Video Games Live Kickstarter closes successfully

The Video Games Live Kickstarter campaign from Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler's cousin Tommy Tallarico has closed at $285,081 from 5,679 backers, ahead of its $250,000 target.

The crowdfunding effort was launched to support the recording and distribution of the album Video Games Live: Level 3, which will feature musical arrangements and exclusive recordings from Shadow of the Colossus, Journey, Dota 2, Silent Hill, World of Warcraft, Assassin's Creed, and more.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a bit emotional yesterday when we finally achieved our goal. It's been such a honor for me over the past decade to help give video game music and the entire video game industry the artistic recognition it deserves," Tallarico said. "Many people told me it was going to be impossible to do a campaign of this magnitude. Many people said it couldn't be done and we weren't going to make it. But we all got together and made it happen!"

Video Games Live: Level 3 will be recorded in studio with a 72-piece orchestra backed by a 60-person choir and rock band. All recordings were written, arranged, and conducted by "famous" composers in collaboration with Mass Effect and Call of Duty composer Jack Wall.

The album is expected to be released on February 18, 2014.

Video Games Live is a touring concert series created by Tallarico and Wall. The shows are accompanied by various lighting and effects synced up with the music.