Games2Trains is the new name and URL for the former Wargames Market website. Purchased and relaunched by Modartis Limited of Bangladesh, Games2Trains aims to be the central auction site for hobby games. Of course, eBay is the leading auction service now for games, as it is in thousands of other categories. However, Neil Kenneally, the new proprietor, is charging only a $3 ID verification fee, with all listings under $300 otherwise free. Then again, low fees are no help if there aren’t any customers. We’ll just have to wait and see if Mr. Kenneally can attract the necessary traffic.

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The first story arc of Living Arcanis will conclude at Origins 2009 and the second wont begin until Origins 2010. But fans of the RPG wont be left out in the cold for the intervening year. Publisher Paradigm Concepts is planning a new campaign sourcebook to cover the 12 year period between the two stories. Clearly targeting a project to support the game’s dedicated fans, Paradigm has elected to take the Fundable approach. Through Fundable, those interested can preorder the book for $35. If the company collects at least $10,500 in pledges within 26 days, the project will move forward. Otherwise, it’s going nowhere. Paradigm also warns that few if any extra books will be printed. So, if you’re interested, don’t delay.

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In the United States, Bingo is mostly a fundraising and social activity for local charities. But in the UK, Bingo survives as commercial gambling in halls and clubs across the country. From a recently published study on the history of Bingo in the UK, we learn that the game has its roots in random number games from the 1700s. And, apparently there’s some controversy over the origin of the name Bingo, which was earlier known as Beano. Some believe the name was coined in the 1920s in the United States, while Dr. Carolyn Downs’ research suggests that by then the name Bingo was already being used in the UK.

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I last reported that, as the World Mind Sports Games fell partially under the jurisdiction of the IOC, they were subject to doping tests. Which, of course, makes no sense.

The Chess players are now commenting on these tests after undergoing them. Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand:

It is completely pointless, of course. In chess, when you have computers and use them for preparation, taking time off to figure out what medicines to take is itself ridiculous.

(source)

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Essen Spiel is the world’s largest annual game fair, named after its hosting city. It’s starting today.

Essen typically receives 150,000 visitors over four days, and is the primary (albeit not the only) venue for introducing the latest and greatest games [PDF, 35 pages] that will be released next year. It is open to both consumers and publishers.

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