. No dealers, and no rainchecks: items have limited quantities, and will be sold while supplies last. Our expert staff will be available to help you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones this holiday season - all you have to do is ask.

Highlights:

- $274.99 Xbox 360 Elite or Sony PS3 Slim system (one per customer)
- $44.99 Uncharted 2 (PS3) / Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time (PS3) / Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360 or PS3) / Halo ODST (Xbox 360)
- $14.99 New Super Mario Bros Wii
- $4.99 Wii Fit Plus (software only)

- FREE GAME (retail value $59.99 or less) with purchase or renewal of any annual Score Membership
- 50% off ScoreSwap subscriptions (The Score's version of Netflix for games) and Score Birthday Parties

- First 100 customers receive a $5 off coupon on any new or used accessory

We will have a number of additional deals running this weekend as well, including buy-2-get-1-free on used games and accessories throughout the weekend!

For one day only, ScoreBalls will be on sale for $5 (good for an hour of gaming at The Score) and would make a perfect stocking stuffer.

Entries into the PS3 Laptop Contest will be DOUBLED on Black Friday. This means that each $50 spent, or each $25 in game trade-ins, will receive 2 entries into the contest.

All game trade-ins will receive an extra 10% in-store credit that day, with this 10% compounded on top of the existing 10% extra trade-in credit for Score Members.

Snacks and drinks, including orange juice, will be available throughout the day for purchase for half off. The Score's gaming floor will be open on Black Friday from 3 PM to 11 PM - in-store gaming will not be available to customers or Score Members prior to 3 PM that day.

You DO NOT need to brave Cool Springs traffic that day to purchase or renew a membership or book a birthday party - these can be purchased via credit card by phone after 8 AM. In any membership transaction taken by phone, we will hold your free game for you through the weekend so you can pick it up at a more convenient time. All other purchases must be made in-store.

MODERN WARFARE 2 RELEASE PARTY THIS MONDAY 11/9!

2009-11-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

For release on Monday, November 9, 2009

THE SCORE OF COOL SPRINGS HOSTS MIDDLE TENNESSEE GAMERS FOR CALL OF DUTY MIDNIGHT RELEASE PARTY

Highly-anticipated video game expected to be best-selling entertainment product in history

Franklin, TN - The Score of Cool Springs, Franklin's startup video game retail and entertainment chain, will host a midnight release party for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 this Monday night, Monday, November 9. Gamers from all around the greater Nashville area will flock to The Score to purchase the game, which is expected to become the best-selling entertainment product in history immediately upon its official release at 12:01 AM on Tuesday morning.

The Score will kick off festivities at 8 PM with free pizza from Little Caesars Pizza and free drinks for gamers who have purchased the game from The Score. At 9 PM, a video game tournament in a previous Call of Duty title will commence - open only to those who have pre-ordered the new game from The Score - with the winner receiving an upgraded copy of Modern Warfare 2 and various other prizes being given away to participants.

"The Score is the best place to buy or play a video game, which includes being the best place to be for gamers picking up the new Call of Duty game at launch," said Bradley Metrock, President of Score Holdings. "We look forward to treating area gamers to a night of free food and drinks and a farewell to the previous Call of Duty, during our tournament that night, as we all await the arrival of Modern Warfare 2."

The Score of Cool Springs, the first retail location for Franklin startup Score Holdings, is known for superior trade-in credit for used video game software and hardware, better game prices than area competitors, and friendly customer service. "The Arena," which is The Score's large tournament coliseum located within The Score of Cool Springs, hosts a variety of game tournaments, leagues, birthday parties, and private events.

The Score invites the local media to attend this launch party and its staff will be available the night of Monday, November 9, for interviews upon request.

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CallofDuty@TheScoreOnline.com

Williamson County Fall Break Tournaments!

2009-10-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

The Score will have the following tournaments this weekend for Williamson County's Fall Break!

Each tournament earns you an extra entry into the drawing for the one and only PS3 Slim Laptop (only available at The Score of Cool Springs), and there are other prizes for the different events.

All of these tournaments can be signed up for on our website, www.TheScoreOnline.com.

Saturday 10/17

Super Smash Bros Brawl Tournament (2 PM) - $2/person
Halo 3 Double Team Tournament (7 PM) - $5/team of two

Sunday 10/18

NHL 2010 Tournament (1 PM) - $2/person

Monday 10/19

NBA 2K10 Tournament (2 PM) - $2/person (open to first 16 players only)

Tuesday 10/20

WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2010 Tournament (2 PM) - $2/person

Uncharted 2 and Demons Souls: Two Good Reasons to Get a PlayStation 3 This Holiday

2009-10-07T18:05:00.001-07:00

Thinking about grabbing a PlayStation 3? This might be a good time...

Not only will purchasing the system from The Score of Cool Springs put you in the running to win our portable PS3 Slim Laptop - only one in the world! - but will also allow you to play two of the absolute best games of the year.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is the sequel to last year's breakout hit, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. It's a fast-moving adventure game that has received the HIGHEST METACRITIC SCORES (aggregated review scores) OF ANY GAME RELEASED THIS YEAR. The multiplayer beta has been out on PlayStation Network for a couple of weeks now, and it has also drawn rave reviews, including GameSpot.com's Editors' Choice Award. This is going to be a must-have game for Christmas for PlayStation 3 owners, pure and simple.

Demons Souls is a role-playing game that's not for the casual gamer...the game is among the hardest challenges to be released in recent history. Most RPGs coax you through difficult spots, or give you multiple ways around problem areas. Demons Souls doesn't spare any expense in making you earn your way through each dungeon. You will have help though, as you get to see glimpses of other players playing the game (in real-time) appearing as ghosts, giving you hints on what may lurk around the corner. You can also observe, via instant-replay, the deaths of other players playing the game at the same time, by clicking on their bloodstains they've left behind, to get valuable clues on how to beat certain bosses and advance further into the game. Very innovative, and highly acclaimed...GameSpot.com awarded the game with its Editors' Choice Award as well.

Come on in to The Score of Cool Springs, and pick up a PlayStation 3...and don't forget about these games. And who knows, maybe you'll end up walking away with the biggest prize of all - the PS3 Slim Laptop - as a result of your purchases at The Score!

PS3 Slim Laptop Giveaway Announced!

2009-10-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“PlayStation 3 Laptop” to be given away as part of holiday promotion at The Score of Cool Springs

One-of-a-kind device expected to draw crowds when unveiled on November 1

Franklin, TN – Tuesday, October 6 – The Score of Cool Springs, a video game retail and entertainment store located in Franklin, Tennessee, will give away a PlayStation 3 Laptop as part of a holiday promotion. This device was invented by renowned video game engineer Ben Heckendorn of Madison, Wisconsin, and is the only hardware of its type in existence.

The PS3 Slim – a smaller version of the original PlayStation 3 console – was deconstructed by “Ben Heck,” as he’s known on the internet, and re-assembled into a laptop for portable play, complete with built-in flip-up 17” LCD screen and fully-functioning Blu-Ray capabilities. A description of how the system was created is available at his website, www.benheck.com.

“The Score of Cool Springs is offering gamers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a system that many have trouble even believing exists,” said Bradley Metrock, President of Score Holdings. “This is all part of our mission to be the best place to buy or play a video game.”

Through December 19, each $50 spent at The Score of Cool Springs, or each $25 received in game trade-ins, will earn customers an entry into the drawing for the PlayStation 3 Laptop. An alternative, free method of entry is also available, with information on The Score’s website at www.thescoreonline.com.

The prize will be available for viewing at The Score of Cool Springs beginning November 1. Other prizes, including Score Memberships and Gift Cards, will also be given away as part of the promotion.

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Contact:
Bradley Metrock
President, Score Holdings LLC
The Score of Cool Springs
4091 Mallory Lane, Suite 124
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 972 8833
Bradley@TheScoreOnline.com

ScoreSwap Program

2009-09-27T14:30:00.001-07:00

The Score will officially unveil ScoreSwap, our new game rental program, on Saturday, October 3. This program combines the best of a Netflix or GameFly type of rental arrangement with the convenience of a physical retail location to browse, rent, and return games without waiting (or paying for) shipping!

For $14.99 ($139/year), Score Members will be able to rent one game out per month, with the ability to swap that game out as many times as desired over the course of the month.
For $19.99 ($179/year), Score Members can upgrade this to two games out per month, instead of one.

Want to keep a game the entire month? Or get tired of it after a single day and want to grab something else? This program is both flexible and affordable for Nashville and Franklin-area families.

Makes a perfect Christmas gift as well! :)

Oh, one other thing...THE FIRST TEN CUSTOMERS IN THE DOOR ON SATURDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 3, will be able to purchase a year of the $19.99/month package for just $99! (Black Friday, ahead of time!)

Read below for a FAQ regarding ScoreSwap if you want further information on the package.

Thanks, Bradley

ScoreSwap(TM) FAQ

Q. So this program is available for Score Members only?

A. Yes. Non-members can no longer rent games from The Score.

Q. What if I purchase ScoreSwap as a gift, and the recipient doesn't like it? Can it be returned?

A. We allow money spent on the ScoreSwap package to be converted into in-store credit for 30 days after purchase to handle situations like this. For example, if Joey's parents buy a year of ScoreSwap for Joey for Christmas for $139, and he'd rather just have a new Nintendo DSi system than ScoreSwap, that $139 (plus tax) can be used as in-store credit instead at The Score of Cool Springs. This gives third-party purchasers comfort in knowing that even if the recipient doesn't like ScoreSwap, they can then get something else they like instead.

Note that, as always, Score Membership fees are non-refundable and non-convertible, however.

Q. If I sign up for Score Membership and ScoreSwap together, do I get any discount?

A. Through the end of 2009, sign up for both a Score Membership and ScoreSwap in the same transaction and we'll waive the membership activation fee.

Q. What games are not able to be rented through ScoreSwap?

A. Very rare retro games we have in the store are generally exempt from ScoreSwap, as well as new releases that have not been on the market more than 30 days.

Q. So this means hand held games (e.g. Nintendo DS and PSP games) are able to be rented through this program, that have been out 30 days or more?

A. Yes.

Q. Nice!

A. Thanks. We try.

Q. What happens if someone rents a game and doesn't bring it back?

A. When anyone signs up for ScoreSwap, we require a valid credit card to be on file. Each customer will select (at the time of signing up) if they want to be billed for a game, at current retail price, or billed for another month of ScoreSwap, in the event they fail to return rentals within the required amount of time.

For some customers, this may actually be a convenience. Rent a game and like it enough, and you can buy it from us without actually returning to The Score to complete another transaction.

Q. What happens if someone rents a game and returns it damaged?

A. They will effectively purchase the game - they will keep it and will be charged for the retail price of the game.

Q. Can you rent strategy guides?

A. Used strategy guides can be rented, and count as a rental within our system. Similarly, games requiring a special peripheral may count as two rentals instead of one.

Q. What happens if I come to rent a game, and you guys don't have it?

A. ScoreSwap participants can select from all games currently in stock that have been out 30 days or more. We have no way of knowing ahead of time which games we will have and which ones we won't at any particular time.

Q. What happens if my Score Membership runs out prior to my ScoreSwap package running out?

A. In order to rent games from The Score, you must be a Score Member. Therefore, you'd either have to renew your Membership or not use any remaining ScoreSwap balance in the event one runs out before the other.

Q. Are there other ScoreSwap questions you probably should've thought about and mentioned here, but didn't?

A. Probably.

Q. Do I get a prize for reading to the bottom of this FAQ?

A. Yes. Mention the code BORED and we'll add an extra month to any annual purchase of ScoreSwap.

Huge new shipment of games! Less than GameStop! (And better trade-in credit too!)

2009-09-10T14:18:00.001-07:00

As we continue to get ramped up for the holidays, we just got our largest shipment of new games since we've opened The Score!

Here's a list of what we received! Come on in and check it out for yourself this weekend! These games and many more available (both new and used) as our customers get started with holiday shopping...

