VGXPO vs. GAMEX

[GrandAmChandler]

So this is interesting, apparently some of the VGXPO organizers left VGXPO and have started their own show in Philly, GAMEX.

Now what really sucks is that they seem to have taken the NBC sponsor with them. What it looks like is a corporate crapfest trying to steal dollars away from VGXPO. Oh and don't worry there isn't a mention of any classic gaming at Gamex. Say what you want about VGXPO, but Ed Flemming is a nice guy, and didn't deserve this. VGXPO still had a little place in their heart for the Retrogaming community, and I for one will be boycotting this GameX. Great Job GameX organizers for backstabbing Ed in the back and earning your one way ticket to hell.

www.gamexpo.us

-GAC-

[intvsama]

Yeah, Ed may do some embarassing things from time to time, but he is a really nice guy and it's a shame some people he's worked with for years decided to backstab him and start up a competing event, taking with them some of his business partners.

From my understanding this Virtual Rush company that is now putting on Game X was a gaming center that recently went under. I'm curious if his business partners are aware of that.

[mindlesspunk77]

GameX is a Joke. All I have to say and I for one as a vendor and fan of gaming will not attend.

[deerinlights]

Actually, from a reliable source, NBC fired VGXPO for a variety of really good reasons. NBC didn't feel the show was up to snuff, and neither did the attendees! My understanding is that NBC also picked Virtual Rush because they had the LAN center model under their belt and were ready to take on something with more benefit to game players.

Considering how tiny VGXPO was prior to the huge NBC turnout, it's no wonder NBC wanted to take their business somewhere else. How wants to send a huge number of fans out to a show that sucks?

[kaedesdisciple]

Actually, from a reliable source, NBC fired VGXPO for a variety of really good reasons. NBC didn't feel the show was up to snuff, and neither did the attendees! My understanding is that NBC also picked Virtual Rush because they had the LAN center model under their belt and were ready to take on something with more benefit to game players.

Considering how tiny VGXPO was prior to the huge NBC turnout, it's no wonder NBC wanted to take their business somewhere else. How wants to send a huge number of fans out to a show that sucks?

A "reliable source" coming from an unknown voice.

Who planted you here?

[mindlesspunk77]

Looks like someone from GameX has made an account. I have actual reliable sources being as I run conventions and that is all total BS. Nice try GameX spy but we here at digital press arent morons Mr I joined Apr 2009 LOL.

[Kid Ice]

Yes sir, we'll have you know that VGXPO is a beloved event here at DP.


...wait, what?

[RCM]

NBC actually partnered with VGXPO for their first year too.

[Sniderman]

Yes sir, we'll have you know that VGXPO is a beloved event here at DP.


...wait, what?

<snerk!>

[deerinlights]

Hey, folks...facts are facts. There's no dispute here. It's OK to be loyal to a show, but let's make sure we're not spreading random lies.

From what I've been told, NBC was real unhappy... I attended VGXPO last year and watched some of the screaming matches and crying jags. It was pretty pathetic.

NBC was pissed because hordes of people were streaming in without paying. Add to that, the convention center was pissed due to total lack of management, volunteers and crowd control. The VGXPO bosses were MIA, and even flubbed/snubbed a major key note speaker, who was beyond inflamed.

Sorry, say what you will, but VGXPO can do what it wants, and so can any other show. As a competing player, I simply don't want to waste my time on a mess...

[mindlesspunk77]

So if you know so much why dont you prove it and say who you are.

[mindlesspunk77]

So Ive been thinking alot and here is what I have to say. As a show producer I've been watching VGXPO (and now GameX) for a long time. I've done my research and this is what I see:

- In an email sent to vendors form GameX, they claimed "the NBC show has a new name and location". As far as I know, NBC never had any ownership of VGXPO - this show is owned by Lunar Tide Communications (that's what Ed's always told me at least). The email has caused confusion among exhibitors, and a number of us thought that VGXPO changed its name. At first glance this all seems reckless and deceitful on the part of NBC.

