EVO introduces pay-per-view HD Stream

Competitive gaming tournament EVO is introducing a pay-per-view option for the first time at this year's event, taking place from 6th to 8th July at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

The championship organisers explained that this is purely optional and there will still be more free content available than there was last year, with three streams devoted to covering the convention. Two will focus exclusively on tournament action, while one will portray panels and capture the experience of being at the expo. You can sign up for the PpV stream here.

"In 2012 the free stream will have the same quality and even more content as our 2011 stream! But for those who can afford it, the HD option is a great way for viewers to support the spirit of Evo and get a little something back in return," explained EVO co-founder and Shoryuken.compresident Tom "inkblot" Cannon on the official site.

All proceeds from the pay-per-view will go towards the formation of an annual $10,000 EVO college scholarship for those pursuing degrees in the games industry.

"We believe strongly in the positive power of gaming, and want to help show that gaming can be a gateway to a fulfilling life-long profession, not just a fun pastime," said Cannon.

In other EVO news, indie designer Kayin's follow-up to the preposterously difficult I Wanna Be the Guy, will be shown during the tournament. A livestream of competitive gamer Floe playing the new game (what's it called?) will be shown live at 10.00pm PST on 5th July - that's 6.00am on 6th July UK time.

For those not familiar with I Wanna Be the Guy, it's a free game combining lots of licensed retro characters into an outlandishly challenging adventure. It's mostly known today for being the game that inspired Super Meat Boy's hardest stages. Feel free to try it here, but don't blame us when you throw your computer out the window, okay?

To see what Kayin has in store for the follow-up, check out the trailer below. Be warned, it's NSFW.

Kayin announced that I Wanna Be the Guy: Gaiden will be released within a week of the EVO tournament on PC. He added that everyone should "get ready for a set of three levels and a future of IWBTG episodic content."