Round-Up: Play! In Chicago, Abertay Comes to Ontario, Trackmania ESWC

Today's round-up includes news on fresh U.S. dates for a video game concert series, info on the University of Abertay's extension of its degree program into North America, and the free release of a pro gaming-related PC racing title, as well as today's GameSetWatch weblog posts and Gamasutra job postings. - The game concert series PLAY! A Video Game Symphony has added another show to its traveling tour, which will replace its Sweden date in June as the inaugural performance: the concert series will now go underway at Chicago's Rosemont Theatre on May 27th. The concert will feature music from series such as Final Fantasy, Silent Hill, Metal Gear Solid, World of Warcraft, and Sonic the Hedgehog, as well as guest appearances from composers such as Jeremy Soule (Elder Scrolls III), Yuzo Koshiro (Shenmue), and Marty O'Donnell (Halo). Tickets for the event are currently available online. - The University of Abertay Dundee in Scotland will offer its curriculum in video games in North America through Algoma University College in Ontario, Canada. The program will be a chance for students in North America to receive a masters' degree in video games, with instruction from some of Abertay Dundee's professors via videoconferencing. "The MSc Computer Games Technology offers an international experience," said Algoma president Dr. Celia Ross, "opening a window to European and North American enterprise. I am delighted that the programme will provide students with an exceptional opportunity to work up a personal portfolio to showcase their knowledge and skills in the computer game arena." - Nadeo, developers of Trackmania, has introduced the free Trackmania Nations ESWC PC racing title, in conjunction with professional gaming competition the Electronic Sports World Cup. The new version will feature the ability to link with other Trackmania players around the world, in order to participate in a worldwide competition. The game will be hosted on official servers to keep track of each nation's progress and standing in the game. Those interested in representing for their country online can download the game for free (.EXE link) at Nadeo's website. - The latest posts on Gamasutra sister weblog GameSetWatch include info on a great interview with the Metal Gear Solid documentary director, a new video game art community, and fresh details on the Cenix GMP-M6 handheld gaming system, among others. - Also updated today: the latest Gamasutra job postings, including positions from Blockdot, BMH Associates, CNET Networks, Eidos, Factor 5, In-Fusio, Visual Concept, and Wideload Games.