Rock Band: The Beatles - all platforms (even more copies, already had in stock)
Capcom Platinum Hits Package (Xbox 360; includes Lost Planet, Dead Rising, and Devil May Cry 4 all in one package)
Raiden IV Collector's Edition (Xbox 360)
Little Big Planet, Game of the Year Edition (PS3)

Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (DS)
Batman: Arkham Asylum (all platforms)
BioShock / Elder Scrolls Collection (Xbox 360)
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (Xbox 360 and PS3)
Blue Dragon Plus (DS)
Boom Blox (Wii)
Boom Blox Bash Party (Wii)
Brain Age (DS)
Brain Age 2 (DS)
Call of Duty: World at War (Wii)
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood (all platforms)
Chrono Trigger (DS)
Civilization IV: Complete Edition (PC)
Civilization Revolution (all platforms)
Conduit (Wii)
Cooking Mama: World Kitchen (Wii)
Cooking Mama 2 (DS)
Counter Strike Source (PC)
Dead Rising: Chop Til You Drop (Wii)
Dead Space (PS3/X360)
De Blob (Wii)
Disgaea (DS)
Disgaea 3 (PS3)
Drawn to Life (DS)
Fable 2 (Xbox 360)
Family Party (Wii)
Final Fantasy IV (DS)
Final Fantasy Tactics A2 (DS)
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (DS)
Fuel (Xbox 360 / PS3)
Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 (X360)
Ghostbusters (X360/PS3)
Grand Theft Auto IV (X360)
Guitar Hero Metallica (Wii)
Halo 3 (X360)
Harvest Moon DS (DS)
Hasbro Family Game Night (Wii)
HAWX (X360/PS3)
Hi Hamtaro (DS)
House of the Dead Overkill (Wii)
House of the Dead 2 & 3 (Wii)
Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja (DS)
Kirby Super Star Ultra (DS)
Knights in the Nightmare (DS)
Konductra (DS)
Last Remnant (X360)
Legacy of Ys Books 1 and 2 (DS)
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii)
Lego Batman (all platforms)
Little Kings Story (Wii)
Looney Tunes ACME Arsenal (X360)
Lord of the Rings Conquest (X360)
Luminous Arc 2 (w/ soundtrack) (DS)
Madden 2010 (all platforms)
Madworld (Wii)
Magician's Quest (DS)
Mario Kart (Wii)
Mario Party (DS)
Mario Party 8 (Wii)
Mario Power Tennis (Wii)
Mario Super Sluggers (Wii)
Mega Man Star Force 2 (couple different SKUs for DS)
Mega Man Star Force 3 Red (DS)
Mirror's Edge (X360)
MLB Front Office Manager (X360)
Monopoly (all platforms)
Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe (X360)
N+ (DS)
Namco Museum (DS)
Namco Museum Remix (Wii)
Namco Museum Virtual Arcade (X360)
Nanostray 2 (DS)
Naruto Shippuden (most recent DS version)
Naruto Clash of Ninja 3 (Wii)
Need for Speed Underground (Wii)
New Super Mario Bros (DS)
Ninja Gaiden 2 (X360)
Nintendogs (several different versions for DS)
No More Heroes (Wii)
Orange Box (X360)
Overlord 2 (X360)
Petz Fashion Dogz and Catz (DS)
Phantom Brave: We Meet Again (Wii)
Pikmin (Wii)
Pokemon Platinum (DS)
Populous (DS)
Prototype (X360/PS3)
Punchout (Wii)
Resident Evil Archives (Wii)
Resident Evil 4 (Wii)
Retro Game Challenge (DS)
Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure (DS)
Rhythm Heaven (DS)
Rhythm N Notes (DS)
Rock Band 2 (Wii)
Rondo of Swords (DS)
Rune Factory (several versions, one on DS and one on Wii)
Sacred 2 (X360 / PS3)
Simcity Creator (DS)
Sins of a Solar Empire - Game of the Year Edition (PC)
Skate It (Wii)
SOCOM: Confrontation (PS3)
Sonic Ultimate Genesis Collection (X360)
Sonic Unleashed (Wii)
Soul Calibur 4 (X360 / PS3)
Spectrobes Origins (Wii)
Spiderman Friend or Foe (X360)
Spyro: Dawn of Dragon (DS and Wii)
Star Wars: Force Unleashed (all platforms)
StarCraft Battlechest (PC)
Street Fighter IV (PS3)
Suikoden Tierkreis (DS)
Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
Super Smash Bros Brawl (Wii)
Table Tennis (X360)
Tales of Symphonia (Wii)
Tales of Vesperia (X360)
Tetris Evolution (X360)
The Bigs 2 (X360/PS3)
The Price is Right (Wii)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010 (all platforms)
Too Human (X360)
UFC Undisputed (X360/PS3)
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3)
Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume (DS)
Virtua Tennis 2009 (Wii)
Wario Land: Shake It (Wii)
Wii Music (Wii)
Witcher - Enhanced Version (PC)
World Ends With You (DS)

Guitar Hero 5 MIDNIGHT RELEASE MONDAY NIGHT!!

2009-08-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Monday night (August 31) is the MIDNIGHT RELEASE of Guitar Hero 5!

The Score will hook you up with a bundled version (including guitar) or game-only version of Guitar Hero 5, which features a record-high 85 songs! Get it on Wii, Xbox 360, or Sony PS3.

Also available tomorrow night at the Monday midnight release will be a few leftover copies of Section 8 which have not been pre-ordered. Come join us Monday night at midnight!

Buy 2, get 1 free @ The Score...and some big August tournaments coming up!

2009-08-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

BUY 2, GET 1 FREE ON USED GAMES THIS WEEKEND: Pretty straightforward, right? Buy 2 used games at The Score, get one free (of equal or lesser value). Great opportunity to find titles you might have missed!

$30 TRADE-IN CREDIT SPECIAL THIS WEEKEND: Trade in any of the following games THIS WEEKEND ONLY and get $30 in-store credit toward a pre-order of Batman: Arkham Asylum or Halo ODST...

Infamous (PS3)
Prototype (X360/PS3)
Ghostbusters (X360/PS3)
Resident Evil 5 (X360/PS3)
Punch-Out! (Wii)
UFC Undisputed (X360/PS3)
Fallout 3 (360 only)

BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM MIDNIGHT LAUNCH! Batman: Arkham Asylum is receiving critical acclaim from reviewers and is one of the most anticipated titles this year. Grab your copy at our midnight release party and join the fun!

At 9 PM, we'll start registration for our "Batman vs The Joker" Tournament (using MK vs DC Universe) and at 10, the tournament will begin. The winner of the tournament will receive a special Batman-themed prize.

During this time, we will also complete sales of Batman: Arkham Asylum, so gamers can get their copy at 12:01 AM Tuesday morning.

After midnight, we'll make a copy of the game available for in-store play in The Arena and will be open until 2 AM.

Copies will be limited, so pre-order ASAP. Entry into The Score for this event is free for purchasers of the game, or $10 otherwise.

FREE MADDEN AND HALO TOURNAMENTS NEXT WEEK! Join the Thom Abraham show broadcasting live for our Madden 2010 Tournament, beginning at 4 PM on Wednesday, August 26. Winner gets a Score poster autographed by #53 Keith Bulluck and #31 Cortland Finnegan!

Want Halo instead? Our Halo 3 free-for-all tournament begins Friday August 28 at 7 PM and is also free to enter (open to the first 64 entrants only). Winner receives a free copy of Halo ODST for the Xbox 360. Then stick around and join us for an all-night WoW Lock-in featuring a number of World of Warcraft events as well as regular console gaming events as well.

The Score / ScoreCamp on the news!

2009-08-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a video clip from WKRN (local ABC affiliate) and their coverage of our ScoreCamp program!

Click here for the YouTube link.

Wii Sports Resort hits The Score this week!

2009-07-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

Pick up your copy of Wii Sports Resort at The Score this week! The game's getting great reviews all around...check out this one from MSNBC's Citizen Gamer:

'Wii Sports Resort' is a great gaming getaway

Heads up haters! New enhanced motion controls may impress even you

By Winda Benedetti
Citizen Gamer

My Wii kept telling me that I might maybe should put down the game controller for a while and step away from the TV.

"Why not take a break?" the message on the screen asked me. Repeatedly.

Why not take a break? Because I'm having a stupid amount of fun, that's why.

But I don't think my Wii really wanted me to take a break any way. It was just saying that because it felt obligated to ... and, you know, because Nintendo programmed it to do so at regular intervals.

Yeah, Nintendo may pretend like they want us gamers to have a life beyond their little white box, but I'm pretty sure what they really want is for us to keep playing "Wii Sports Resort" long after it's time for us to do things like get some sleep or maybe tend to our deteriorating personal hygiene. After all, I tried to quit "Wii Sports Resort" and yet it kept reeling me back in with its siren song of assorted sporty activities. Archery. Skydiving. Sword fighting. And just when I thought I'd had enough virtual athleticism for one evening, another amusing distraction lured me in.

What's that you say? Play Frisbee catch with an adorable pup? Or how about speed-slice my way through a bizarre assortment of objects using only my trusty blade? Why, don't mind if I do!

"Wii Sports Resort" — the long-awaited sequel to the massively popular "Wii Sports" game — launched Sunday. And after spending far too much time playing it, I can say that it's a must-have game for any Wii owner — a charming collection of fun, absorbing , easy-to-jump-into games that just about anyone can play and almost everyone will dig. Yes, even some of you Wii haters out there.

I just wish it hadn't taken Nintendo 2 1/2 years to bring us this game and, more importantly, bring us the Wii MotionPlus device it comes packaged with.

Sports in motion
The original "Wii Sports" game — which came bundled with the Wii when it launched back in 2006 — was a world-wide hit thanks to the deft and adorable way it showed off the new Nintendo machine's gesture-sensing controls. A package of five sports-sim games in one, "Wii Sports" gave Wii owners the chance to box, golf, bowl, play baseball and play tennis by swinging the Wii's Remote and Nunchuk controllers in semi-realistic motions.

In the boxing game, for example, you simply clutch the Remote and Nunchuk in your fists and punch the air. In the tennis game, you swing the Remote like you would a real racket.

Kids and casual gamers immediately adored this game (and the Wii) because the controls made plain ol' good sense (unlike those tricky button combos traditional game controllers require). The game is also a blast to play with friends. I mean, who needs to go to a bowling alley when you can knock down pins with your pals in your own living room? And you don't even have to wear those silly shoes!

As of earlier this year, Nintendo had sold more than 45 million copies of "Wii Sports Resort" worldwide, making it the best-selling game of all time (though the fact that it's sold bundled with the Wii in much of the world has stirred some debate about whether it officially deserves the title ... which it stole from "Super Mario Bros.").

But as popular as "Wii Sports" and the Wii's motion controls have been, many a seasoned gamer quickly grew weary of them both and more than a wee bit Wii jaded. After all, the Remote and Nunchuk don't capture and replicate your motions exactly. In fact, they can be downright finicky when it comes to reading the swings, sways, stabs and jabs of your arms.

As I discovered while playing the "Wii Sports" boxing game with my niece, a 6-year-old girl flailing about as if her arms are on fire and with zero forethought or attempt at accuracy will very likely KO you time and time again while you attempt to carefully aim your virtual punches.

Yeah, the Wii has earned its fair share of haters thanks, in part, to the motion controls, which some have felt are frustratingly shallow, gimmicky and, also, make you look like a total dork. They call them "waggle" controls ... and they don't mean it in a nice way.

Wishy-washy wiggle-waggle
I'm not sure that "Wii Sports Resort" is going to sway the Wii's most devoted critics, but it should diminish at least some of the trash talking thanks to the new Wii MotionPlus device the game comes bundled with.

The MotionPlus gadget, as I mentioned in this column, snaps onto the bottom of the Wii Remote. It enables the controller and game machine to far more accurately read your movements, removing much of the wishy-washy-wiggle-waggle control issues that have plagued the Wii and tarnished its rep.

With the MotionPlus attachment, you can twist, tilt and turn the Wii Remote and see its movements replicated on screen with impressive accuracy. Pop "Resort" into your machine and the Skydiving game promptly kicks in, showing off the MotionPlus' enhanced gesture sensing as you take your Mii avatar sailing through the sky, maneuvering it in all directions.

Yes, "Wii Sports Resort" does a great job turning these control improvements into an addictive gaming experience. Expanding on the idea behind the original "Wii Sports" game, "Resort" offers an impressive 12 gaming categories to choose from — some old and most new.

Golfing and bowling return from the original, but with MotionPlus the experience is significantly more realistic.

But it’s some of the new game categories that really stand out. Archery was my hands-down favorite. Here you maneuver the Remote to aim your virtual bow, and you pull back the Nunchuk as if you were pulling back the bow string. Aiming at the targets and letting your arrows fly works superbly and feels great.

Swordplay was also a favorite and sure to be a party crowd pleaser. Here you hold the Remote as if it was the handle of a sword and then jab and slice away, pulling the B trigger to block your opponent's blows. And the Air Sports category — which includes Skydiving, Island Flyover and Dogfight — also must be mentioned as a superb addition. Island Flyover has you holding the Remote as if it were a paper airplane. You then guide your virtual airplane throughout an island, exploring the various sites and scenery.

Of course, not all the new sports games are equally amusing. Bicycling — a game in which you flap the Remote and Nunchuk as if you were pedaling a bike with your hands — was a bit tedious, as was Power Cruising (basically riding a Jet Ski). And as much as I loved the Archery game, I was disappointed that there wasn't more to do with it other than shoot at targets. I found myself wanting more depth from my favorite sports fairly often.

Also, it’s important to note that you can't play "Wii Sports Resort" without the MotionPlus device it comes with (the bundle runs $50). So if you want to simultaneously play the multiplayer games — say settle an argument with your husband with a round or two of sword fighting — you'll have to go buy another MotionPlus device for $20. (You can, however, share one Wii Remote for some of the turn-taking multiplayer games.)

