Gameroom Magazine

[councilface]

What I would love to see in Gameroom is an interview with Nicola Salmora. Probably the most important name in retro gaming. 

[CheffoJeffo]

I was curious, did anyone else feel that George Gomez came off a little too cocky and condescending in his interview? The way he phrased things kind of rubbed me the wrong way.

I see what your saying, because he did sound a bit cocky at times.

On the other hand, I liked a lot of the questions that were asked, so thought it was a great interview.

[Visitor Q]

Awesome Mag! Lovin' It!

Big Thanks Kev!! 

Anyone got any issues they want to sell? I have some gaps to fill. 

[KevSteele]

Cool - didn't know you had a Monster Bash - glad you found the issue about it!

[Visitor Q]

Cool - didn't know you had a Monster Bash - glad you found the issue about it!

Yup...

Here is the link: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=87911.0

[KevSteele]

Whew...just finished the March issue and got it sent to the printer.

Here are some of the issue highlights:

GameRoom, March 2009

• Ritchie Knucklez: Keepin’ the arcade dream alive
  
• The REAL Fireball Classic - A mod by Jim Copeland
  
• The Mod Squad: Eddie Cramer’s Revenge from Mars
  
• Coinocopia: Revisiting the Nevada Slots Trip
  
• The Many Incarnations of… Asteroids
  
• The Wayback Machine: Arcades - Gone Forever?
  
• Tales of the Silverball: CSI interview with John Borg
  
• I Remember Them Well… Gottlieb’s Lite-A-Card
  
• GameRoom of the Month: Adam Fowler
  
• GameRoom Reviews: Bling Pinballs & Mill Wipes
  

* cover shot is of Clay Cowgill's Ground Kontrol arcade.

Printer and postal service willing, it should be arriving in subscriber's mailboxes in two weeks or so, and will be on sale at the GameRoom web site on March 1st.

(Now I can enjoy the weekend!  )

[KevSteele]

I've got an interview with Chris Gerding of Quasimoto Interactive tomorrow -- I'll be touring their facilities and seeing what they're cooking up both for operators and home use.

Anyone have any questions they'd like me to ask?

http://www.quasimoto.com/home

[Ummon]

Not to diss your post. Just commenting: I remember first seeing a cab that had no controls, but game pads connected to it, and it just took the wind out of my sails. Still totally leaves me despondent.

[KevSteele]

Not to diss your post. Just commenting: I remember first seeing a cab that had no controls, but game pads connected to it, and it just took the wind out of my sails. Still totally leaves me despondent.

I know what you mean - I'm a big fan of "big controls" (i.e., arcade-style buttons and sticks)

Still, the GameGate is a commercial game console system, pay-to-play. Good news is that it allows Internet gaming, and if you've got your profile on a memory card you can just plug and go.

Might be good for some console gaming at a bar, but it's not really a home system...not unless you REALLY need to control your kid's gaming. 

The Arcade Station, on the other hand, is a multi-platform control panel and cab with built-in system and AV switcher (up to 4 systems, including PC), and it should have a really great price point (can't say more right now, but I was impressed at how inexpensive they're planning on selling it for!)

[TheShanMan]

Just signed up as a first-time subscriber. Looking forward to it!

[gaffner]

Kev, in response to your question on what users might like to see in Gameroom magazine...

First, keep in mind that I've only been subscribed for 2 months now (but plan on always being subscribed  ), so if I hit on something you already do, then my bad.  Also, I'm just throwing out ideas here and seeing what sticks.  With that said:

1.  I would love seeing more Mame stuff. 

2. Specifically, I really enjoy coming to this site and seeing someone's project or idea to make their own arcade machine; it would be nice to see an article that features a build of one from scratch.

3. Seeing someone build something other than an arcade machine from scratch would be very cool as well.  A homemade pinball machine, juke box, or beverage dispenser (for example), or whatever old time machine would be a very interesting read.

4.  Most of us come from the same background and have a lot of the same ideas about what should be in a game room.  I think Gameroom magazine could really help us by giving us different perspectives of what could go well in a game room.  For example, I would think an interview with a savvy fashion designer on how to pimp out a game room might give us some new ideas (or maybe just ideas to laugh at, who knows).  At the very least, it would get us thinking outside the box.

5.  I would love to see articles about pros and cons of different kinds of pool tables, ice hockey machines, shuffleboards (since I'm going to get one of those myself), electronic dart boards, etc.  I enjoy reading about pinball machines, arcade machines, and old fashioned machines, but I'd love to see stuff about other things that might go into my game room.

