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All Falls Down: AURN Gaming Collab with Black Girl Gamers on Fall Guys Tourney

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Spring has sprung and AURN Gaming has just concluded its first tournament of 2024. We collaborated with Black Girl Gamers on AURNGAMING x BGG presents ‘Fall Guys’ tournament, our first with this game. Black Girl Gamers originally started out as a Facebook group and has now expanded to over 10,000 women around the globe who share a passion for gaming.

With a $750 prize pool (1st place received $500, and 2nd place received $250) and a total of 93 people who registered for the tournament, the turnout was great! We had Black Girl Gamers’ own @takemetochurch_ttv host the finals on AURNGAMING Twitch channel. Church’s casting  was engaging, lively, and hilarious for those watching the finals on Twitch. AURN Gaming also gave away three $50 Amazon gift cards just for joining us on Twitch.  Overall, it was a great turnout and an excellent collab with Black Girl Gamers.

This was the first of five gaming tournaments this year so be sure to follow AURNGAMING on Twitch and @aurnonline on Instagram to stay in the loop on upcoming tournaments.

Because we always need a soundtrack while gaming, check out @aurnonline’s Fall Guys playlist on Spotify.

AURN Digital

A Gamer Valentine’s: The Most Cuffable Characters

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Gamers have favorite characters for various reasons, some have specific abilities and others have catchy sayings. As we step into the month of love (February), we will look at the characters who have an irresistible charm and appeal. Here is a list of five video game characters who are deemed to be the most ‘attractive’ by gamers worldwide.

1. Lara Croft (Tomb Raider Series)

Realistic features, not to mention the voice is unique.

2. Chun-Li (Street Fighter Series)

The 2 hair buns are a sight to see, along with a nice smile.

3. Poison (Street Fighter Series)

Bright pink hair and high heels, need I say more?

4. Harley Quinn (Batman Series)

The multi-colored hair and baseball bat is an undefeated combo.

5. Catwoman (Batman Series)

All black bodysuit with sleek features.

Being that we are in the month of love, I’ve included my top 10 ‘love songs’ list. This list is in no specific order. These are just songs I listen to when I may be sad because me and a specific person didn’t work out, OR I may listen to these songs when I’m fantasizing about me and a specific person’s future (Hey, I’m allowed to dream right? 😊) 

Top 10 Love Songs

  1. Best of Me (Part 2) – Mya ft. Jay-Z
  2. Halfcrazy – Musiq Soulchild
  3. Mesmerize – Ja Rule ft. Ashanti
  4. Dontchnage – Musiq Soulchild
  5. Read Your Mind – Avant 
  6. Rain On Me – Ashanti 
  7. Just Friends – Musiq Soulchild
  8. Falsetto – The Dream
  9. No Better Love – Young Gunz
  10. 4Ever – Lil’ Mo ft. Fabolous
Top 10 All-Time NBA 2K Soundtrack credit by Lysious/AURN

Top 10 All Time NBA 2K Soundtrack

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NBA 2K has been one of the, if not the most superior basketball video game out for some time now. Each year, people want to grab the new 2K due to its graphics, gameplay, soundtrack, and more. What makes the NBA 2K soundtrack so unique is that about every month or two, NBA 2K will have an update which adds songs to the soundtrack so you will always have something new to listen to while playing the game. This first started in NBA 2K20. Prior to NBA 2K20 the soundtrack stayed the same and would only change when a new NBA 2K was released. Now that we are up to NBA 2K24, the soundtrack changes and makes the game feel more ‘fresher’ and enjoyable for the person playing.

As an avid NBA 2K player, I created my own top 10 ‘All Time NBA 2K Soundtrack’ list. This list is completely opinion based and doesn’t necessarily mean these are the best NBA 2K songs ever, just my top 10 (no particular order)  based on what I like. So, here I go:

1. Come See Me – PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake (NBA 2K17)

  • I chose this song because it’s calm and relaxing. This is the type of song where I can just let it play in the background and not have to engage in gameplay on NBA 2K. In my opinion NBA 2K17 had one of the better soundtracks that 2K has offered.

2. I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times) – Jamie xx ft. Young Thug & Popcaan (NBA 2K17)

  • This was definitely one of my favorite songs on 2K. I really like Young Thug’s verse, he made this song enjoyable. As I said before, NBA 2K17 had a great soundtrack, and this is one of the better songs.

3. Didn’t Cha Know – Erykah Badu (NBA 2K23)

  • As I’m writing this I’m currently 25 years old, turning 26 this Sunday. I say that to say I’m young, but I am somewhat an old soul when it comes to music like this. Erykah Badu’s voice is super therapeutic and soothing. This is also another song I can just listen to without actually playing NBA 2K. This song is definitely in my top five.