Ultimately though, "Wii Sports Resort" is a really well-rounded and thoroughly fun package that shows off the much-needed motion-control improvements that MotionPlus brings to the Wii. And I'm especially excited to see what other developers do with these superior controls.

In fact, I hope developers get to work making more MotionPlus-supported games pronto ... because it’s going to be hard to go back to playing Wii games without it.

ScoreCamp coming up!

2009-07-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

ScoreCamp Aims to Entertain and Inform Gamers

Innovative program promotes concept of “video games as a career path”

Franklin, TN – Monday, July 13 – The Score of Cool Springs, a video game retail and entertainment store located in Franklin, Tennessee, will host the first “ScoreCamp” beginning on Monday, July 20. For four straight Mondays, area middle and high school students will have a chance to hear video game industry veterans speak about their craft, eat lunch, and then even play video games and talk one-on-one with game developers.

“ScoreCamp is a way for The Score to help provide area gamers with exposure to the industry,” said Score Holdings’ President Bradley Metrock. “Games are fun to play, but many teenagers don’t realize that playing games might be a ticket to a great career.”

ScoreCamp sold out half of its capacity on the first day the program was announced to The Score’s email list. The price for all four weeks of the program is $50, or $25 for Score Members, and must be purchased at The Score of Cool Springs.

FIRST ANNUAL SCORECAMP™ - SPEAKERS AND BIOS

Monday, July 20 (11 AM – 1 PM) – Caleb Garner
Nashville native Caleb Garner, a lifelong gamer, has been involved in video game design and project management since 2001. His “World’s Fastest Drummer” game gained notoriety and attention for being among the fastest on the internet to surpass 1 million plays, and his latest game, “Klouds,” just went live on AddictingGames.com. Caleb also heads up the Nashville Game Developers Association, which meets monthly at The Score of Cool Springs to collaborate on game development projects and discuss the latest industry trends.

Monday, July 27 (11 AM – 1 PM) – Scott Southworth
Scott has been addicted to games since his first Atari 2600 and writing them since cobbling together his first Commodore 64 and a small black and white TV. As a contract programmer, he's worked with Cartoon Network to launch their PowerPlay downloadable games and has created web games for clients such as Mercedes AMG. His experiences fall somewhere in the blurry middle of
programming and art; some companies call this a Technical Artist.

Monday, August 3 (11 AM – 1 PM) – Bradley Metrock
Bradley has spent the last twelve months conceiving and creating The Score of Cool Springs, evolving it from tournament complex to the next generation of video game retail. A dedicated fan of video games from an early age, Bradley saw the need for a more community-based, gamer-friendly video game retail channel than was currently available in the marketplace. When he’s not at The Score serving customers, he’s mercilessly crushing opponents in Geometry Wars 2 or Catan.

Monday, August 10 (11 AM – 1 PM) – Mike Lee, Fiction Writer
Mike Lee is a fiction writer whose portfolio now spans numerous aspects of the gaming industry. He's written eight novels set in the Warhammer game universe, a variety of pieces for White Wolf including Vampire: The Maquerade, and even numerous quests for the Age of Conan MMORPG. Recently, Mike has been writing dialog trees for Ubisoft's Tom Clancy games, including HAWX and Splinter Cell. Since programming work is often outsourced to distant developers, his writing has sent him traipsing across the globe from Norway to Romania to Canada and back.

Parents Night at The Score - July 19 (7 PM - 9 PM)

2009-07-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

The Score will be hosting "Parents Night at The Score" on July 19 from 7 to 9 PM.

We will be reviewing ESRB ratings, what they mean, how they are used to distinguish different types of game content, and how The Score uses them in our day-to-day operations.

Free food and drink will be provided as well!

Please join us that night to learn what your children are playing and how The Score is working to help educate the community.

Score Records and Achievements - June 2009

2009-06-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

Each month, The Score will release Score Records and Score Achievements that can be pursued while playing in-store.

Should someone achieve one of the records, they will earn a spot on the in-store leaderboard and will earn 1 ScorePoint each day his or her record remains unbeaten.

After 14 days, should the record still be unbeaten, that person will enter the Hall of Champions. His or her picture will then be posted in-store permanently along with the record established for the game.

Separately, Score Achievements will also be made available which can be achieved during a given month. These achievements will generally involve being the first to accomplish a given in-game task.

SCORE RECORDS - JUNE 2009

Guitar Hero - Through The Fire and Flames (highest score; must exceed 575,000)

Call of Duty: World at War – Shi No Numa (zombie kills playing solo; must exceed 200)

Call of Duty: World at War – Shi No Numa (zombie kills playing duo; must exceed 450)

Geometry Wars 2 – Beat any of Bradley’s scores in any game type

Super Smash Bros Brawl – Home Run Derby (farthest distance, solo; must exceed 2150 feet)

Super Smash Bros Brawl – Home Run Derby (farthest distance, duo; must exceed 2300 feet)

SCORE ACHIEVEMENTS - JUNE 2009

Halo 3 – submit the best user-created map in the month of June (5 ScorePoints; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)

Call of Duty: World at War – Unlock Big Baller or Soul Survivor Achievement on a Score-owned gamertag (10 ScorePoints awarded; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)

Be the first to beat Ghostbusters, from start to finish, in-store (10 ScorePoints awarded; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)

Be the first to beat Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, from start to finish, in-store (doesn’t have to be in a single sitting; 10 ScorePoints awarded; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)

Unlock any Platinum trophy on any PlayStation 3 game (10 ScorePoints; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)

Be the first to earn the Fox Hound Emblem in Metal Gear Solid 4 (25 ScorePoints awarded; picture posted in the Hall of Champions and commemorative blog entry posted on The Score’s blog)

Score Pre-Order Sheet (Second Half 2009) and Transformers Pre-Order Offer

2009-06-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

WHY PREORDER GAMES ANYWHERE ELSE?!

Preorder any game in full, or any three games below, and receive a pass for you and a guest to see the new Transformers movie, FOR FREE, the night before it comes out (10 PM, Tues June 23). While supplies last.

Game Release Date GameStop The Score
Ghostbusters June 16 $59.99 $57.99
The Conduit (Wii) June 24 $49.99 $47.99
Fight Night Round 4 June 30 $59.99 $56.99
NCAA Football ’10 July 14 $59.99 $57.99
Sins of a Solar Empire: GOTY July 15 $19.99 $18.99
Wii Sports Resort July 24 $49.99 $47.99
Wolfenstein August 4 $59.99 $57.99
Batman: Arkham Asylum August 25 $59.99; $99.99 (LE) $57.99; $92.99
Prof. Layton & Diabolical Box August 25 $32.99 $31.99
Metroid Prime Trilogy August 25 $49.99 $47.99
Madden NFL 2010 August 26 $59.99 $57.99
Guitar Hero 5 September 1 $59.99; $99.99 (bdl) $57.99; $92.99
Marvel Ult. Alliance 2 September 8 $59.99 $57.99
Rock Band: The Beatles September 9 $59.99 $57.99
The Bigs 2 September 10 $59.99 $57.99
Singularity September 16 $59.99 $57.99
Need for Speed Shift September 22 $59.99 $57.99
NBA Live 2010 September 23 $59.99 $57.99
NHL 2010 September 23 $59.99 $57.99
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 (DS) September 29 $39.99 $37.99
Dead Space: Extraction September 29 $49.99 $47.99
Dark Void September 30 $59.99 $57.99
FIFA 2010 October 5 $59.99 $57.99
NBA 2K10 October 6 $59.99 $57.99
Brutal Legend October 13 $59.99 $57.99
Red Dead Redemption October 21 $59.99 $57.99
DJ Hero October 27 $119.99 $112.99
Lego Indiana Jones 2 October 27 $59.99 $57.99
Tekken 6 October 28 $59.99 $57.99
New Super Mario Bros Wii November 2 $49.99 $47.99
BioShock 2 November 3 $59.99 $57.99
Star Wars Btlfr: Elite Squadron November 3 $29.99 $27.99
Max Payne 3 November 4 $59.99 $57.99
COD: Modern Warfare 2 November 10 $59.99 $56.99
Red Steel 2 November 10 $49.99 $47.99
Lego Rock Band November 11 $49.99 $47.99
Phantasy Star 0 (DS) November 11 $34.99 $32.99
Assassin’s Creed 2 November 17 $59.99 $57.99
Mass Effect 2 Q4 2009 $59.99 $57.99

The Score, The Hangover, and The Children's Miracle Network

2009-06-02T18:35:00.001-07:00

Interested in seeing The Hangover (R) the night before it comes out, this Thursday night at 10 PM?

And how about for half price?

Be one of the first to either trade in any used game over $5 at The Score, or pre-order any upcoming title, and you will then be able to pay just $5 to attend The Score's own VIP Private Screening of the film.

And what makes this even better? 100% of the ticket sales go to the Children's Miracle Network.

Seating is extremely limited and this film is supposed to be sold out throughout opening weekend. Act quickly if interested.

**Not 17 and can't see R rated movies? Stay tuned for an announcement regarding some other major upcoming summer blockbusters for which The Score will offer a private VIP screening that are for a broader audience.**

Make sure to thank the folks at Thoroughbred Cinema for working to support a cause as worthy as the Children's Miracle Network when you get a chance.

"Summer of Tournaments" and the new Score Day Pass

2009-05-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

SUMMER OF TOURNAMENTS: The Score of Cool Springs will have, every single day for the entire summer, at least one tournament a day. These tournaments will cost $9.99, or $4.99 if you're a Score Member (unless stated otherwise), and will last around 2-3 hours each. See the calendar to reserve your spot in any of these events:

Friday, May 22 - Street Fighter IV Tournament (3 PM); Halo 3 Night in The Arena (7 PM)
Saturday, May 23 - TWO DOLLAR Gears of War 2 Tournament (2 PM); TWO DOLLAR Call of Duty 4 Free for All (6 PM)
Sunday, May 24 - Madden 2009 Tournament ($5; 3 PM)
Monday, May 25 - Beat The Score's Champion in Geometry Wars 2 ($5, 1 PM); Final Regular Season Week of the Super Smash Bros Brawl League (5 PM); Memorial Day Halo 3 Free For All Tournament (7 PM)
Tuesday, May 26 - Beat The Score's Champion in Guitar Hero (Expert difficulty; 7 PM)
Wednesday, May 27 - NHL 2009 Tournament (7 PM)
Thursday, May 28 - Beat The Score's Champion in Rock Band Drums (Expert difficulty; 7 PM)
Friday, May 29 - Play with Bradley in Halo 3 ($5; 2 PM); EARLY LOCK-IN 6 PM - 12 AM; $20 / $10 members)
Saturday, May 30 - Big Bang Mini / May 2009 Game of the Month Club Gathering (10 AM); Super Smash Bros Brawl Tournament (3 PM); Halo 3 Oddball Tournament (7 PM)
Sunday, May 31 - ONE DOLLAR TOURNAMENT! Take on Bradley in the Xbox 360 "Speed Math" game (3 PM)

Compare that to the cost of seeing a movie! Or going out to see a concert! This summer, The Score wants to be the go-to place for affordable summer fun.

SCORE DAY PASS: Beginning effective tomorrow and lasting through the summer, gamers can pay $15 (or $10 if you're a Score Member) and game the entire day. You can come and go as you please, and this Day Pass also gets you entry into any tournaments going on that day as well!

This will allow our customers to hang out at The Score without worrying about how long they've been playing.

Players will be able to congregate together in The Arena and enjoy games like Halo or Guitar Hero, taking turns playing, or switching between games on different stations, during peak times.

SPECTATOR FEE: Also beginning effective tomorrow, any spectators on the gaming floor will be charged $3. This fee will allow the spectator to watch gaming action at The Score for the entire day.

TRIAL MEMBERSHIP OFFER ENDS SUNDAY! Don't forget that the trial membership offer (good for a free two-week membership at The Score of Cool Springs) EXPIRES on Sunday, May 24! Don't you or your friends miss out on a completely free giveaway. And remember, toss in any GameStop Edge Card or Game Crazy MVP Card, even if they have expired, and upgrade this 2-week trial to a full free month.

Everything I Needed To Know, I Learned From the Godfather 2 Videogame (WSJ Article, May 20 '09)

2009-05-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

Everything I Needed to Know, I Learned From the Godfather II Videogame
Wall Street Journal (May 20, 2009)
By JAMIN BROPHY WARREN

Being a don isn’t easy. As Dominic, an underling of the Corelone family in Electronic Arts’ Godfather II videogame, I’m responsible for a pretty hefty operation. I have several regions to control – Cuba, New York and Florida – and I need to work with my henchman appropriately. Dominic has a wide range of business ventures to manage, from adult entertainment to construction, and the game’s “Don’s View” gives me an overhead perspective on my booming empire. There are bills to pay, employees to please, and negotiations to be straightened out. Strange to say it, but at times, Godfather II feels a lot less like a videogame and more like primer for running a business.

In fact, there are plenty of similarities between playing a game well and operating a successful enterprise.

