What ever happened to the Philly classic?

[kyle]

I remember that convention used to be a big deal. Our conventions like that for Classic gaming pretty much dead?

[cvga]

I have fond memories of going to Philly Classic and Cincy Classic. Although those aren't around, there are still several conventions and large swap meets that occur. I went to a convention in Cleveland last fall and to the Midwest Gaming Expo in Milwaukee a couple of years ago. MGE seems particularly well planned with exhibits, presentations, a sales floor, and an arcade.

[VectorGamer]

There's now TooManyGames which is held in Oaks, PA. Visit their www for info.

[Bill Loguidice]

There's now TooManyGames which is held in Oaks, PA. Visit their www for info.

 

I have to admit I was disappointed in last year's. In fact, when PhillyClassic became VGxpo or some such thing, it also lost my interest. It's not easy putting on a good show, but I really appreciated the shows that had a classic gaming slant. What seems to happen is that in order to survive/remain viable/grow, most of these shows try to go big and incorporate a lot of modern stuff and non-gaming things (like music). I tend to lose interest when that happens.

[VectorGamer]

 

I have to admit I was disappointed in last year's. In fact, when PhillyClassic became VGxpo or some such thing, it also lost my interest. It's not easy putting on a good show, but I really appreciated the shows that had a classic gaming slant. What seems to happen is that in order to survive/remain viable/grow, most of these shows try to go big and incorporate a lot of modern stuff and non-gaming things (like music). I tend to lose interest when that happens.

 

The first Too Many Games I went to was at a small market in Leesport. I had a blast. The main attraction for me is the marketplace and I left with a huge bag of cartridges at that show. They also had a Warlords tournament and you could try and buy Prehistoric Times (2600). I think it only cost $10 to get in.

 

Now that TMG is at the Philly Expo Center (or whatever TF it's called) you pay about 2x that amount to get in. Still the main attraction for me is the marketplace and with that I'm usually done after about an hour or so.

 

They need to find someone to supply arcade cabinets. Last year's arcade was a joke.

[BassGuitari]

Midwest Gaming Classic gets bigger every year (to the point where last year we had to spread out into tents in the hotel's parking lot), and it's still organized and run by volunteers and enthusiasts.

There were some reviewers (or "gaming press" or whatever) a couple years ago that dumped on us because we weren't more like PAX. That's something I'm kind of proud of.

[Tempest]

Midwest Gaming Classic gets bigger every year (to the point where last year we had to spread out into tents in the hotel's parking lot), and it's still organized and run by volunteers and enthusiasts.

 

MGC is the closest thing you'll find to a PC replacement. Although I think MGC has surpassed PC at this point.

 

 

There were some reviewers (or "gaming press" or whatever) a couple years ago that dumped on us because we weren't more like PAX. That's something I'm kind of proud of.

 

Were these the same 'gaming press' who tried to break into private parties because they thought that running a website gave them free reign of the entire show?

 

I'd rather not see MGC turn into something like a PAX event. It's getting too large as is for my tastes.

[BassGuitari]

MGC is the closest thing you'll find to a PC replacement. Although I think MGC has surpassed PC at this point.

I've heard that it's actually bigger than even CGE. I've never been to CGE so I couldn't say, but it's a flattering comparison regardless.

 

Were these the same 'gaming press' who tried to break into private parties because they thought that running a website gave them free reign of the entire show?

Well, they didn't try; they did, at least the E2M afterparty. I hesitate to call it "breaking in" since the security guy let them in, and I suspect there was some confusion as to who he was supposed to let in and to what extent that applied to "press." At first I didn't mind them being there (maybe they wanted to interview some of us or learn more about our stuff), but I thought it was pretty gauche when they helped themselves to the refreshments that were supplied by and intended for private parties. It was like if you had a barbeque at your house and some stranger shows up and takes a plate of ribs because he has a food blog. I don't think there was any ill-intent, but it rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.

 

I'd rather not see MGC turn into something like a PAX event. It's getting too large as is for my tastes.

I'm not worried about it becoming PAX Midwest or anything (Hyperkin reps coming to announce the next Retron is about as corporate as it gets), but I'm with you about the size. I miss the days when it was a bit smaller and it was basically a group of nerds hanging out and playing video games and pinball. It's still as fun as it ever was, but as an exhibitor there's more stress that comes with it now. Totally worth it, though.

[Blazing Lazers]

Out of more than just curiosity, does anyone have the names of the organizers for the Pphilly Classic events from 2000 and 2001, and any current contact info for them? I've been trying to get in touch with some of the organizers as part of some ongoing research. If I'm not mistaken (and not sure I'm not) it was a David Newman or David Winter who was the organizer for PC2K and PC2K1?