This trailer should also be known as “nerdgasm.” I don’t know how many of you checked out the original “Escape from Butcher Bay” game on the original Xbox, but it was definitely a classic game I still keep.

It really was ahead of its time for an FPS. It combined platforming, first person fist-fights, puzzles, RPG-ish sidequests and was also the first XBox game to use normal mapping, and looked great for it. I’m definitely pumped for the possibility of a new Riddick game(I try to forget the horrible 2nd movie in the franchise and just think about Pitch Black).

Today I am proud to reveal a new initiative by MLG: MLG Gives Back. This arm of MLG will be for all of its efforts in regards to raising money for charity.

Given MLG’s explosive growth over its 5 year history, I can’t think of better timing for something like this. “MLG Gives Back” will give opportunities to pro gamers, staff, and the community alike to give back.

I can’t divulge much more detail on this, other than to say the first activity related to “MLG Gives Back” will be easy for all of us to participate in, should you choose to- I know I’ll be! Basically anything MLG on the Xbox Live Marketplace, or the MLG Store,starting December 19th, half of the money from each purchase will go towards Harlem RBI. Harlem RBI provides inner-city youth with opportunities to play, learn, and grow. They use the power of teams to coach, teach, and inspire youth to recognize their potential and realize their dreams. You can learn more about Harlem RBI and their work in East Harlem, New York at www.harlemrbi.org.

Read on for the full press release and letter from Sundance DiGiovanni, co-founder of MLG.

Major League Gaming Launches MLG Gives Back
While many members of our community are already involved in community service and volunteer efforts individually, all major sports leagues have corporate divisions that rally their collective impact for people who are less fortunate than so many of us. As the biggest and fastest-growing new sport, we felt it was time for Major League Gaming to do the same. Today, MLG is proud to announce a new program called MLG Gives Back. Starting this month, MLG will be creating unique opportunities for MLG pros, staff, and the community to give back. Stay tuned to hear more exciting details about MLG Gives Back and be sure to check out the first opportunity for you to help give back below!

MLG GIVES BACK MISSION STATEMENT
MLG Gives Back seeks to promote community service, civic engagement, and financial support of education issues and causes. By providing information, easy access to action/participation opportunities, and leadership by example, MLG Gives Back seeks to encourage and mobilize our community to make public service an integral part of our lives.

A LETTER FROM SUNDANCE
Mike and I started this company because we both believed in the power of a group of people rallying around a central idea. In the beginning, that idea was competitive gaming at the highest level. Now, more than 5 years later, that idea and the community that it has inspired has grown beyond our wildest expectations. Especially in this day and age, giving something back and thinking outside of ourselves is critical. It’s something we take seriously and we hope that you do, too. We’re really excited about this new program and hope that you will do what you do best: make suggestions, tell us what you think, and let us know what you’re doing where you live.

One person can make a difference. A lot of people can change the world. Let’s all do our part to make MLG Gives Back phenomenal.

Debut MLG Gives Back Day – December 19th!

On December 19, 2008, 50% of the proceeds from all MLG product purchases made on XBOX Live or in the MLG Store will go to Harlem RBI. Harlem RBI provides inner-city youth with opportunities to play, learn, and grow. They use the power of teams to coach, teach, and inspire youth to recognize their potential and realize their dreams. You can learn more about Harlem RBI and their work in East Harlem, New York at www.harlemrbi.org. Harlem RBI is affiliated with the National RBI Program initiated in 1989 with the sponsorship of Major League Baseball and is based on the Los Angeles RBI program model, founded by Major League Scout John Young. Today there are more than 200 RBI programs nationwide.