“When we use games in controlled ways, what they do they teach well,” says Ethan Mollick, a Ph.D candidate at the MIT Sloan School of Management and co-author with David Edery of “Changing the Game: How Video Games Are Transforming the Future of Business.” “Leadership simulation games or simulations specific to a business can be really helpful.”

Mr. Mollick, who will be teaching at the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania in the fall, says that games teach valuable skills such as experimentation. “There’s a lot of value in trying and failing in different approaches. It’s not tied to you -- it’s tied to your avatar [or videogame character].”

He also points to multi-player games such as World of Warcraft as excellent ways to build communication and team work skills. I noticed the need for clear pathways to communicate with my friends while playing the zombie action game Left 4 Dead. We needed constant interaction with each other, trading weapons and rescuing each other under fire. It’s comforting to know I’m not wasting time—I’m practicing a skill that could be used in the workplace.

What some games excel at is teaching about systems. When I was a teen, I was utterly abysmal at SimCity 2000. The goal of the game was to create a successful, functioning city, but I was better equipped to plant the seeds of social unrest. I would raise taxes to collect funds which would upset citizens who were already peeved about traffic problems. Pollution choked the skies—coal was one of the cheapest form of energy—and I didn’t plan ahead to create public transportation. Although my city was a total mess, I was able to learn why and had I developed a modicum of patience at age 12, my skill at SimCity would have surely improved. (I soon graduated to the less business-savvy action title Doom which did not require me to consider tax rates or manage a city budget.)

“With a game you can see how previous decisions affect future choices. Players get emotionally invested and they want to do well,” says Jason Begy, producer of Tipping Point, a puzzle board game based on a paper by MIT Sloan professor Nelson Repenning called “Past the Tipping Point: The Persistence of Fire Fighting in Product Development.” The game, which is being developed into an electronic version, requires four players to plan together to manage the process of prototyping and production. Each player places game pieces on the game board to create projects and manage work flow through creating balance between “concept work” and “production work.” The game ends when the projects move too far past the “deadline.”

“If someone tells you a story, that may or may not have an impact, but we learn better from our own mistakes than the mistakes of others,” says Mr. Begy.

There are more specific applications for games in business. This year, Hilton Garden Inn released a game for the Sony PlayStation Portable entitled Ultimate Team Play and sent 500 units out to their different locations. Developed by simulation maker Virtual Heroes, the game is designed to teach Hilton employees different skills related to their jobs such as housekeeping and engineering. The game rewards you for completing different tasks such as cleaning rooms or checking-in guests while teaching the appropriate way to do so. Answering a guest with “Did you find everything you needed?” will earn you more points that glibly stating “Is that it?”

“The way to deliver incredible service is to find people with that mindset of wanting to deliver incredible service,” says Adrian Kurre, global head of the Hilton Garden Inn Brand. “This generation will learn through videogames.” Mr. Kurre was inspired by watching his daughter play bowling and golfing games—and pick up tips on the proper form for both sports.

To describe Ultimate Team Play as “fun” might be a bit of stretch. It’s a game that’s designed to teach and any actual fun is incidental. I did find the process of managing the number of guests who came in and keeping them happy challenging. Team Play actually shares a lot with games from the “time management” family of games where you are asked to complete a certain task repeatedly as the game speeds up. In one of my favorite arcade games, the 1983 Bally Midway game Tapper, you play as a bartender serving frothy mugs of Budweiser as more and more patrons enter your bar. In Gamelab’s more recent Diner Dash, you are a waitress serving guests, taking orders and clearing tables with burgeoning difficulty.

That repetition is intentional and well-done games can place players in what is known as a “flow state” where a player is completely immersed in a task without actively thinking about it. That’s a goal of good games and that’s certainly the goal for Ultimate Team Play. Hilton thinks the ability to deal with that kind of repetition can be transferred to the hospitality business as a type of muscle memory for corporate training.

When this skill “is taught in a classroom, students may grow tired of it,” says David Kervella, senior manager of brand education for Hilton. “When you check-in someone in the game, you will do it over and over again,” he says.

Of course, not all games feature the kind of skills that may be valuable in the workplace. “We’re not ready for people to start placing games on their resume,” says Mr. Mollick. But that’s a future that’s hardly inconceivable.

First Score VIP Crowned! And other Score news

2009-05-18T19:06:00.001-07:00

FIRST SCORE VIP CROWNED: Congratulations to The Score's first VIP, Stan A. of Brentwood, crowned over the weekend and enshrined in the new "VIP Corner" at The Score of Cool Springs!

We expect many more to follow over the busy summer months...and then in October we will announce the expansion to the ScorePoints program, "Level 8," and will reveal its benefits and perks, which you won't want to miss.

TRADE-IN CHECK-IN: I'll periodically list some random trade-in values to demonstrate what most already know: The Score has the best trade-in values around.

Used Nintendo Wii - GameStop $120, The Score $140, Score Members $154!
Halo Wars (Xbox 360) - GameStop $23, The Score $26; Score Members $28!
Super Smash Bros Brawl (Wii) - GameStop $16.75, The Score $20, Score Members $22!

JUNE GAME OF THE MONTH ANNOUNCED: Bionic Commando for Xbox 360 is The Score's June Game of the Month. The Game of the Month Club is a great program for gamers to earn ScorePoints and compete against other area gamers.

Check out the attached flier for more details. There are only 4 slots for June's Club, so sign up right away if interested! (Note: Bionic Commando is rated M for Mature, so gamers will need to have a completed Parental Consent Form to participate.)

MAY GAME OF THE MONTH CLUB HAS TWO MORE SLOTS LEFT: Anyone interested in taking one of the final two slots in May's Game of the Month Club, and get a copy of Big Bang Mini for Nintendo DS, come on in and see us. You'll be able to earn ScorePoints for beating the game, and meet other fans of the game at The Score on May 30.

Score Membership FAQ

2009-05-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Q. What is a Score Membership? Why in the world would I pay $29.99 plus tax for this, or even the $199/year to get the discounted rate, in this economy?

A. A Score Membership entitles its owner to:

- earn double ScorePoints on everything
- pre-order new video games at wholesale prices
- play games in-store for half price
- rent games for half price (25% cheaper than Blockbuster even without membership)
- trade in used games and systems for 10% extra trade in credit (we already guarantee to beat GameStop on any trade ins)
- half price on tournaments and discounts on leagues and the popular Game of the Month Club
- reserve space at The Score ahead of time - know you'll have a place to play during peak periods

Some Score Members have memberships here just to take advantage of one or two of these benefits alone.

Q. What is an example of a Score Membership paying for itself?

A customer trades in Mario Kart Wii (with Wii wheel) and receives $27, roughly 20% more than GameStop is currently giving in trade-in credit. If that customer is a Score Member, they will get $30 in credit for the trade. The Score Member has already saved $8 with one single transaction.

The Score Member then pre-orders Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, locking in the wholesale rate when the game releases in November. Another $7 saved, pre-tax.

Then, the Score Member decides "hey, why don't I sign up for the big Memorial Day Halo Tournament!" This costs $9.99 but members get into tournaments for half price. Another $5 saved...up to $20 saved so far.

Renting a couple games or playing a couple of hours at The Score over the rest of the month could take you the rest of the way, or perhaps just buying one game...and that isn't even accounting for the double ScorePoints earned, which add significant extra value to the actual upfront dollars saved.

Q. Is there any application fee to sign up?

A. Yes, there's a $5 one-time fee to sign up for a membership, which is about to go up in June, but by using a trial membership card (or by having a membership already) you'll avoid that fee as long as your membership doesn't lapse for more than 30 days.

Q. This is too good to be true!

A. That's not a question...but we know.

Debriefing "Teh Wurst Advertizing EVAR"

2009-05-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

A variety of Williamson County families will get a postcard from The Score this week. This postcard is definitely not your regular ad!

Titled "Teh Wurst AdVertizing EVAR," this postcard was created by The Score to show we don't take ourselves too seriously. Or perhaps seriously at all! :)

A lot of people by now have discovered our superior trade-in values for used games and systems, and better prices for new and used games over other area retailers. And even more people have discovered The Arena, whether through a birthday party, group event, or just coming in and playing.

But there's no reason every single person in Williamson County shouldn't know The Score. And that's where this latest ad comes in.

Underneath the humor of the poorly-written, thrown-together postcard ad is a coupon for a two-week trial membership to The Score. If someone adds their GameStop 'Edge' card or Game Crazy 'MVP' card, and gives it to us along with their postcard, this 2-week trial membership turns into a full month (valued at $29.99 plus tax).

What can you do with a Score Membership again?

- 10% additional trade-in value on The Score's already better trade-in offers on used video game software and hardware

- Double ScorePoints earned

- Play games at The Score for half price

- Rent games at The Score for half price

- Big discounts on Score tournaments and leagues

- Pre-order new games at The Score for wholesale prices (generally $5-$10 less than regular retail price)

- Reserve space at The Score of Cool Springs ahead of time! Make sure you have a place to play when you want to game.

So, needless to say, the value is there. Make sure you don't miss your postcard this week, and bring it in BEFORE MAY 24 to claim your free trial membership at The Score!

This Weekend @ The Score

2009-05-08T14:45:00.001-07:00

LEFT 4 DEAD SCORE RECORDS: Come in The Score and play Left 4 Dead's brand new Survival Mode, which has completely changed (and improved) the game. We will have some brand new opportunities to set Score Records, and plus, it's just a blast.

FRIDAY, MAY 8: Trade in any NES, SNES, or N64 game and play for free for an hour. Trade in any two of these games and play for free the whole day.

SATURDAY, MAY 9:

--> "KLOUDS" FOCUS GROUP: Be one of the first 10 people in the door starting at 1 PM and try out "Klouds," a brand new game from Part 12 Studios. Play the game, answer a couple of questions about the game, and walk away with 5 ScorePoints for your trouble. Oh, you'll also get your name in the game's credits, and the person with the highest score at 3 PM will get a prize. A very cool opportunity that shouldn't be missed.

--> $5 MYSTERY TOURNAMENT: At 7 PM on Saturday, The Score will host a "mystery" tournament in a game which will not be announced until right before the tournament begins. The prize? A brand new copy of Godfather 2 for the Xbox 360.

SUNDAY, MAY 10: Trade in any used Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, or Nintendo DS game and be entered in a drawing for a brand new copy of the highly-rated Henry Hatsworth and the Puzzling Adventure for the Nintendo DS.

May '09 Game of the Month Club - Big Bang Mini for Nintendo DS!

2009-04-26T10:25:00.001-07:00

The Score's Game of the Month Club begins in May with "Big Bang Mini" for the Nintendo DS. See below for more info.

“Beautiful visuals, great music, exciting gameplay, and an innovative control scheme make Big Bang Mini one of the best DS games out there.” - GameSpot (9.0/10.0 score)

Purchase one of 8 spots in the Game of the Month Club for May 2009 and receive:
- A copy of Big Bang Mini for Nintendo DS
- Access to in-store leaderboards
- Invitation to Club gatherings where the game is discussed and played!
- ScorePoint bonuses for highest scores and for group meeting attendance! (Saturday morning at 10 AM on 5/16 and 5/30)

A great opportunity for fathers/sons, friends, or those just looking for a great new game to have fun and meet other gamers!

$39.99 per person (and just $29.99 for members!)
Space is limited – reserve today.

Super Smash Bros Brawl League @ The Score!

2009-04-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

The Score is pleased to announce that registration has begun for the May 2009 Super Smash Bros Brawl League. See information below...

Super Smash Bros Brawl League
May 2009

When? Mondays from 5 to 7 PM, beginning May 4.
Playoffs begin Monday, June 1.

Rules? See below.

How much? $39.99 / person ($29.99 / members)
Games can be traded in for credit toward league fee

Prizes? Annual membership and trophy for winner (value $199.99)
Monthly membership and trophy for 2nd place (value $29.99)
Free pizza / Crazy Bread from Little Caesars each week
Random prizes and giveaways to league participants

How do we Come to The Score and pay the League Fee to secure a spot.
sign up? 32 spots available. First come, first served.
Registration opens Saturday, April 25, 2009.

SSBB MAY 2009 LEAGUE RULES

League participants play in a combination of 1 on 1 matches and free-for-all (4-player) matches to accumulate points. The 6 highest-scoring players will be invited to participate in the Super Smash Bros Brawl League Playoffs, beginning Monday, June 1.

Each Monday’s league session will allow players to participate in as many Super Smash Bros Brawl games as we can schedule during the time allotted. The more matches played, the more points accumulated toward playoff eligibility.

League matches will be played on Battlefield, Brinstar, Delfino, Pokemon Stadium 1, Pokemon Stadium 2, Final Destination, Smashville, or Yoshi’s Island (Brawl version) stages. Items will be OFF, with the only exception being that in the last matches of each league week, we will have one random item on (with medium frequency).

All league matches will be “timed stock” matches, with 3 lives and 7 time minutes. Sudden death will determine the winner of matches that go into overtime.