4. Damage – PARTYNEXTDOOR, Halsey (NBA 2K19)

  • This song is uptempo and just puts me in a good mood overall. Both PARTYNEXTDOOR and Halsey (who I’m not very familiar with as an artist) did a great job on this song. 

5. West Like – Destiny Rogers, Kalan.FrFr (NBA 2K23)

  • I like the west-coast style sound this song offers. I became hip to Kalan.FrFr when I first heard this song, I like his sound. This is another song that puts me in a good mood.

6. B.R.O. (Better Ride Out) – A Boogie Wit da Hoodie ft. Roddy Ricch (NBA 2K24)

  • Me being a New York native, A Boogie is somewhat a pioneer to my generation. I would’ve listened to this song whether it was on 2K or not. I actually like A Boogie’s music. His sound is very unique. The hook is my favorite part about this song.

7. Doo Wop (That Thing) – Lauryn Hill (NBA 2K15)

  • As I said before, I have an old soul. I’ve always liked this song even before NBA 2K15, but as I heard more and more as I played, I fell more in love with it. From the beat to the hook this is just a great song. I really like the part of the song when Lauryn Hill says “How you gon’ win when you ain’t right within?” That lyric speaks volumes. 

8. Rise & Shine – J. Cole (NBA 2K16)

  • J. Cole used to be one of my favorite rappers when I was younger. This album came out in 2011, and this really stamped him in the Hip-Hop game, not to mention being signed to Jay-Z.  Lyrically J. Cole is on a different level than other artists. One of my favorite lyrics from this song is “Hope my momma gets to see Jamaica before she meets her maker”. That line right there gives me goosebumps because it’s so relatable. 

9. Chosen – Blxst, Tyga ft. Ty Dolla $ign (NBA 2K22)

  • This song is just chill vibes. I enjoy the hook alot, it’s catchy. Subconsciously you’ll just catch yourself nodding your head to it.

10. Gold – Kiiara (NBA 2K17)

  • This song is legendary when it comes to NBA 2K17. This was the song that would first play as your at the loading screen. I started hearing it so much that it became a favorite. I’m not exactly sure what she is saying, however I do know it’s catchy and has a great rhythm to it. Definitely a top five. This just goes to show how good the NBA 2K17 tracklist was.

Honorable Mentions

1. Black and White – Nasty C, Ari Lennox (NBA 2K24)

  • I really like the hook on this song. Ari Lennox did a great job on this track. I wasn’t familiar with her prior to this song. 

2. Dior – Pop Smoke (NBA 2K21)

  • Being from NY, I felt as if I had to include Pop in this list. This song had New York in a frenzy when it first came out. R.I.P. Pop Smoke.

3. AEAO – Dynamicduo, DJ Premier (NBA 2K16)

  • Every OG 2K player knows this song. This is a fan favorite for sure. The hook is extremely catchy.

See playlist “>HERE

Modern player live streaming shooter video games on computer

Top 10 Gaming-Related Holiday Gifts

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  1. PlayStation 5/Xbox Series X|S

Next generation consoles officially released in November 2020. Due to the high demand for next gen consoles, it was either a very high price point and/or very limited availability. Being that 3 years have passed since the official release; both the price point and availability have become more suitable for the consumer. Either way, this would be a great holiday gift. Especially if you still have a current gen system.

Where to purchase: PlayStation 5 | Xbox Series X|S

  1. Gaming Chair

In order to ‘game’ the correct way, you need to be comfortable. A gaming chair is the perfect gift to do just that. Gaming chairs allow you to be comfortable in style for longer periods of time while enjoying playing your favorite game. It relieves your back from being hunched over creating discomfort. You’re able to recline back, have mobility due to the wheels, and overall have a better gaming experience. 

Where to purchase: GTRacing

  1. PlayStation/Xbox Gift Card

Sometimes people tend to overthink when it comes to holiday shopping. That’s what gaming gift cards are for, to help the overthinkers. Whether you play on PlayStation or Xbox, every gamer appreciates a gaming card. There are numerous items that can be purchased with a gift card. You can buy games, movies/ TV shows, different cosmetics (based on the title of the game), and much more! Not only are these essential to a gamer, but they are also helpful to the consumer as well because these can be purchased online which relieves the wait in lines during holiday shopping which we all know can get hectic.

Where to purchase: PlayStation | Xbox

  1. Rechargeable Battery Pack

This only applies to Xbox gamers. Going back to the Xbox 360 era, there were always talks about which system is better. PlayStation or Xbox? One of the MAIN cons to Xbox was that it takes batteries. It seemed almost like every other day you would have to find a fresh pair of Double A batteries to replace with the previous batteries which became annoying. To shy away from that problem, rechargeable battery packs made it so much easier and more convenient to game. You charge the battery pack through the Xbox, and just plug it in and play. Whenever you get an alert about low battery level, you just plug in the controller (with the battery pack) and let it charge. The beauty of this is that you can charge while you play, or just let it rest and charge. Pretty simple, and there is no longer a process of having to find and or buy batteries just to enjoy your game.

