Change is in the air. It's no secret that newspapers are facing new challenges, what with your fancy intertrodes and your netwebs. To sum up what that means for Gamers Journal, this will be my last post. We're ending the blog, and we're cutting back on gaming coverage in general, or at least gaming coverage with staff names on it.

The pundits say the survival of many newspapers is a matter of focusing on local stories, stories with strong local ties, things that are happening locally. Local, local local! Seems to make sense on many levels. And sometimes that will even allow for gaming coverage: local LAN gatherings, gaming trends that hit hard here, this or that widget created by a South Sound resident, etc.

It's sad to be scaling back on coverage of my favorite pastime, but I have to admit, these past few weeks of playing games and NOT having a column deadline have been kinda fun. I'm gaming again for pleasure and not for work. I haven't done that since my column started up more than 15 years ago. It's a strange feeling to play games and not have a pen and notepad nearby. Those "peripherals" have been so much a part of my gaming experiences since the SNES/Genesis days.

Coupla things I need to wrap up before I... *sniff*... sign off:

First, I'll still do some game reviewing here and there as the major titles hit store shelves. After all, games are still a large part of any Pop Culture beat. And some of the best gaming and gamers in the world are in the South Sound, IMHO. You just won't see my column every week.

Also, many posts ago, the GameStrata guys chimed in. Turns out one of them is from Puyallup. (HA! See? A local tie to gaming!) The site is a very cool place to connect with other "next gen" gamers. And it acts as sort of a personal score and interest aggregator. Check it out.

Next, in a response to a Gamebreakerz post a while ago, the owners invited me and a bunch of friends to come up and try out the place. I have to stress that, while that was an extremely generous gesture, as a News Tribune reporter, I'm not allowed to accept such offers. I did, however, visit the place with a photographer on a recent weekday, and we turned out what I think was a pretty cool overview of this gaming destination. The story ran May 23. I'd link it, but by the time you read this it will have slipped into our archives. Your best bet is to head to Bonney Lake for a visit.

Last year, I started a Wii exercise plan. I lost a few pounds playing Wii games. But it was nothing compared to the success I've been having lately with Wii Fit, the new game that comes with a balance/exercise board. The board is sort of like an electronic step-class step that senses your balance. It tracks your center of gravity as you shift your weight, so you can do things like spin a hula-hoop and walk a tight rope. The exercises are fun (there's yoga, strength training, balance training and aerobics, to start with), and the game dangles a few dozen unlockable games and extras in front of you like a bundle of carrots on a stick. I wouldn't be surprised to find Wii Fit classes starting up a local gyms. If you do find yourself with a Wii Fit board, you really ought to try Wii Ski with it. I swear some of the runs look like they were pulled right off of Snoqualmie and Crystal Mountain. Because I like pretty pictures, I'll post a couple below. Anyway, as this thing takes root in the South Sound, there might be a story out there. Let me hear from you if you spend any time with Wii Fit.

Wii Ski, Namco-Bandai

And last, but not least: I'm not going to disappear from blogging. In fact, you should see me contributing to our promising new local arts blog (as often as TV, video games and pop culture in general intersect with local arts). And there has been some talk about me being the "geeky old man" on our awesome Grit City blog. I just hope I don't noob it up. Those guys rock. And I know for a fact that they have some pretty hardcore gaming lust in their souls.

NEhoo, don't hesitate to drop me a line. I love to chat about gaming. I'm at bill.hutchens@thenewstribune.com, or you can call me at 253-597-8460. Better yet, find me in WoW. Lately I've been playing my level 70 Tauren warrior Onemug on the Dalaran server. See you online.

UPDATE: The climbing competition on starts at 8 a.m. and will run through at least 3 p.m.

For all you silly monkeys out there (you know who you are), there's an interesting event headed to Tacoma's South Park this weekend.

The Puget Sound Regional Tree Climbing Competition takes place Saturday at the park at 4851 South Tacoma Way. I just found out about it. It's sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, and I think you need to be a member to participate in the competition. But, as far as I know, you can watch for free.

From what I understand, it's not just a show of climbing abilities; it's about rope skills and aerial rescue abilities, too. Should be fun to watch from the ground. I'll post the start time as soon as I find out what it is.

The Pierce County Library System is looking out for 20- and 30-somethings with a speed dating event. It's the second "genXgenY" event scheduled this month. The first was a gaming night.

• genX Meets genY – Speed date and meet other singles at South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., on Friday, May 30, at 7 p.m.

Communications director Mary Getchell explained the purpose of these programs: "Our goal is to re-introduce or in some cases introduce GenYGenX-ers to the many free, fun and helpful services at Pierce County Library. From movies, music, books to help with job searches and more, the Library has offerings that may be news to some people in their 20’s and 30’s. Check out our Web page w/more info."

The Pierce County Library System is looking out for 20- and 30-somethings with two "genXgenY" events in May. One is a gaming event, the other a speed dating event:

• genX Vs. genY – Gamers should bring their controllers and play Wii, PSII, Xbox 360 and more at Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W., on Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m.

• genX Meets genY – Speed date and meet other singles at South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., on Friday, May 30, at 7 p.m.

Communications director Mary Getchell explained the purpose of the programs: "Our goal is to re-introduce or in some cases introduce GenYGenX-ers to the many free, fun and helpful services at Pierce County Library. From movies, music, books to help with job searches and more, the Library has offerings that may be news to some people in their 20’s and 30’s. Check out our Web page w/more info."

I had a chance to chat about Grand Theft Auto IV with Jeremy Dunham, IGN's managing editor for games. This guy and his staff have been playing the game on a hardcore basis for a while now. Perhaps you saw their glowing review, which seems to agree with a host of glowing reviews for both the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game.

I've broken our interview into several pieces for your listening pleasure. But BEWARE. Jeremy mostly just gives a sneak peak into the game, color commentary if you will, but there are some potential SPOILERZ ahead.

GTA IV Interview - Part 1

GTA IV Interview - Part 2

GTA IV Interview - Part 3