- Here's a question: I've always been told that NBC was a media partner, not an owner, so how could VGXPO ever be fired from NBC: the relationship was a marketing partnership.

- From what I can tell, VGXPO's relationship with NBC is not unusual, with any event, each year they have new and returning media partners. This is true for VGXPO and NBC has been an on again, off again partner since its inception. The flower show, baby show, car show and home shows all have media partners and the partnerships will change from year to year.

- Every company has turnover, and this is true with TMG, and I am sure its true with VGXPO too. Including Ed Fleming, his brother and a couple other guys, VGXPO still has 5 guys that I can think of that are still working on the expo since the time that they were at Valley Forge.

- Every event has hiccups and mis-steps. I've been critical of VGXPO too, but they make changes each year to fix problems. The comments on DP seem to come from someone that has more then just reliable sources. Whoever is posting is likely with GameX and this all seems awfully like its personal to me.

- Looking at the emails and website, GameX doesn't have much to stand on other then to point out where VGXPO went wrong - and it uses everything VGXPO did right to sell itself (even Robots - come on).

- I was at VGXPO (and most of the past ones) and I saw the tens of thousands of people there last year. Talking with Ed, I know that VGXPO had over 300 volunteers, a dozen of its own staff members and tons of contract folks (including ticket workers, security, union folks, and convention center staff) working on VGXPO from open to close. It may not be perfect but VGXPO has come a far way since the first one.

- If people were sneaking into the event, then that's a problem that VGXPO, and its security people, need to address. However, over the three days of the event VGXPO counted 24,600 people, if there were more then that then wow. That's an awesome problem to have.

- Ed is registered to attend TMG next week - let's see if he has anything to say.

[Coldguy]

*sigh* I am going to be a doing a comparision peice on both events, there is nothing wrong with competition I just hope both conventions can co-exist and offer their unique experience to the audiences that they pull.

[J2games]

Having sponsored RetroCon last year, I was a bit curious about the GameX show when then first contacted us about participating. My concern was that TMG, VGXpo and now GameX all within a few weeks of each other would dilute the interest in any one particular show. And, potentially for us retro companies, more expenses while we hit multiple shows in order to see and sell to the same client base.(or skip shows due to costs.) Additionally, without a clear message, 3 shows will start to become 1 show in the all important "casual" show goer's mind. (you more hardcore gamers will know the difference between the shows. The casual attendee won't and is what drives the show in ticket sale revenues.)

From my conversations with GameX organizers, any retro section right now is a secondary concern/idea. Will it develop? - possibly if they think it will be enough of a draw. Right now, they are quoting fairly steep floor pricing that would scare most retro companies. (it makes Fleming's show look cheap per sqft!) They are also considering putting the retro section in a secondary space within the convention hall (similar to how RetroCon was in the '08 VGXpo and exactly what we AREN'T doing for the '09 show!)

More concerning is the location GameX has selected - seemingly a poor choice so far outside of Philly proper and with limited ingress/egress and parking.

Although everyone will agree Fleming has had his share of "moments" in the past, the guy actually does have a clear plan in his mind. As we saw at the last show, execution was a little lacking - but that can be fixed with a stronger team behind him (which I'm seeing him build right now.) The deal with Wizard World will take the show in a newer direction that I don't think will dilute the message as much as compliment it. Having this extra offering will probably continue to build the "casual" audience and cross-overs. A bigger show attendance = larger anchor companies at the next show - ultimately a win-win for the show goer.

Now, not to completely bash GameX, it might have a space if it can carve one out - but it needs to be done carefully. My understanding is that they landed SciFi channel which might mean some interesting content. I also hear they are in talks to have Take 2's Boston Affiliate as an anchor. Also, GameX is using the NBC Sales Staff to hit up vendors (this is a big deal with alot of mutual back patting.) And they do have the experience of having worked on VGXpo (or could be the reason VGXpo was disorganized.)