Where to purchase: Target

  1. PlayStation/Xbox Controller

Every true gamer knows the best feeling is opening a brand-new system. The very next best feeling is having a brand-new controller. From the way it feels, down to the way you play with it; a brand-new controller is almost a necessity for a gamer. Like with anything, controllers go through wear and tear. Certain buttons may not register as quickly as they did before, joysticks start to drift, and other issues may start to get noticed. A brand-new controller eliminates all those problems. It is also suggested to switch gaming controllers every 6 months to a year.

Where to purchase: PlayStation | Xbox

  1. NBA 2K24

If you’re into sports, this is a must grab. This year’s 2K is way more realistic than all the previous 2K’s in my opinion. Also, this is the first year ever that 2K sports made NBA 2K24 cross compatible. So, whether you are on PlayStation or Xbox, you can play with and against the opposite platform (this only applies to next generation platforms). This game has been out for about 2 months now, so it is still somewhat new. Not to mention, there are updates almost every day to enhance the gameplay of NBA 2K24. Whether you are into regular head-to-head, MyPlayer, MyGM, or just want to own the game to have fun, this is the game for you!

Where to purchase: PlayStation | Xbox

  1. Madden 24

Just like I said about NBA 2K24, if you’re into sports this is a must grab as well. Madden 24 has been out for about 3 months now. This year’s Madden 24 is also very realistic in terms of the tackling, movement with the ball, passing, and much more. Just like NBA 2K24, this is Madden’s first year making this game cross compatible (this only applies to next generation platforms). So, if you and your friend want to see who’s better, you guys can do that this year. I like Madden because it’s somewhat a strategic game and forces you to outthink your opponent. If you enjoy watching football, I recommend Madden 24 for the holidays.

Where to purchase: PlayStation | Xbox

  1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Need I say more? Every gamer started out playing some type of Call of Duty title. For me, I started with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 which is why as I’m currently writing this, I’m getting butterflies. This year’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is going to be very nostalgic. This game is also going to be cross compatible (this does NOT only apply to next generation platforms). They are bringing back some of the older maps for multiplayer such as: Rust, Terminal, Highrise, and much more! If you’re not a multiplayer type of gamer, no worries! The campaign mode on this game will be super fun as well. Also, for the first time in years they are bringing back ‘Zombies’ mode. This game officially releases November 10th, 2023. I will have this pre-ordered, and the release time couldn’t have been better. Just in time for the holidays. This game will hold me off for the rest of 2023 and after!

Where to purchase: PlayStation | Xbox

  1. Turtle Beach Gaming Headsets

How can you fully enjoy the gaming experience without a headset? Turtle Beach headsets are by far the best headsets both financially and comfort wise. These headsets can range from $15.00 all the way up to $300.00. Don’t worry though, even the headsets on the lower scale are more than suitable for a gamer. They are comfortable on the ears; you can hear everything in the game and block out the outside noise that isn’t in the game. I recommend these headsets 100%.

Where to purchase: PlayStation | Xbox

  1. 4K TV

Being that both the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 are next generation consoles, to get the full experience it is recommended that you play on a 4K TV. You don’t have to have a 4K TV to play either system. However, if you do take your gaming seriously like me, I would suggest investing into one. You can see almost every detail. We are in a time now where TV’s are relatively on the cheaper side (they were once way more) and you can get a good size 4K TV for less than $200.00. As I’m writing this, we are in holiday season so you may even be able to get it cheaper than that. 

Where to purchase: Best Buy

10 Cozy Games Thumbnail Graphics

10 Cozy Games to Play or Gift this Season

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The holidays are here, which means gamers are looking forward to giving and receiving new games, as well as having some downtime to play. This especially applies to people who love cozy games. Cozy games are usually cute, low stress and a good way to take up time. So, whether you are a gamer or you love a gamer, here are 10 cozy games you should get into this season (game availability may vary by platform). 

1. The Grinch Christmas Adventures 

It’s not Christmas time without a million mentions and references of the Grinch. We know the story, and we pass it down to our children, and so on. The Grinch stole Christmas to bring misery to all of Whoville. At the end of that tale, he has a change of heart and learns to change his ways, but wouldn’t it be fun to get an up close and personal look at life from his perspective? That’s basically what this game provides. Have fun as you sneak around, as the Grinch, stealing presents from Whoville. 