Stall tactics or other actions which have the potential to infinitely prolong a match are not allowed and will result in an immediate match loss. Continued use of stall tactics or other illegal maneuvers within the game will result in permanent disqualification from the league without refund.

Players are allowed (and encouraged) to bring their own Wavebird controllers if they have one and would like to use it. Wired GameCube controllers are not allowed. Any indication that a personal Wavebird controller is modded in any way which affects gameplay will result in immediate disqualification from the league without refund.

Players are responsible for their own nametag and control preferences. Any settings changes must be made prior to the beginning of any match.

Membership at The Score: Gaming's Secret Weapon

2009-04-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

As more of our customers explore our monthly and annual membership options, seemed like a good opportunity to blog about the value that a Score Membership provides.

For $29.99 a month, or $199.99 a year, you get:

- Double ScorePoints(TM) when you play games, trade-in or buy games, have parties at The Score, or even for making good grades!

- Half price on in-store gaming, even in The Arena(TM)!

- Half price on video game rentals from The Score (typically $6 for 5 days, you can rent games for just $3 for 5 days! Compared to $8 for 5 days at Blockbuster.)

- Pre-order video games at wholesale prices through The Score!

- 10% extra trade-in credit when you trade in used games and systems!

- Make reservations at The Score for in-store gaming. (Feature only available for members...helps ensure you don't show up wanting to play and not have space!)

It's quite possible to fully return your membership investment with just one of these features, but with all of them combined? It's gaming's secret weapon.

COD League Results - End of Regular Season

2009-04-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

End of regular season results. Note that the top 2 teams receive a first round bye in next week's playoffs. More info to come on Friday.

John / Jeremy - 46 points
Stan / Cameron - 31 points

Miguel / Martin - 30 points
Evan N / Mike M - 28 points
Zach / Kevin - 17 points
John M / Clayton M - 15 points

Steven B / Dylan L - 6 points

Thoughts from MTAC...

2009-04-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

The Score was present and accounted for at MTAC this past weekend at the Music City Sheraton, running tournaments and selling (a lot of) games.

Very well run event, especially considering its size (between 4,000 and 5,000 attendees). I was impressed with the operations - everything seemed to flow pretty smoothly and a lot of potential problems had been thought of and dealt with well ahead of time.

We got to introduce a lot of new Nashvillians to The Score throughout the weekend, which was probably the most important part.

All in all, a great time! Looking forward to heading back out there next year.

The Day After...a post-mortem on The Score's April Fool's Day press releases

2009-04-02T12:00:00.001-07:00

The responses from yesterday's April Fool's press releases was great! Thanks for the emails - some of you are much funnier than we are.

We're big fans of Tim McGraw's down here at The Score, so he was a natural fit for our Guitar Hero release. There are plenty of 'inside' references to his music within the press release, and we even decided to have the game's fictitious release date be the first of May - his birthday.

Lots of you enjoyed this one.

The enthusiasm was strong, but not as strong, for the GameSlop buying simulator. We understand why - any reminder of spending big, huge piles of money at another retailer, completely unnecessarily, is painful!

In all seriousness, we're glad our little jokes were enjoyed by our customers and our potential customers out there in Nashville and Franklin. Look for us to raise the bar next year with something equally as forced, and not nearly as funny!

Until next time...signing off so we can go run the video game tournaments at MTAC, as well as get ready for this weekend's birthday parties and special groups coming in. Later.

Guitar Hero: Tim McGraw and the GameSlop Buying Simulator

2009-04-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

Click on the graphics on the front of TheScoreOnline.com for today's huge reports.

Guitar Hero: Tim McGraw is the first Score exclusive title, meaning that the only place it will be released in the entire world is The Score of Cool Springs. Amazing!

Burning Big Huge Piles of Money, which is the new GameSlop buying simulator that lets you re-live experiences buying video games somewhere else other than The Score, is also scheduled for release. Predictably, The Score will carry this game cheaper than everywhere else, just like most other titles!

Wow! Two amazing stories on the first of April!

Call of Duty 4 League Results, Week 3

2009-03-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

Call of Duty 4 League Results (Week 3)

2 points for a win, 1 point for a loss or draw

John / Jeremy - 22 points
Miguel / Martin - 20 points
Stan / Cameron - 19 points
Evan N / Mike M - 15 points
Zach / Kevin - 14 points
John M / Clayton M - 12 points
Steven B / Dylan L - 6 points

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED!!

2009-03-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's RELEASE DATE HAS JUST BEEN ANNOUNCED.

As part of the Game Developer's Conference, Activision and Infinity Ward have revealed that the follow-up to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare will hit the streets on November 10 of this year.

The Score of Cool Springs will announce a special pre-order deal for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 beginning next week, so stay tuned!

Call of Duty 4 League Results, after Regular Season Week 2 (3/23/09)

2009-03-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

Call of Duty 4 League Results (Week 2)

2 points for a win, 1 point for a loss or draw

Miguel / Martin - 14 points
John / Jeremy - 14 points
Stan / Cameron - 14 points

Zach / Kevin - 9 points

John M / Clayton M - 7 points

Evan N / Mike M - 5 points
Steven B / Dylan L - 5 points

Second Month is a wrap!

2009-03-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Score of Cool Springs just wrapped up its second month of business, and we're doing great.

We will have two $1 Customer Appreciation Tournaments this week, instead of just one, as our way of saying THANKS to our customers and friends!

On FRIDAY (Not Thursday, as originally posted) afternoon at 4 PM, a $1 COD:World at War Solo Zombies Tournament (involving the new map, Zombies Verrukt) will give gamers the chance to see how many zombies they can rough up by themselves! Aim for the Score Record too, while you're at it, and earn additional ScorePoints.

On Sunday at 5:30 PM, we will host a small (up to 16 people) $1 Solo Super Smash Bros Brawl tournament as well.

Sign up on the website to ensure a space, as these will be popular events.

Thanks again for your support for our first two months!

Nationwide Halo 3 Spring League Announced

2009-03-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

The Score of Cool Springs to Serve as Local Home of Nationwide Halo 3 League; Sponsored by Little Caesars Pizza and Tank Clothing LLC

Spring league allows Nashville and Franklin gamers to test skills on a national stage, as well as meet new friends locally

Monday, March 23, 2009

Franklin, TN – The Score of Cool Springs, the new video gaming retail and event establishment, has announced it will serve as the local home of the iGames Nationwide Halo 3 League beginning Thursday, April 9.

Little Caesars Pizza, located adjacent to The Score across from Centennial High School on Mallory Lane, and Tank Clothing LLC, a Nashville clothing design and production firm, have signed on as sponsors of the spring competition.

Gamers from across the greater metropolitan Nashville area will have the opportunity to try out for eight positions on “Nashville’s Halo 3 Team” (along with slots for two alternates) on Thursday, April 2, from 6 PM to 9 PM Central. Gamers will participate in both individual and team competitions in an effort to determine the top Halo players in the city. These tryouts will be conducted at The Score of Cool Springs by corporate staff.

Tryouts are open to the first 64 people signed up in-store who pay the tryout fee of $11.99. The League Fee is $69.99, for those who qualify, which covers 6 weeks of regular season matchups, as well as the free clothes and food provided by the league’s sponsors. Used games may be traded in for credit toward the league or tryout fees.

“The Score of Cool Springs is thrilled to offer Nashville-area gamers a truly unique gaming experience,” Score Holdings President Bradley Metrock commented. “This is all part of The Score’s mission to be the best place to play or buy a video game.”

Team members will be publicized through Score Holdings LLC press releases and other corporate communications. Any winnings earned by participating team members will belong to those team members, and not The Score of Cool Springs or any of its affiliates.

Interested parties are urged to sign up early for tryouts as participation is expected to be high. With any questions, contact The Score of Cool Springs at Info@TheScoreOnline.com or at (615) 972 8833.

COD: World at War Map Pack Release Party!

2009-03-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Celebrate the release of the Call of Duty: World at War Map Pack on Friday, March 20, at The Score!

For just $9.99, come in and play from 3:30 to 8 in the new map pack for World at War.

Enjoy not only the 3 new multiplayer maps, but get in some action on the new Zombie map, which uses a variation of the "Asylum" map to create an entirely new zombie experience!

See you there.

Gamer's Day - Sunday, March 15, 2 PM - 6 PM

2009-03-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

The Score's first "Gamer's Day" is this coming Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM.

One free snack and drink per person and unlimited gaming, including the ability to challenge The Score's owner to a wide variety of games, including the brand-new SNAKE! (You'll have to see it to understand...)

Also take 10% off any used games, new Nintendo DS systems, and Nintendo Wii systems in stock during Gamer's Day hours!

Gamer's Day only costs $10 to attend, and is free if you have reached Level 4 or higher in The Score's "ScorePoints" program.

See you there!

The Score's Resident Evil 5 Launch Party - Friday, 3/13, 7-11 PM

2009-03-10T12:16:00.001-07:00

Pick up your pre-order or purchase a copy of Resident Evil 5 (while supplies last) and participate in The Score's RE5 Launch Party on Friday the 13th!

Come in early, get registered/pay for your game, and join in the co-op RE5 action in The Arena. Play as a group using the game's cooperative mode and earn ScorePoints for completing in-game levels from 7 PM to 11 PM Friday night.

If RE5 is sold out, we will accept any used non-sports Xbox 360 game, or the purchase of any used or new game in stock, as the admission fee to this exclusive event. So plan ahead...

And as always, contact us via phone or email with questions.

COD4 and Halo Wars Leagues - UPDATE

2009-03-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

Due to some confusion over these leagues, we are delaying the start of both leagues for one week so we can get more people signed up.

Allow us to answer some concerns about these leagues:

Are these national leagues? Is this like the previous Gears of War 2 and Halo 3 Leagues?

No. These are local, Nashville leagues that The Score of Cool Springs operates. We run the leagues and we give the prizes, which are in-store credit for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places.

So how does this work exactly?

Get a partner, or we'll match you with one, and compete as a two-person team against other two-person teams in Nashville. You'll have one match a week as you try to amass the best record you can and get into the playoffs for your league.

Each league has a West and East division (which we assign) as well as a Regular Season MVP, voted on by every player in the league as well as Score staff. Good times!

What if there's a great team in the league that we know we can't beat?

Just like in sports, all that matters is getting into the playoffs. Then, anything can happen! (Ask the Titans.)

Really, it's all about having fun and being part of a group. This isn't MLG. This is for everyone.

I don't have $29.99 to be in the league.

Then bring any used Xbox 360 game (just not any sports game) and get into either the Halo Wars or Call of Duty 4 League for just $6.

But I want to be in both leagues, not just one.

Then bring 2 used Xbox 360 games and get into both leagues for $6 each. Or, better yet, bring 3 used Xbox 360 games and get into both leagues FOR FREE.

Will I get ScorePoints for being in these leagues?

Definitely. You'll get 2 ScorePoints for each win, and 1 ScorePoint for each loss, that you accumulate during the leagues.

When are these leagues again?

Call of Duty League is each Monday in March and April, while the Halo Wars League is each Tuesday in March and April. Both begin next week.

What if I'm busy on those days?

We will be flexible in scheduling matches for each week, even using Sunday afternoons for matches as necessary to accommodate busy spring schedules.

What if the leagues don't get more people in them than they have now?

We'll cancel them and try again to do local gaming leagues as we get closer to the summer.

When is the deadline to sign up?

Sunday, March 15, by 4 PM Central. You have to sign up in-store at The Score of Cool Springs - it can't be done online.

Is there really any excuse not to be part of these leagues?

No! :) They're great fun and allow you to meet other gamers who like COD4 and Halo Wars, as well as compete for great prizes!

Email us with any other questions, and hope to see you in one or both of the Spring leagues at The Score!

The Score's COD4 and Halo Wars Leagues

2009-03-02T06:42:00.000-08:00

The Score's Call of Duty 4 League
Beginning Monday, March 9, 2009 and extending through Mondays throughout Spring 2009 (6 weeks of regular season; 2 weeks post-season)

24 teams of two will compete each week to beat a scheduled opponent. Wins will be worth 2 points, and losses will be worth 1 point. Once the league has sold out, no more registrations will be permitted.

Teams will be divided into two Divisions ("West" and "East"). One division will play from 4 to 6:30 on Mondays, while the other division plays from 6:30 to 9. Times will rotate from week to week.

Maps will be chosen prior to each week of league play by Score staff. Matches will consist of best-of-3 rounds of Team Deathmatch; kills/points required to win a round to be determined.

The top 4 Western Division teams, along with the top 4 Eastern Division teams, will make it to the playoffs. The playoffs will be single-elimination.