6.  Sticking with point 5 above, I would like to see some articles on slot machines, or even pachinko machines.  It could be an article about restoring one, or it could be a discussion on different types (or the history of).

That's all I can think of for now.  I hope this gave you some ideas you can use; others feel free to feed off these ideas.  I really enjoy reading Gameroom Magazine and would love to see it grow.   

[shardian]

Kev, in response to your question on what users might like to see in Gameroom magazine...

First, keep in mind that I've only been subscribed for 2 months now (but plan on always being subscribed  ), so if I hit on something you already do, then my bad.  Also, I'm just throwing out ideas here and seeing what sticks.  With that said:

1.  I would love seeing more Mame stuff. 

2. Specifically, I really enjoy coming to this site and seeing someone's project or idea to make their own arcade machine; it would be nice to see an article that features a build of one from scratch.

3. Seeing someone build something other than an arcade machine from scratch would be very cool as well.  A homemade pinball machine, juke box, or beverage dispenser (for example), or whatever old time machine would be a very interesting read.

4.  Most of us come from the same background and have a lot of the same ideas about what should be in a game room.  I think Gameroom magazine could really help us by giving us different perspectives of what could go well in a game room.  For example, I would think an interview with a savvy fashion designer on how to pimp out a game room might give us some new ideas (or maybe just ideas to laugh at, who knows).  At the very least, it would get us thinking outside the box.

5.  I would love to see articles about pros and cons of different kinds of pool tables, ice hockey machines, shuffleboards (since I'm going to get one of those myself), electronic dart boards, etc.  I enjoy reading about pinball machines, arcade machines, and old fashioned machines, but I'd love to see stuff about other things that might go into my game room.

6.  Sticking with point 5 above, I would like to see some articles on slot machines, or even pachinko machines.  It could be an article about restoring one, or it could be a discussion on different types (or the history of).

That's all I can think of for now.  I hope this gave you some ideas you can use; others feel free to feed off these ideas.  I really enjoy reading Gameroom Magazine and would love to see it grow.   

Most of what you mention has been in the magazine at least once in the last 2 years I have been a subscriber.

I will second an article debating the pros and cons of coin-op dartboards though. That would be an interesting read if written by someone who knows their technical stuff. Even though each dartboard has mostly the same basic features, they really are different. For instance, my Pubtime Premier lets you play against the computer. Arachnid and English Mark don't have this option.

I have not seen a single article on dart boards.

[KevSteele]

Kev, in response to your question on what users might like to see in Gameroom magazine...

First, keep in mind that I've only been subscribed for 2 months now (but plan on always being subscribed  ), so if I hit on something you already do, then my bad.  Also, I'm just throwing out ideas here and seeing what sticks.  With that said:

1.  I would love seeing more Mame stuff. 

2. Specifically, I really enjoy coming to this site and seeing someone's project or idea to make their own arcade machine; it would be nice to see an article that features a build of one from scratch.

3. Seeing someone build something other than an arcade machine from scratch would be very cool as well.  A homemade pinball machine, juke box, or beverage dispenser (for example), or whatever old time machine would be a very interesting read.

4.  Most of us come from the same background and have a lot of the same ideas about what should be in a game room.  I think Gameroom magazine could really help us by giving us different perspectives of what could go well in a game room.  For example, I would think an interview with a savvy fashion designer on how to pimp out a game room might give us some new ideas (or maybe just ideas to laugh at, who knows).  At the very least, it would get us thinking outside the box.

5.  I would love to see articles about pros and cons of different kinds of pool tables, ice hockey machines, shuffleboards (since I'm going to get one of those myself), electronic dart boards, etc.  I enjoy reading about pinball machines, arcade machines, and old fashioned machines, but I'd love to see stuff about other things that might go into my game room.

6.  Sticking with point 5 above, I would like to see some articles on slot machines, or even pachinko machines.  It could be an article about restoring one, or it could be a discussion on different types (or the history of).

That's all I can think of for now.  I hope this gave you some ideas you can use; others feel free to feed off these ideas.  I really enjoy reading Gameroom Magazine and would love to see it grow.   

Most of what you mention has been in the magazine at least once in the last 2 years I have been a subscriber.

I will second an article debating the pros and cons of coin-op dartboards though. That would be an interesting read if written by someone who knows their technical stuff. Even though each dartboard has mostly the same basic features, they really are different. For instance, my Pubtime Premier lets you play against the computer. Arachnid and English Mark don't have this option.