2. Suika Game/The Watermelon Game 

The Watermelon Game is a cheap cozy game at $3.00 in the download shop, and it’s more addictive than you might think. It’s a matching game where the goal is to make as many watermelons as you can by combining fruit without the fruit jar overflowing. However, with some twists and turns making game play more difficult, it’s not as easy as you might think. 

3. Spiritfarer

This game is all about the circle of life, and while it’s pretty lighthearted, you might have some misty-eyed moments. Basically, the player takes on the role of Stella, who along with her cat, takes over for the original Spiritfarer. The Spiritfarer has the sacred job of taking care of spirits and ushering them safely and peacefully into the afterlife after they journey to the Everdoor.

4. Killer Frequency

One might argue that Killer Frequency isn’t a cozy game, but it is, at least for nostalgic horror enthusiasts. This game follows radio host Forrest Nash as he is the only beacon of hope in a small town under siege by the Whistling Man. The player role plays as Forrest, in this nod to 80s slasher core, as he is holed up in the radio station with his co-host, answering phones from frantic callers who can’t get through to 911, and trying to help them survive through an array of choose your own adventure-style decisions that could mean life or death. 

5. Fae Farm

Fae Farm is the typical cozy game people think of. In this charming escape, you build your own home in the enchanted land of Azoria. As you grow your homestead you’ll meet adorable characters and infuse magic into the development of this whimsical world. 

6. Disney’s Dreamlight Valley 

In Dreamlight Valley, you get to rebuild the valley after it falls into darkness, with the help of some of your favorite Disney friends along the way. This fall, Nintendo has upped the cozy by adding multiplayer mode, new worlds, and new characters to join the fun. 

7. Little Friends Dogs & Cats 

In this very adorable, very simple game, you literally take care of cats and dogs. It’s a relaxing play that is suitable for gamers of all ages. 

8. Song of Nunu: A League of Legends 

In this fantastical game, we find a little boy searching for his mother with the help of his friend, a giant beast named Willump. The pair of friends who share a love of snowball fights have to work together to escape danger and nuisances on their quest through ice and snow. 

9. Fashion Dreamer 

This game is set in a cute virtual world where you can set up your own brand and create your own designs, as you work to become the greatest fashion designer in the world. You can also make friends with other spring fashion designers by liking their outfits and wearing their styles. 

10. Garfield Lasagna Party 

Games are even more fun when you play with family and friends. In this game, there are 32 mini-games you can play as Garfield and his friends as you compete in various challenges in a massive lasagna-themed party.  

Black Gamers

Black Gamers You Need To Know

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There’s a common idea that playing video games all day in your mom’s basement means that you’ll never amount to anything in life. At one point that may have been true, but today, things are drastically different. The gaming industry is a multibillion dollar business and by extension, there are tons of hobby gamers turned professional who have turned their passion into a real life job. Many Black gamers have become influencers by joining esports leagues, using their knowledge of gaming to consult with major companies, and building online communities that bring various people, specifically marginalized groups, together.

However, the gaming world isn’t all fun and games for everyone, especially Black gamers, and especially Black gamers who are also women. Some of the most prominent voices in gaming have cited rampant racism and sexism that make what’s supposed to feel like a fun experience a lot less safe. But not everyone is taking it in stride. The gaming community is still growing, and so are the influencers who have made a name for themselves. They are working hard to be seen and heard, proving that #BlackGamersMatter. Here are five of our favorite Black gamers making waves for the culture.

King Jae TV

King Jae TV

Justin Nelson aka “King Jae” is a London-based competitive gamer, vlogger and product reviewer. His videos include intricate details about game play, characters, and honest reflections about the hottest games, like Tekken, Mortal Kombat, and more.

Chasinglux

Chasinglux

Chasinglux is all about inclusivity in the gaming world. This writer, editor and content creator reps hard for Black women. She is also a community manager for Twitch, one of the biggest online gaming platforms, where she focuses on fostering a safe space for Black women. Through her work in gaming, she has also co-founded Thumbstick Mafia, another online community that serves as a carefully curated archives where Black women in the gaming community can discover news, podcasts, tips and tricks and more, centered around their experiences. 

Khroen

Khroen

Khalif “Khroen” Hashim is another competitive gamer making waves in this world. He is a recent addition to C9 where he is a Teamfight Tactics player.

Zaqueri Black

Zaqueri Black

Zaqueri Black is a professional league player for 100 Thieves, a large gaming platform where fans can watch live matches in the League of Legends and Fortnite. Black has over 254K followers on YouTube, where he posts videos featuring his gaming adventures.

Keisha Howard

Keisha Howard 

Keisha Howard, founder of Sugar Gamers, is well known in the tech world. She has been a video game enthusiast since childhood and now uses her background in communications to advocate for women in gaming and tech. Through Sugar Gamers, Howard makes sure that corporations in the gaming industry factor in women and the LGBTQIA community in their product offerings and other initiatives.