PC4 and kids

[maibock]

I'm starting to get cold feet about taking the kids to PC4.. Since it's the first time going, I'm not quite sure what to expect. At 20 bucks a pop(60 bucks total) I'm wondering if it's worth it?

 

I'm sure they'll enjoy it for a few hours, but heck I could just as easily take them to an arcade. Yeah I realize they'll probably enjoy the older games too.

 

I guess my question is to those who have taken their kids, is it a fun time for them? I'm planning on being there for several hours throughout the weekend. Their ages are 10 and 12. Thanks

[Cassidy Nolen]

That's an interesting point. I am not a parent (probably will never be), but I am a teacher. I have been the the PC for the last few years (missed the first one), and have seen the number of kids increase.

 

I bring my Computer Space machine to the show. Its quite possibly THE most important thing I own in my life. It really does not have a value, nor can it be replaced. Last year, I looked over, and there was a young girl HANGING on the controls. Now this brings about a good question: who do I get upset with? The kid is bored, but the parent is not doing their job.

 

There is plenty for kids to do. Just please, be sure they understand (like the rest of us) this stuff is part of history. PC is like a museum you can touch, just not too hard

 

Cassidy

[maibock]

Thanks for the heads-up Cassidy. If you saw how they take care of all our gaming systems, you'd be impressed. I certainly plan to have a talk with them on the way over, regardless.

[Curt Vendel]

Well I do recall a lot of modern gaming consoles and young kids were huddled around them all weekend last year, but I serioulsy doubt you'd have to worry much if you let them loose in the arcade area, there were close to 70 machines there last year of every size, shape, make and genre and I'm sure your kids will be lost in those for hours on end, I've seen the floor plan for the show and the arcade section looks just as big again...

 

 

Curt

[MrRetroGamer]

I bring my Computer Space machine to the show.  Its quite possibly THE most important thing I own in my life.  It really does not have a value, nor can it be replaced.  Last year, I looked over, and there was a young girl HANGING on the controls. Cassidy

 

The same thing happens when you go to any type of show, like a classic car show, for example. No matter what the signs say, or what kind of ropes you put up, some people insist on TOUCHING things that they should not, either knowingly or accidentally or whatever. You may want to have your machine behind you where people cannot get to it very easily.

[Tempest]

You may want to have your machine behind you where people cannot get to it very easily.

 

Or you just need to put a sign at the entrance to the convention that says "We reserve the right to smack your out of control kids".

 

I swear there were a few there last year that I wanted to smack around. Of course it's not really their fault, it's the parents who bring toddlers and kids under 10 to a video game convention and wonder why they get bored after an hour or so. Nothing like a cranky kid to really ruin a convention.

 

I say if you've got fairly well behaved kids that are 12 or older they'll be fine. Leave the rug rats at home though unless they're supervised.

 

Tempest

[Curt Vendel]

You may want to have your machine behind you where people cannot get to it very easily.

 

"We reserve the right to smack your out of control kids".

 

 

Tempest

 

Okay... all those who signed up for Matt's "Protomaster DayCar Center" at Phillyclassic should consider finding someplace else to care for your kids while at the show....

 

 

 

Curt

[Cassidy Nolen]

I think we will all sleep better knowing that Tempest does not teach elementary school!

 

I am glad that no one was offended by my comments. You always run that risk when you say something like that. AFAIC, I would love to share Computer Space with EVERYONE (yes, even the munchkin hellraisers), but I just ask for their respect. I want everyone to enjoy it. Thats whats cool about Video Games versus art. There is so much more to collecting than just seeing.

 

Cassidy

 

Is anyone else about to pop with excitement?....

Hey Curt, dont forget my Astrocade!