First prize: $100 in-store credit at The Score of Cool Springs for both team members; picture posted on in-store ScoreBoard
Second prize: $50 in-store credit for both team members
Third prize: $25 in-store credit for both team members

Regular season MVP: one month of free membership at The Score of Cool Springs ($29.99 retail value) and picture posted on in-store ScoreBoard

*Prizes proportional to league capacity

The Score's Halo Wars League
Beginning Tuesday, March 10, 2009 and extending through Tuesdays throughout Spring 2009 (6 weeks of regular season; 2 weeks post-season)

24 teams of two will compete each week to beat a scheduled opponent. Wins will be worth 2 points, and losses will be worth 1 point. Once the league has sold out, no more team registrations will be permitted.

Teams will be divided into two Divisions ("West" and "East"). One division will play from 4 to 6:30 on Mondays, while the other division plays from 6:30 to 9. Times will rotate from week to week.

Exact rules, match format, and maps to be determined.

The top 4 Western Division teams, along with the top 4 Eastern Division teams, will make it to the playoffs. The playoffs will be single-elimination.

First prize: $100 in-store credit at The Score of Cool Springs; Halo-themed prizes provided by MIcrosoft; picture posted on in-store ScoreBoard
Second prize: $50 in-store credit
Third prize: $25 in-store credit

Best Halo Wars Strategist Award, as determined 50% by Score staff voting and 50% by league member voting: one month of free membership at The Score of Cool Springs ($29.99 retail value)

*Prizes proportional to league capacity

One Month Anniversary!

2009-02-20T22:21:00.000-08:00

Dear great city of Nashville,

Thanks for all of the support during this first month of business. Thanks to the Tennessean for kicking things off with a great article for us, the community rallying around the business, and for all of our customers buying games, tournament entry fees, league passes, and food/drink from us at a pace surpassing what we had originally projected.

We know many of you by name. We want to know many more of you by name, and we want you to know each other by name. We're about the creation of a community around video games, and as many of you can attest, the pursuit of our mission:

Being the best place to buy or play a video game.

Period.

Here's to kicking off another month of our pursuit.

Thanks again.

Bradley and the staff of The Score of Cool Springs

2/16: This Week at The Score of Cool Springs

2009-02-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

TOMORROW! SPECIAL PRESIDENT'S DAY EVENT! $11.99 to game from 1 PM to 7 PM. Bring a friend and get in for $9.99! The perfect way to spend the holiday!

PRE-ORDER DEAL CONTINUED: For the rest of the month of February, pre-order any game at The Score of Cool Springs and get a ScoreBall for a free tournament.

BRING IN YOUR GAME POSTERS! Also for the rest of the month, bring in video game posters (larger than 8.5" by 11") for ANY GAME and receive a ScorePoint for each one! Limit 5 per customer.

SUPER SMASH BROS LEAGUE DELAYED TO APRIL: The Nashville Super Smash Bros League will begin the second week of April. We will, of course, continue to have frequent SSBB tournaments at The Score. Thanks to all those who helped us unlock our last batch of characters on Saturday!

GAMES OUT THIS WEEK: We will call gamers who pre-ordered Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (DS) or Street Fighter IV (360/PS3), or who had a special order placed through us, once we receive our shipment this week to arrange pickup. We anticipate having one (1) extra copy of both games on hand for purchase.

Tuesday, February 17: COD:WAW Zombies tournament (3:30 PM), Left 4 Dead Tournament (6:30 PM)

Wednesday, February 18: The Score's first Street Fighter 4 Tournament at 3:30, bring your new Fire Emblem (DS) game to play together at 4, and another week of our Gears 2 League gets underway at 6 PM in The Arena.

Thursday, February 19: The Centennial Hockey Team gathers to play NHL '09 in the afternoon (3:30) in an event open only to them, followed by another week of Halo 3 League Night at 6 PM.

Friday, February 20: Guitar Hero Tournament (3:30), half-priced 2 on 2 Call of Duty 4 Tournament (6 PM), and a "casual" session of Halo 3 Team Slayer and Team Rockets where the ScorePoints will be awarded liberally.

Saturday, February 21: Beat Mass Effect in a day (beginning at 11 AM), Super Smash Bros Brawl tourney at 2, COD World at War Tournament at 5 PM, and the return of Halolympics (three tourneys in one, with Halo 1, 2, and 3) at 7 PM!

Sunday, February 22: Closed to public; open to Hillsboro High School students and clubs as listed on our website calendar.

Gamers can play on any open station for $5/person/hour.

Thanks,

Bradley

2/9: This Week at The Score of Cool Springs

2009-02-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK'S PRE-ORDER DEAL!

Put $5 down on Resident Evil 5 or Guitar Hero: Metallica (both on sale for $57.99) and receive $5 in-store credit toward any tournament!

Tuesday, February 10 - See if you can beat The Score's COD:WAW Zombie Mode score (3:30) or participate in a Double ScorePoints Halo 3 Oddball tournament (3:30) in the afternoon. Earn ScorePoints for unlocking SSBB characters and levels that night.

Wednesday, February 11 - Special $5.99 Halo 3 Grifball Tournament at 3:30 PM! The second regular season week of the nationwide Gears of War 2 League is at 6.

Thursday, February 12 - Invitation-only event for members of the BGA Football Team in the afternoon, and the second week of the nationwide Halo 3 League begins at 6.

Friday, February 13 - Special $5.99 2 on 2 COD4 Tournament is at 3:30 PM, followed by a Mario Kart Wii Tournament at 6.

LOCK-IN: Friday night beginning at 9 PM and concluding at 3 AM on Saturday. Choose the games you want to play in The Arena as well as throughout the store. Limited availability - sign up on website calendar ASAP. $20 / $10 for members.

Saturday, February 14 - Fallout 3 Speedrun beginning at 11:30 AM. Come in and play Rock Band as part of our "Rock Band Round Robin" beginning at noon. Halo 3 Team Slayer at 7 PM that night!

SUPER SMASH BROS BRAWL SPRING LEAGUE begins at 3 PM on Saturday. 4 weeks of non-stop SSBB league competition against the best in Nashville. Check website for rule details and pricing.

Sunday, February 15 - Private events for Centennial's baseball and football teams, followed by an open Gears of War 2 Execution Tournament (2 on 2) at 6 PM.

Why preorder games anywhere else?

2009-02-06T11:54:00.000-08:00

The Score of Cool Springs beats GameStop, Best Buy, and even Sam's Club in game prices. Why would you preorder games anywhere else? Seriously.

Halo Wars
Regular price $59.99
Score's regular price $57.99
Score's membership price $50.54

Halo Wars LE
Regular price $79.99
Score's regular price $74.99
Score's membership price $66.96

Madworld (Wii)
Regular price $49.99
Score's regular price $47.99
Score's membership price $43.15

Resident Evil 5
Regular price $59.99
Score's regular price $57.99
Score's membership price $51.84

Resident Evil 5 CE
Regular price $89.99
Score's regular price $84.99
Score's membership price $74.52

Pokemon Platinum (DS)
Regular price $34.99
Score's regular price $32.99
Score's membership price $30.24

MLB 2K9
Regular price $59.99
Score's regular price $57.99
Score's membership price $51.84

Guitar Hero: Metallica
Regular price $59.99
Score's regular price $57.99
Score's membership price $51.84

PLACE ANY PRE-ORDER BY SUNDAY (2/8) AND RECEIVE A FREE SCOREBALL - GOOD FOR A FREE TOURNAMENT AT THE SCORE!

And switch any preorder from GameStop or another retailer to The Score, and receive a bonus 5 free ScorePoints!!

Check our website for membership pricing and benefits.

2/3 - 2/8: This Week at The Score of Cool Springs

2009-02-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

SPECIAL DEAL THIS WEEK: Pre-order Street Fighter IV, Halo Wars, MLB 2K9, Guitar Hero: Metallica, or Resident Evil 5 and receive a ScoreBall good for a free tournament or ScorePoints! $5 down for any regular retail game, and $10 down for any collector's or limited edition title.

GAMES ARE CHEAPER AT THE SCORE! We guarantee to beat any other retailer's retail price on upcoming new games. For example, Halo Wars is $59.99 at GameStop or Best Buy, but $57.99 at The Score, and as low as $50.54 for Score members! Resident Evil 5 Collector's Edition is $89.99 everywhere else, and $84.99 here (for non-members) and $74.52 for members!!

Tuesday 2/3: Half-price 2 on 2 COD4 tournament in the afternoon, and a pre-season match to open up our new Super Smash Bros Brawl league!

Wednesday 2/4: Half-price Halo 3 Grifball in the afternoon, and the opening regular season round of the national Gears of War 2 League Night in the evening.

Thursday 2/5: COD: World at War Store-wide Zombie-mode Tournament in the afternoon, and the opening regular season round of the national Halo 3 League Night in the evening.

Friday 2/6: 2 on 2 Gears of War 2 Execution Tournament at 3:30 PM, 2 on 2 Call of Duty 4 Tournament at 6 PM, and Halo 3 Team Slayer at 8:30 PM!

Saturday 2/7: Mario Kart Wii Tournament at noon, "casual" Halo 3 Team Rockets at 3 PM, DOUBLE SCOREPOINTS Halo 3 Oddball at 6 PM, and a solo Super Smash Bros Brawl tournament at 8:30 PM!

Sunday 2/8: Special N64 Goldeneye Tournament at 2 PM, and a Monopoly tournament at 5 PM where the winner receives a Scoreball!

THIS WEEK'S WEEKLY CHALLENGE: Geometry Wars 2. Set the in-store record in any game type in this Xbox Live Arcade game and win.

GoW 2 and Halo 3 National League Night

2009-01-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

If you've got skills in Gears of War 2, or Halo 3, come out Tuesday (January 27) either during the afternoon (for Gears) or night (for Halo) and try out for Nashville's teams!

Check www.TheScoreOnline.com for more details. Basically, we're going to hold tournaments in both games (check calendar for times) and select the top 8 gamers in both titles (along with 2 alternates) to represent The Score of Cool Springs in the upcoming spring nationwide league.

The top players in either game will have the opportunity to purchase a League Pass, instead of paying a tournament fee week after week, of $49.99 (or $24.99 for Score members).

Come talk to us in-store or email us for more information.

The Score of Cool Springs opens tomorrow!

2009-01-20T19:53:00.000-08:00

The Score of Cool Springs opens tomorrow - January 21, 2009!

Halo 3 Capture the Flag tournament kicks us off at 3:30, mix in a Geometry Wars tournament in the late afternoon, and a Gears of War 2 Execution Tournament at night to round out our opening day schedule.

Note this is simply our "soft opening" - our Grand Opening schedule, to occur Super Bowl Weekend, will be announced this coming weekend.

Come and join us!

Tennessean article

2009-01-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

The Tennessean's article on The Score of Cool Springs.

Training the Next-Generation: The Educational Value of Video Games

2008-12-22T23:09:00.000-08:00

Bradley Metrock
President, Score Holdings LLC
GM, The Score of Cool Springs (4091 Mallory Lane, Suite 124, Franklin, TN 37067)
December 2008

Today’s generation of young professionals grew up with exposure to gaming simulations from an early age. These future leaders managed precious resources in Oregon Trail, negotiated down prices with the cartel in Dope Wars, and conquered the planet in Civilization, all before they navigated the many complexities of today’s professional world.

Educational researchers have long believed in the value of gaming simulations. Studies done in the United Kingdom by TEEM (Teachers Evaluating Educational Multimedia) have concluded that “sims” – games where players actively formulate big-picture strategy along with “in the weeds” tactics contribute significantly to development of strategic thinking and planning skills.

A young person that builds a sprawling metropolis in EA’s SimCity game, only to watch it fail after a surprise series of floods left the city’s coffers empty and unable to recover, takes away a valuable lesson in the importance of working capital to the sustainability of any enterprise. Another young person that raises a massive army to attack the neighboring aggressor in Microsoft’s Age of Empires, only to be thwarted when that neighboring aggressor partners with three other factions and crushes that army, gets a tutorial in the importance of friends, politics, and deal-making.

Even games less “academic” in nature, such as first-person-shooters like Halo or Left 4 Dead, build teamwork skills and underscore the importance of constant communication to solve problems. Fighting games like SoulCalibur or Super Smash Brothers teach participants that knowledge of self is never enough – you have to know your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses well in order to win.

Anyone can read a book, or watch a film, and walk away from the experience without grasping the author’s underlying message. A book doesn’t turn its own pages back to Chapter 1 when it realizes the reader, now in Chapter 10, missed a key concept. A film doesn't rewind itself to make sure the audience understood the latest plot twist. The video game, on the other hand, punishes its participant severely for failure to comprehend, and adapt, to changing conditions. The interactivity is the key - the participant is engaged, not just entertained.

As video games continue to soar in popularity, they will do so not only because they are superior at entertaining to other media, but also because they superior at educating.

Konami announces three new iPhone titles, including Metal Gear

2008-12-17T07:23:00.000-08:00

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6202410.html?tag=latestheadlines;title;1

Konami confirms three of its franchises will be making their way to the Apple handheld in 2009.

Last week, a teaser page on the English-language page of Konami's Japanese Web site led many to believe the Japanese publisher was working on bringing the Metal Gear Solid franchise to the Xbox 360, reviving the Metal Gear Acid brand, or even porting the long-running series to the Wii. However shortly after information leaked via scans of gaming magazine Famitsu, Konami has confirmed a different mission for Solid Snake.