I have not seen a single article on dart boards.

All really good suggestions, and all things I'm working on getting included - I really want GameRoom to cover "anything and everything" about home game rooms, from pool to darts to video games and pinball.

Speaking of darts, we did have a tour of the Arachnid factory in a previous issue, but a comparison of dart machines would be great. It's just a matter of tracking down someone with the knowledge who's willing to write.

I've got a few articles on home-made digital juke boxes coming up sometime this year, and a look at digitial jukebox software, and hopefully some articles on unique decorations like pong clocks and such.

I'll see what I can do, and if you know of any interesting game room projects you think we should look into, just let me know.

[Spyridon]

I'd like to see more articles on arcade restorations. 

[gaffner]

All really good suggestions, and all things I'm working on getting included - I really want GameRoom to cover "anything and everything" about home game rooms, from pool to darts to video games and pinball.

Speaking of darts, we did have a tour of the Arachnid factory in a previous issue, but a comparison of dart machines would be great. It's just a matter of tracking down someone with the knowledge who's willing to write.

I've got a few articles on home-made digital juke boxes coming up sometime this year, and a look at digitial jukebox software, and hopefully some articles on unique decorations like pong clocks and such.

I'll see what I can do, and if you know of any interesting game room projects you think we should look into, just let me know.

That home-made digital juke box article sounds like it will be a great read!

I know there is a huge difference between throwing out ideas and actually implementing them in the magazine.  Finding people who want to contribute to the magazine or researching a particular topic probably takes a lot of time (if they can be found even). 

I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback to the owner of a magazine that covers an interest I have a passion for.  When I have more time, I plan on writing about the things I really like about your magazine that make me want to read it so much.    I figure the more information an avid reader can give, the better (since you asked...).  Till then...

[FrizzleFried]

Printer and postal service willing, it should be arriving in subscriber's mailboxes in two weeks or so, and will be on sale at the GameRoom web site on March 1st.

(Now I can enjoy the weekend!  )

Really?  I just got February's on Tuesday (2/17)...

[FrizzleFried]

Something I've often wondered... why post an OLD Twin Galaxies poster each issue advertising an OLD event?  Why not put an UPCOMING flyer in the magazine so folks can actually make plans to attend one of these events?

Also,  the biggest gripe I hear at KLOV is that the magazine has too much of a pinball bent... not nearly enough arcade machine stuff.   I like both so I don't care... I still read the mag each issue from cover to cover...just relaying what I've heard people say.


EDIT: +1 for Scott representing with his Steeler attire each issue!  I noticed he upgraded to Championship attire for this last issue... W00T!

[2600]

Not to be a downer, but I actually let my subscription expire as I just wasn't enjoying the magazine as much anymore.  I've had my subscription for a few years and I believe my subscription started exactly when Kevin took over or one before Kevin took over, not implying that is what affected my decision..  I am thinking of picking up the archives on DVD though. 

Whatever you do keep David Ellis, I will probably miss his articles the most.

[shardian]

Not to be a downer, but I actually let my subscription expire as I just wasn't enjoying the magazine as much anymore.  I've had my subscription for a few years and I believe my subscription started exactly when Kevin took over or one before Kevin took over, not implying that is what affected my decision..  I am thinking of picking up the archives on DVD though. 

Whatever you do keep David Ellis, I will probably miss his articles the most.

Man, I just don't understand this logic. If that magazine doesn't give you the $3 price tag worth of entertainment each month, then I don't know what will.

Sure some issues are better than others, but even the worst issue I've read entertained me for a weeks worth of 'throne visits'. That's all I ask. 

[FrizzleFried]

Sure some issues are better than others, but even the worst issue I've read entertained me for a weeks worth of 'throne visits'. That's all I ask. 

+1

The wife bitches at me because I end up with a stack of 8-10 Gameroom magz and there used to be a few PC GAMER's thrown in for the hell of it.  I let PC GAMER lapse because that IS one magazine that's turned to complete ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.  (Lets not talk about the atrocity that is/was Computer Gaming World/Games For Windows.)

[KevSteele]

Printer and postal service willing, it should be arriving in subscriber's mailboxes in two weeks or so, and will be on sale at the GameRoom web site on March 1st.

(Now I can enjoy the weekend!  )

Really?  I just got February's on Tuesday (2/17)...

January and February's issues seem to have gone into a USPS black hole, and are popping out at random intervals. I've had subscribers just getting their January issues this week, while some got their February issue on January 27th.

Did I mention I hate the USPS?

