Hey folks,

Ringing in the new year here and wanted to spread the word to everyone!

So, here's to all the best to everybody in 2014!

Couple things to note:

In the GESC, dferrantino is arranging the 3rd Annual AlphaMeridian Memorial Chess tournament! Matches are played on chess.com, and you can post your participation in this thread.[arstechnica.com]

The Ars Co-Op Gaming group (Ars Nemo Relictus on Steam) tries to get together on Saturday nights for some co-op gaming. Usually non-competitive but not always. Stay up to date with the thread here[arstechnica.com]. Try and join in! There's nothing more fun than lighting Beebs on fire listening to Jebus swear like a madman lighting Mortus on fire good wholesome co-op fun!

For those of you who are shiny new console owners, make sure to check out the threads in the GESC: Xbox One[arstechnica.com], Xbox 360[arstechnica.com], PlayStation 4[arstechnica.com], PlayStation 3[arstechnica.com] and Wii U[arstechnica.com]. Ask questions, post gamertags/PSN IDs/whatever Nintendo uses, and find people to play games with on your consoles.

Last, what are you looking forward to in 2014?[arstechnica.com] I'll be honest, I've got some high hopes for Destiny... although I really wish Bungie would announce a PC port. That would make me all kinds of happy. Looking forward to seeing what Kickstarter games actually make it out this year. Should be some good 'uns! The Banner Saga (turn-based strategy with Vikings) in the next couple of weeks is something that I backed on Kickstarter and am anxious to play. Make sure to sound off in the GESC thread!

Anyways, that's all the babbling from me for now!

May your blades stay sharp, your bullets shoot straight, your dice roll what's needed, your Steam wishlist go on sale, and whatever other stupid cliche things you want to put here happen!

Happy New Year!