In an official press release today, Konami of Europe revealed that Metal Gear Solid Touch would be heading to the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch early in the New Year. According to the release, "Metal Gear Solid Touch focuses on action elements of Hideo Kojima’s classic stealth series, and will see series veteran Solid Snake embark on an all-new mission." It won't be a completely new experience for MGS fans however, with players "using locations and characters introduced in Konami’s Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots [including] eight action-packed stages, with more to be added at a later date."

In addition to the feted stealth-action series, Konami also confirmed Frogger for the iPhone, reportedly "a pixel-perfect conversion of the classic arcade game," and Silent Hill: The Escape. It looks like these releases may only be the start, with Konami's Head of Mobile Business Department quoted as saying, "We welcome the iPhone and iPod Touch to our product line-up and look forward to these initial games." (Emphasis added).

The teaser page on Konami's Web site now links to what appears to be a placeholder page with the Metal Gear Solid Touch logo.

Video Games and the iPhone

2008-12-17T06:18:00.000-08:00

I'll be writing columns from time to time for publication on The Score of Cool Springs' website, within our Facebook group, as well as for this blog. Here is the first such column, on video games and the iPhone.

Video games dial up a new friend: the Apple iPhone
Bradley Metrock
President, Score Holdings LLC
General Manager, The Score of Cool Springs (4091 Mallory Lane, Suite 124, Franklin, TN 37067)
December 2008

While no one can deny the tremendous impact video games have on American culture, many people are still unaware that video games, as an industry, have far surpassed music and movies in revenue. Whether you live here in Music City USA, or in Silicon Valley, or anywhere inbetween, video games reign supreme as the de facto choice of entertainment.

Many reasons for this video game dominance exist, but the main one is economic: video games, at $50-$60 a pop, offer a much greater return (in terms of hours of entertainment from the product) than movies in the theater, DVD movies at home, music CDs at home or in the car, concerts at the Sommet Center, or virtually any other type of existing option. A family of four would spend $50 going to see Bolt at the local theater, especially if any concessions are involved. The same family of four could spend about the same amount on Rock Band, Scene It, Mario Kart, or LittleBigPlanet, and get 10 times the amount of recreation for the money. It’s a no-brainer.

Video games are so popular that they are moving from the living room, which they conquered long ago, to mobile devices such as the iPhone. The flock of capital to iPhone application development, of which a significant portion is funding game projects on the device, is nothing short of amazing and a true indicator that video games are only going to continue to rise in popularity and ubiquity. Nintendo’s DS handheld platform, and to a lesser extent, Sony’s PSP device, have enjoyed a sizable market share in the portable gaming market for years, but the iPhone is not just a serious threat to that share, but is creating an entirely new paradigm for gaming on the go.

One of the most popular games on the iPhone is Fieldrunners, a ‘lite’ strategy title (from developer Subatomic Studios) that asks the gamer to place a series of towers, cannons, and other weaponry on a field in an attempt to thwart the bad guys trying to cross from one side of the screen to the other. The game features gorgeous graphics, deep and addictive gameplay, and a price tag of just $4.99 for hours of mobile fun. So fun, in fact, that Time Magazine ranked the title alongside Grand Theft Auto IV, Gears of War 2, and Spore – games that were much, much more expensive to create – in its Top 10 Video Games of 2008 list. As most video gamers are aware, that’s quite rare air for any mobile title, and though Apple won’t disclose how many times the game has been downloaded, Fieldrunners has remained high atop Apple’s most popular list in the App Store for months.

With the hyped Warfare Incorporated just released to the platform, and Electronic Arts’ SimCity heading to the iPhone in mere days, the quality titles keep adding up for continued market dominance for the iPhone against its competition in the mobile device sector. In fact, it could very well be the perfect “Storm” to doom RIM’s Blackberry product line. After all, competition is just a game, and as long as Apple’s devices feed off the seemingly-infinite demand for video games within the domestic market, they’ll keep winning.

Beta Test Signups Now Open!

2008-12-15T20:06:00.001-08:00

The Score of Cool Springs' beta test is now open!

From late December throughout the month of January, The Score will feature a full slate of both FREE as well as half-priced video game tournaments.

Games like Left 4 Dead, Madden, NCAA Football, Halo, Mario Kart, Civilization: Revolution, Age of Empires: Mythologies, GoldenEye 007, Geometry Wars 2, Super Smash Bros Brawl, and countless others will be featured in tournaments!

To sign up, head over to TheScoreOnline.com and click on "Calendar." Click on the Beta Test Signup link (listed on December 29) and get signed up within our site's reservation system.

Then, sign up for any of the other tournaments!

New tournaments will be added daily throughout December and January, so keep checking back on the website.

Beta test signups are extremely limited, so sign up today if interested before our Facebook ad hits the site in the next couple of days!

The Score's Achievement List

2008-12-03T21:33:00.001-08:00

See The Score of Cool Springs' Facebook group for more information on our December/January ad to hit high school newspapers throughout Nashville.

Our "beta period" begins in late December/early January where we will allow a limited number of folks from the Nashville area to join us for some free tournaments, and then some half-price tournaments, as we get our systems up and running and work out the kinks.

As has been published in our Facebook group and will appear in our ad, here is our initial Score Achievement List, which will earn you ScorePoints toward "leveling up" and earning some valuable perks and benefits such as free tournaments, free video games, and our vaunted "VIP Membership"!

Achievement 1 - Participate in any Arena tournament or event (+1 ScorePoint)
Achievement 2 - Participate in any tournament on Tuesday or Wednesday (+1 ScorePoint)
Achievement 3 - Participate in a Score Station tournament (+2 ScorePoints)
Achievement 4 - Participate in an H-Bar tournament (+2 ScorePoints)
Achievement 5 - Win a tournament (+5 ScorePoints)
Achievement 6 - Participate in two tournaments in one day (+3 ScorePoints)
Achievement 7 - Win two tournaments in one day (+15 ScorePoints)
Achievement 8 - Participate in 20 tournaments (+20 ScorePoints)
Achievement 9 - Win 10 tournaments (+40 ScorePoints)
Achievement 10 - Beat a Score staff record (online or in-store) (+3 ScorePoints)
Achievement 11 - Win a round of Madden using the Titans (+3 ScorePoints)
Achievement 12 - Win a round of NCAA Football using Vanderbilt (+5 ScorePoints)
Achievement 13 - Win a round of any first-person-shooter (e.g. Halo, COD, Gears) without dying once (+3 ScorePoints)
Achievement 14 - Win a round of any fighting game, where a Score staff member selects your character (+3 ScorePoints)
Achievement 15 - Win a round of any sports game with 2x your opponent's score (+3 ScorePoints)
Achievement 16 - Successfully complete a Beat the Clock challenge (+3 ScorePoints)
Achievement 17 - Win a Lock-In Trivia Contest (during lock-ins only) (+3 ScorePoints)
Achievement 18 - Defeat a Score staff member (during lock-ins only) (+3 ScorePoints)
Achievement 19 - Redeem a ScoreBall for ScorePoints (+3 ScorePoints)

Achievement 20 - Earn all A's on a report card (or equivalent) (+4 ScorePoints)
Achievement 21 - Earn all A's and B's on a report card (or equivalent) (+2 ScorePoints)
Achievement 22 - Serve in a leadership position in a school or civic organization (+5 ScorePoints)
Achievement 23 - Work 15 volunteer hours in last 30 days (+5 ScorePoints)
Achievement 24 - Get into or graduate from any college or university (+5 ScorePoints)
Achievement 25 - Compete in an iTest academic event (www.theitest.com) (+8 ScorePoints)
Achievement 26 - Turn in any ticket stub from any TN sporting event (+1 ScorePoint)

Achievement 27 - Buy any snack and drink together (+1 ScorePoint)
Achievement 28 - Buy a Score t-shirt (+4 ScorePoints)
Achievement 29 - Wear a Score t-shirt while winning any tournament (+2 ScorePoints)
Achievement 30 - Sign up for a monthly membership (+3 ScorePoints)
Achievement 31 - Sign up for an annual membership (+15 ScorePoints)
Achievement 32 - Attend a lock-in (+2 ScorePoints)
Achievement 33 - Attend two lock-ins in any given month (+5 ScorePoints)
Achievement 34 - Spend $50 of more on software or hardware (+3 ScorePoints)
Achievement 35 - Unlock an achievement in any video game purchased at The Score of Cool Springs (up to 5 per game; +1 ScorePoint each)
Achievement 36 - Refer a friend for a monthly membership (+3 ScorePoints)
Achievement 37 - Refer a friend for an annual membership (+6 ScorePoints)
Achievement 38 - Have a birthday party or special event at The Score of Cool Springs (+10 ScorePoints)
Achievement 39 - Purchase a Score Remote or corporate event (+15 ScorePoints)

Achievement 40 - Join The Score of Cool Springs' Facebook group (+1 ScorePoint)
Achievement 41 - Get a friend to join The Score's Facebook group (+1 ScorePoint)
Achievement 42 - Create a 1-minute video about The Score on YouTube (+8 ScorePoints)
Achievement 43 - Propose a tournament to The Score of Cool Springs (+1 ScorePoint)
Achievement 44 - Have a proposed tournament be used (+5 ScorePoints)
Achievement 45 - Link to TheScoreOnline.com from your website or blog (+1 ScorePoint)
Achievement 46 - Participate in any Score online tournament or event (+2 ScorePoints)
Achievement 47 - Complete 25 different Score Achievement (+50 ScorePoints)

All members earn double the ScorePoints for all Score Achievements.

ScorePoints have no monetary value and are awarded at the sole discretion of Score Holdings LLC.

Score Levels are as follows:

Level 1 = 0 ScorePoints (Rookie!)

Level 2 = 5 ScorePoints (Initiate). Perk for reaching this level = free snack or drink.

Level 3 = 15 ScorePoints (Minor Threat). Perk = ScoreBall, good for a free tournament or redeemable for ScorePoints.

Level 4 = 40 ScorePoints (Gamer). Perk = $25 ScoreCard + invite to Gamer's Day.

Level 5 = 90 ScorePoints (Hot Shot). Perk = $75 ScoreCard.

Level 6 = 200 ScorePoints (Veteran). Perk = Two free video games (up to retail value of $59.99 each).

Level 7 = 500 ScorePoints (VIP). Perk = Perks of Hot Shot and Veteran levels (again), custom tournament held in your honor, VIP Jersey, invitation to VIP-only events, and pass to one free lock-in a month for an entire year.

For questions on ScorePoints, join The Score of Cool Springs' Facebook group and ask away. You'll earn ScorePoints just by joining our group, which will get you started on your way to VIP!

Mechanical, electrical drawings in to Franklin permitting authorities

2008-10-15T05:51:00.001-07:00

The drawings went in yesterday to the city of Franklin for permitting. Once approved, we can construct the inside of the facility and get underway. Exciting stuff!

The Score of Cool Springs is now on Facebook

2008-10-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

The Score of Cool Springs now has a Facebook page!

Search for us on the site and "become a fan" of The Score of Cool Springs in order to receive the occasional email regarding tournament scheduling, special events, and other local news.

Once The Score of Cool Springs opens in November, joining our Facebook page will earn ScorePoints(tm) toward unlocking various discounts, prizes, and even VIP Membership. The more folks we can get on our page, the easier it will be to communicate en masse and make sure no one misses out on some of our bigger tournaments.

So if you're reading this, go join our Facebook page. We need all the fans we can get!

TheScoreOnline.com

2008-10-10T00:16:00.001-07:00

The Score of Cool Springs' website is now operational:

http://www.thescoreonline.com

Check it out...opening mid to late November.

Moving toward launch.

2008-09-25T06:37:00.000-07:00

Design plans are in, continued licensing talks underway, and all those little details like payroll, insurance, finding good help, and getting the website ready to launch on Friday are all moving forward.

The condition of the economy forces a pause and a fresh evaluation of the business model, but the fundamentals remain the same: video games are one of the strongest sectors of the economy, video gamers would rather spend their money competing against other gamers than watching the latest mediocre Hollywood fare, and the Cool Springs area continues to defy the downturn.

So...full speed ahead.

Harvard Business School getting into games

2008-09-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

Business simulations are becoming part of Harvard Business School curriculum.

Newsweek Video Games Article

2008-08-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

You Don’t Have to Be a Nerd
Video games now planted firmly in the mainstream

N’Gai Croal
NEWSWEEK
Aug 9, 2008

I still get questions every now and then from people looking for advice on how to get their hands on a Nintendo Wii. But more and more, I'm hearing stories from people who've already scored one and are still rhapsodizing about it months after taking possession of the slim white console. The gushing comes from some of the most unexpected people. The grill man at my favorite New York burger joint told me last week that in his household, he mows down zombies in Resident Evil 4, his wife works out using Wii Fit, and he's introducing his son to the classic games of his youth via the Wii's download service. Similarly, a cardiologist friend of mine and his medical-resident girlfriend use Wii Golf to unwind; when they have friends over on the weekends, the same relaxing game turns into a fierce competition.