[KevSteele]

Not to be a downer, but I actually let my subscription expire as I just wasn't enjoying the magazine as much anymore.  I've had my subscription for a few years and I believe my subscription started exactly when Kevin took over or one before Kevin took over, not implying that is what affected my decision..  I am thinking of picking up the archives on DVD though. 

Whatever you do keep David Ellis, I will probably miss his articles the most.

Well, I can understand that if the current "mix" of articles isn't your thing -- what sort of articles would you like to see more of?

I've got many "tribes" of readers, each who want more of their interest area. Video gamers, Pinheads, jukebox nuts, antique slot collectors, pachinko enthusiasts -- I've heard from all of them.

Getting the right "mix" is tough, but I'm always trying to make everyone happy.

[FrizzleFried]

I  think it's safe to say that you can eliminate MOST Pachinko coverage... 

[KevSteele]

I  think it's safe to say that you can eliminate MOST Pachinko coverage... 

Oh, you are going to LOVE the next issue... 

[2600]

It's not like I dislike the magazine and will never renew.  I just 
found myself reading one article an issue and once in a while 
another.  Although, the February issue is really good and will 
probably make me renew again.
 
I think it was just the mood I was in where I was in the middle of 
board repair and restoration and wasn't finding any articles that 
interest me, but maybe it was more then that.  I'd have to think 
about it.  I know there are a few sections that I don't really care 
for and never read.  I don't mind some focus on Pachinko or whatever 
else is out there.  I kind of like the history on things I've never 
seen.  Maybe an issue on Mahjong is due.
 
As far as topics I'd really like to see,
 
-Interview with people at Atari who designed the controllers.
-The development of (Insert pin, vid, etc)  where you contact a dev 
or group of devs and they tell what happened during development.
-Revamp the many incarnations and do it more like Retrogaming Times 
Monthly
-Howto topics which go more in depth on certain parts of restoration, 
fixing things etc.
-Tips from the pros - where you contact the record hold or someone 
very good at a particular vid, pin, etc and they give some insight on 
the game
 
I've got more, but need to finish reading the February issue.

[CheffoJeffo]

Printer and postal service willing, it should be arriving in subscriber's mailboxes in two weeks or so, and will be on sale at the GameRoom web site on March 1st.

(Now I can enjoy the weekend!  )

Really?  I just got February's on Tuesday (2/17)...

The March issue just rolled into my mailbox ... 

[KevSteele]

Printer and postal service willing, it should be arriving in subscriber's mailboxes in two weeks or so, and will be on sale at the GameRoom web site on March 1st.

(Now I can enjoy the weekend!  )

Really?  I just got February's on Tuesday (2/17)...

The March issue just rolled into my mailbox ... 

One of the (few) advantages of having to pay for 1st class international postage. You lucky Canuck!

[ChadTower]

A DVD of all of the past issues?  I'm not a subscriber but that I will buy for sure.     

[CheffoJeffo]

The March issue just rolled into my mailbox ... 

One of the (few) advantages of having to pay for 1st class international postage. You lucky Canuck!

And here I thought it was clean living and good karma ... 

[KevSteele]

A DVD of all of the past issues?  I'm not a subscriber but that I will buy for sure.     

I'm hoping to have it ready in a week or two -- I've had a world of problems with getting it finished (I'm on my third printer for the included booklet, if that gives you a clue as to how messed up things have been! Who knew getting a simple DVD booklet produced could be such an adventure?)

[KevSteele]

The March issue of GameRoom has come in like a lion!

March 2009
Issue Contents:

■ Ritchie Knucklez: Keeping the Arcade Dream Alive
■ The Real Fireball Classic, by Jim Copeland
■ The Mod Squad: Eddie Cramer's Revenge from Mars
■ Coinocopia by Jimmy Rosen: Revisiting the Nevada Trip
■ The Many Incarnations of... Asteroids
■ The Wayback Machine: Gone Forever?
■ Tales of the Sliverball: CSI interview with John Borg
■ I Remember Them Well... Gottlieb's Lite-A-Card
■ GameRoom of the Month: Adam Fowler
■ GameRoom Reviews: Bling Pinballs and Mill Wipes
■ The Last Word: Absence Makes the Game Grow Stronger
■ Auction Watch, Puzzle Page, Twin Galaxies' Scoreboards, News, and More!

Some great photos of Clay Cowgill's Ground Kontrol Arcade, btw...

[KevSteele]

A teaser for the upcoming April issue -- some MAME! (no joke!)

[Visitor Q]

Looking Good!