ARCADIUM: The Arcade Show 2013 - Toronto, Ontario CANADA

[Rick]

I've been doing a bit of research locally, in regards to what we have here in Canada (Ontario, mostly) for arcades, and the result has been NOT MUCH. This year, the Ontario Science Centre has put on "GameOn 2.0", which is a history of arcade and video games. This got me wondering if there would be a 'stepping stone' to bringing arcade popularity back... I know that there are more than a few arcades - actual, full-on arcades - that are successful in the U.S. (Funspot, etc.) and I'm not asking if it would be possible to actually be successful opening one. I think we've all entertained this discussion ad nauseum.


I was thinking that it might be an exciting venture to have a small arcade show, and wanted to get people's thoughts on the idea. Basically, rent a space and have adequate power available, take sign-ups for people to bring in their games and products, market the show locally, and have people visit.


There could be a section for arcade games, pinball machines, tables if people wanted to sell arcade-related products such as parts, t-shirts, memorabilia, etc. The challenges I see are getting in an adequate number of vendors / people bringing arcade and pinball machines, a possible lack of interest or visitors. Obviously, there's the issue of transportation and setup, and the possibility that there would be people who's machines are more for 'display only' (i.e. "hands off  / no touchy") and they could have a section as well.

Maybe I'm rambling here, but - in my opinion - I'd visit the HELL out of this, if this existed. I'd love to be able to walk through even a small venue, talk with the owners who have owned/restored/built their machines, play them, etc. What do you guys think?

My personal thought is this: try it out, start small, and see if you can build something bigger. I would like to investigate this locally - probably start in my own city (anyone in the Durham Region - Ajax/Pickering/Oshawa interested NOW?) and see what I could put together. I'd happily put up my own cash to rent the local Community Centre, schedule and promote the event.

What do you think?

(Yes, I've renamed the thread from "Idea:..." as it was, to something that may be deemed 'ambiguous', but that's only to drum up interest and get a discussion going. If it's too ambiguous, my apologies.)

[Monkeyvoodoo]

If I still lived in the area, I would be really interested in this. It is a great idea and Toronto should have the population base to make it at least a semi viable venture.


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[Rick]

If I still lived in the area, I would be really interested in this. It is a great idea and Toronto should have the population base to make it at least a semi viable venture.

This is what I figured as well. The GTA spans a large area, and even the outlying areas should be able to spawn enough interest to fill a nicely sized arena with games and products!

My personal "dream idea" would be to have an arena floor filled with different games set to free play, and offer a small admission to the venue. Have a small entry fee for vendors which would give them a 10' area for a table, and no entry fee for people who want to bring their arcade cabinet or pinball machine for the 'general gaming area'. Create a list of games that are coming in, group them if you have more than one (10 x Pac Man cabs? Right this way!) and label each game with their owners' information to track incoming and outgoing. Have a 'security guard' of sorts to police their use, who could be an owner helping out on a rotation, to make sure nobody is abusing the games.

Arcade-Con 2013, anyone?

[nagamitsu]

Hmm, interesting idea. I'd have to figure out how to transport my cabinet.  Wondering if the cabinets shown in the video for the Science Centre, were on loan by local collectors or what?

My in-laws went, with some friends and their grandchildren, was neat when they emailed me photo of Space Invaders cocktail, and realized that is what my cocktail is in my basement.

Toy shows are fairly popular. Mainly for sale of collectible toys, but to do an arcade show, add sales/trades of parts and cabinets to also an "exhibit" of playable cabinets for visitors to play.

I need my OpenJamma board before I haul a cabinet to a show though. 

Tim

[Rick]

Hmm, interesting idea. I'd have to figure out how to transport my cabinet. Toy shows are fairly popular. Mainly for sale of collectible toys, but to do an arcade show, add sales/trades of parts and cabinets to also an "exhibit" of playable cabinets for visitors to play.

That's exactly what I'm thinking. I've been a Project Manager / Technical Consultant for over 15 years, and I've been to enough events to be able to plan this one, so it really comes down to interest. (...although considering the lack of interest in this thread, I might be reconsidering... *cough cough* ...but I digress)

I guess I was hoping for a big "rah rah" response, but maybe it needs even more "pomp and circumstance". I WANT to do this, and I'm trying to move forward with a plan. Any help by way of thoughts and ideas are appreciated!


Edit: In the interest of drumming up interest, I've renamed the thread. Maybe that'll get people involved and talking!