As someone who covers videogames for NEWSWEEK, I've marveled at how quickly the tastes of nontraditional players have moved from the margins of the industry toward the center. This is happening at the same time that geek tastes have taken center stage in other areas of pop culture: witness the summer movie schedule, which looks like new-release Wednesdays at your local comic-book shop. Hollywood observers may disagree on when the Triumph of the Nerds began (was it with the release of "Blade" in 1998 or "Spider-Man" in 2002?), but 2008 will certainly be remembered as the apex, with a quintet of comic-book-themed movies—"Iron Man," "The Incredible Hulk," "Wanted," "Hancock" and "The Dark Knight"—at the summit. Yet while the tastes of the geekerati now dominate the box office (for better or worse), they're beginning to lose sway at home, even as the popular consciousness clings to the stereotype that videogames are the sole province of the same basement-dwellers whose predilections have taken over the cineplex.

Yes, the Halo 3s and Call of Duty 4s continue to sell exceedingly well. But it's titles like Wii Play and Guitar Hero III whose appeal to nontraditional gamers have made them the envy of rival videogame publishers. The fact is that when you walk into a Circuit City or a Wal-Mart, the games you're most likely to see these days are ones that will actually hold the interest of a nongeek. That's not by accident: games are increasingly being crafted with you, dear "average" reader, in mind. Several publishers have created separate divisions for these "casual games," as products aimed at the vast middle are known in the business. "Casual games are accessible, quick-to-the-fun games, with minimal time commitment necessary to achieve success," says Kathy Vrabeck, who heads up Electronic Arts' casual-games label.

A similar principle has guided the development of the wildly popular Guitar Hero franchise. Even though it first became a hit with hard-core gamers, its accessibility enabled core players to turn their more casual gamer friends on to Guitar Hero at parties and in office break rooms, says Kai Huang, cofounder of the game's maker, Red Octane. The subsequent success of Rock Band was a more accelerated version of the same phenomenon: "Since each original purchase needed three more bandmates to realize the full experience, a lot of family members, girlfriends and roommates got pulled in," says Greg LoPiccolo, vice president of Rock Band developer Harmonix.

As you might expect, there's a lot of grumbling right now from diehard players who feel marginalized by this trend. But the word from someone who straddles both worlds—"X-Men" screenwriter David Hayter, who's also the voice of game icon Solid Snake—is "relax." "These games will open up new audiences and new sources of revenue, which, ironically enough, will provide the funding for more-expensive, better-realized games for the geek crowd," he says. Your humble geek columnist approves.

The Score of Cool Springs - Focus Group Thursday 6:00 PM at Mallory Station Chick-Fil-A

2008-08-11T13:01:00.001-07:00

The Score of Cool Springs will be hosting a video-game focus group this Thursday, August 14, at the Chick-Fil-A on Mallory Station Road.

We invite both "casual" and "hardcore" video game fans to come, fill out a survey, and get a free dinner as well as a coupon for a free ticket to a tournament at The Score, good for the rest of the 2008 calendar year. You will also be able to find out about The Score, a new video-gaming establishment in Cool Springs that's opening up this fall.

The survey will ask questions pertaining to the types of tournaments The Score may feature, the types of pricing and promotions we may use, and the types of events The Score will look to have. Filling out the survey shouldn't take any longer than one hour, and can probably be finished in half that time.

If interested in attending, please email bradleymetrock@theitest.com with your name to let us know you're coming. We will accept the first 25 attendees who register.

Geometry Wars 2 and the state of downloadable games

2008-08-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Geomtery Wars 2, released this week on Xbox 360's "Xbox Live" online network, is the best downloadable game of the year, and perhaps EVER on any current-generation console. Definitely going to get added to The Score's tournament event schedule.

It's amazing the quality of the downloadable titles on all three consoles (PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii). The Wii's downloadable games (called WiiWare) are, in particular, of a very high quality as a group. Xbox 360's downloadable stuff is hit and miss, but when it hits, they really hit with some great software. PS3 is really getting up and running, although some would probably arguing they're just dying a slow death...

Quality downloadable titles (as opposed to games purchased at retail) is really good for The Score because it allows us to achieve a large degree of diversity in our event selection. We should be able to easily fill up our smaller tournaments (4-8 people each), given the proper marketing channels, using some of these downloadable games as the source content for our events.

Wii being used in places that already have no shortage of entertainment.

2008-07-29T09:50:00.001-07:00

A Wii bit of fun (and fitness) for travelers
Hotels and cruise ships plug in and get video active

By Rob Lovitt (MSNBC)
Tues., July. 29, 2008

At first glance, the fitness center at The Westin Bellevue, outside Seattle, looks much like any other exercise facility at an upscale urban hotel. There are the neat stacks of free weights, the windows overlooking the adjacent pool and the row of exercise machines offering airy views of the surrounding city skyline.

But then you notice the person doing the strange pantomime in the corner. He’s all by himself, but he’s bobbing and weaving and throwing punches like he’s going 12 rounds with Oscar de la Hoya. It isn’t until you look closer and see that he’s holding a pair of remotes and duking it out with an animated opponent on a high-def screen.

Welcome to the new world of exercise (and entertainment) for travelers. Already a fixture in countless family rooms and college dorms, it seems the Wii is hitting the road.

Wii would like to travel
The Wii (pronounced “we”), of course, is the interactive gaming system from Nintendo that lets users compete in video sports and activities by manipulating a wireless, motion-sensing remote. Designed primarily for personal use, it’s been turning up in hotels and other away-from-home venues since early last year.

This spring, though, Nintendo launched a new console better suited for commercial settings. Like the original, it comes a with a handheld remote and a Nunchuk, the secondary remote that’s used in activities that require two hands, such as boxing. But instead of using individual disks, the console is preloaded with a variety of games that can be accessed via an onscreen menu.

The standard unit comes with Wii Sports (baseball, bowling, boxing, golf and tennis), Wii Play (table tennis, billiards and others) and Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree (mental games and puzzles). Individual properties can manage what games are offered and add new ones as they become available.

This summer, travelers are also getting the chance to work out with the new Wii Fit, which lets users engage in yoga, aerobics and a variety of balancing activities by standing on a wireless Balance Board. “People don’t always have the time or gear to work out or go for a jog,” says Amber McCollom, senior director of entertainment and trend marketing at Nintendo. “With the Wii Fit, they don’t need anything except bare feet.”

Wii would like to play where we stay
At Westin, the Wii and Wii Fit are the latest additions to the WestinWORKOUT, the company’s branded fitness and wellness program. Starting with two hotels — The Westin Bellevue and The Westin Times Square — the system is now offered at 10 properties, including hotels in Hilton Head (S.C.), Hollywood (Fla.), Houston, Kansas City (Mo.), Savannah (Ga.), San Francisco, St. Louis and Toronto.

While the typical Westin guest probably doesn’t play a lot of Myst or Dungeons & Dragons, many are finding the Wii’s sports offerings fit their busy, health-conscious lifestyles, says Matt Van Der Peet, general manager of The Westin Bellevue: “We have a lot of repeat customers who are always on the road. [The Wii] is a lot more fun than getting on the treadmill.”

Furthermore, says Ryan Anderson, Westin’s New York-based senior marketing manager, the Wii is expanding the demographics of gaming from its traditional base among the under-30 crowd. “It’s becoming a multi-generational activity, like golf,” he says. “We’re seeing guests as old as 74 using the Wii.”

Wii would like to cruise
Cruisers are also swinging for the fences and getting in touch with their inner yogi. Norwegian and Princess have had the Wii on board since last year and both are rolling out the Wii Fit across their fleets this summer.

On Norwegian, the units are located in each ship’s atrium and serve as a venue for passenger tournaments and other activities. According to Public Relations Manager Courtney Recht, older passengers enjoy the bowling game — “They can play for hours on end before actually feeling tired,” she says — while the kids are busy boxing and playing Guitar Hero.

On Princess ships, guests are also encouraged to participate in a variety of competitions, including ski jumping, heading soccer balls and Hula Hoop-ing with the Wii Fit. On ships that offer the Movies Under the Stars program, games are often played on the larger-than-life (300-square-foot) movie screens on the pool deck.

Whether they’re used for fun or fitness, the consoles will no doubt turn up in more places, giving travelers even more opportunities to say they, too, would like to play. At Le Parker Meridien in New York, for example, guests can rent a unit for $50 per hour or sign up for private sessions with a Wii and a personal trainer for $120 per hour.

Westin, meanwhile, will continue to offer the Wii free of charge, which, it seems, is not without its own risks. “We had a guest last weekend who wouldn’t give the remote back,” says Matt Van Der Peet. “She said, ‘We’re not using it right now, but we’re going to again later.”

Corporate Events - the other side of the business

2008-07-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

With over 1,000 corporate headquarters based in Cool Springs, including the mammoth Nissan, Healthways, and Verizon corporate offices opening up here, there is tremendous potential for unique, engaging corporate events to be held at The Score.

The approach I am taking is that corporate events need to stand alone as its own business, separate and apart from the regular business of The Score (tournaments, leagues, and other programming). If corporate events stand on their own, and financially supports itself, The Score will be in great shape.

The Wii will be front-and-center in both corporate teambuilding and business vs. business events that will be held on site. Senior executives, as well as younger, newly-minted employees, need to feel equally comfortable participating in our corporate events, which creates a perfect situation for the easy-to-use Wii.

Titles incorporated into our events will certainly include Wii Sports, Mario Kart Wii, a Mii design contest, and even the upcoming Wii Music title.

At the end of a corporate teambuilding event at The Score, young and old employees alike should feel more comfortable working together toward a common goal, and more comfortable using technology to accomplish that goal. And at the end of our business vs. business competitions, employees will share common experiences that will help strengthen team chemistry and help build morale, as well as help companies in the area network with other companies doing business in Cool Springs.

Logos and other graphic design work

2008-07-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

Graphic design work was front and center today, as I worked with a good friend to get the first round of logos evaluated and to see if we've got a keeper. I think we are actually very close to having a final logo even just after today. Some great ideas thrown around and some very good choices.

We also worked on a first draft of a layout mock-up as well. Next week I will hand over several pieces of marketing material that need to be completed, which will be huge once I get those back and get ready to head to the printer with them.

Tomorrow will be another major step toward negotiation of a lease here in Cool Springs, as I meet with the commercial real estate agent to keep things moving on that front. Wish me luck!

The Score - Cool Springs now has a blog!

2008-07-27T16:43:00.000-07:00

The Score - Cool Springs, the first retail location created under The Score Holdings LLC, now has a blog...and you've found it!

This blog will chronicle the events leading up to the opening of The Score - Cool Springs.

What is The Score?

An entertainment-based retail concept focused on video game tournaments, leagues, and other programming built around current-generation video game consoles.

Um, OK, so this is just an arcade?

Sort of. But not really. Think a movie theater for games. Tournaments held at set times, with a fixed number of available slots. Food and drink available, as well as merchandise and purchasing the actual video games (new) also.

What is The Arena?

The Arena is the physical center of each location of The Score, where video game competition is taken to the next level. Game Stations surround the outside of The Arena, but The Arena is the focal point of each location, suited best for 4 on 4 competition in a variety of current games.

I'm not a big gamer. Will I like this place?

We sure hope so, for the sake of the business. The Score isn't just a place for hardcore gamers to come and pwn some n00bs. The Score will have a number of tournaments and other programming centered around the Nintendo Wii - a Wii Sports bowling tournament, for example, will be held on several occasions - that will invite video games fans of all different levels of experience to join in. The Score also makes a point to give away prizes randomly among all participants in our tournaments, so it isn't just the "winners" that walk away with something cool.

Video games are, like, something you play at home. Who's going to come to this place?

From a parental perspective, online gaming has a variety of negatives to it, including the abundance of racism, sexism, and generally inappropriate conduct. Not to mention the inability to protect children from online predators.

From a gamer's perspective, while online gaming can be fun, there's nothing like winning a tournament in person. Getting to meet other gamers, face to face, who like the same games as you, is gratifying. The social aspects of video gaming have largely been underdeveloped, and as a result, most people think multiplayer video games can only be enjoyed online. We hope to prove that idea wrong.

Cool Springs is absolutely booming, with massive corporate HQ relocations seemingly occurring every day, and with residential home prices on the rise while the rest of the nation suffers dramatically.

Thanks for reminding us. If this business fails in Cool Springs, it is obviously not viable anywhere. The demographics in this community are profoundly ideal.

In addition, we look forward to implementing the complementary business piece of "business vs. business" video game competition and leagues. Get ready for some really unique, out-of-the-box (as much as I have come to hate that phrase) stuff.

You don't know how to run a business. What in the world are you thinking?

As they say, professionals built the Titanic, and amateurs built the Ark.