VGXpo on the other hand is touting VGLive and potentially EA. Fleming is in conversations with 2 large networks as a replacement to NBC (and don't forget the deal with WW - Wizard World in Chicago attracts close to 70,000 attendees - the Wizard World in Philly attracts 30,000 on it's own.) Plus, being added is an additional show in October where VGXpo will be an attendee of the show sponsor - this will be in NYC (and I don't know if I'm able to share details at this point to I'll await further approval.)

All together, this will be an interesting show season in a challenging economic time. I actually hope the best for all of the shows as I think they can be a win for the people who attend if it's understood what each stands for.

[girlinasuit]

From my understanding this Virtual Rush company that is now putting on Game X was a gaming center that recently went under. I'm curious if his business partners are aware of that.

I did a google search on GameX and VGXPO and it brought me to this site. It's a great site BTW. I'm curious about the quote above, Is it a fact? I mean, did they really go under or did they move on to bigger and better? At first glance, they seem like they have thier act together. I'm starting to research both shows and see what I can find. Due to having a new born, it may take a week or so to gather all my info but I'll post it on here.

My purpose in doing this is simply because I have been asked too. My feedback will be unbiased and inquiring minds want to know things. Does anyone know who owns Virtual Rush?

Look forward to posting with you all!!!

[girlinasuit]

Does anyone know who owns Virtual Rush?

Ok, I'm not sure if he is the "owner", however, I found that Paul Tresca is the President/CEO for Virtual Rush Gaming.

[RCM]

Check this out: http://j2games.com/new/forum/index.php?topic=3498.new#new

Nice going, Ed!

[BillKunkel]

You might want to check out the thread on http://j2games.com/new/forum/index.php?topic=3563.0 for a little info on the guy behind Virtual Rush, the co-producer of GameX. Hell of a guy that Tresca. Also as a matter of interest, I have been in contact with NBC-Universal during the past few days inquiring as to the use of its logo -- as opposed to the NBC 10 logo for the local station on Philly (which is the lowest rated network in the city). Suddenly, I notice that on the GameX sites have replaced the NBC-Universal logo with the NBC-10 logo. Hmm, given that GameX's big sales push was that NBC-Universal was "co-producer" of the GameX event, this seems a little... strange. The NBC-Universal logo also appears on a number of GameX business cards, but I suspect it will disappear from those as well.

[Kid Ice]

The battle for irrelevance continues!

[Coldguy]

Anyone else want to see a cage match in a con?

[makeitcount]

UPDATED (Twice)----Does anyone know if this is true? ^^;

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/GameX-Announces-EA-as-bw-578471458.html?x=0&.v=1

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Gaming-Industrys-Acclaimed-prnews-3661710576.html?x=0&.v=1

[makeitcount]

I've read enough PR on both sides to realize that VGXPO can't hold a candle to the folks at GameX. They have more happening at their first year show than VGXPO could have ever dreamed of. DP??? could you be more biased in your fourms? Facts are facts, VGXPO sucked last year, the year before, and the year before. I'm thrilled there is a new show in town :-) I decided to reply to some posts from another thread on here. My replies are to VGXPO vs. GameX or http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130691&highlight=gamex

So I will start with this genius :deadhorse:
MindlessPunk - I'm guessing that’s not just a name ;-). You sound about as intelligent as my 2 year old. It's nice to know you won't be at GameX - It just means more class. What do you own anyway that GameX would even want?

J2Games - I spent my entire weekend at Wizard World in Philly this year and if they had 30k people then I'm a blind fool. 13k MAX. Also, VGXPO didn't sign EA, GameX did. Get your head out of your ass :-P.

Virtual Rush / GameX - My advice to you all is that you just keep plugging away, I am very impressed with what you have done so far. I'll be in touch as were coming to your show to exhibit.

intvsama - I'm guessing you’re not bright enough either to realize that Virtual Rush hasn't gone under, in fact, from what I've read, they are kicking the living shit out of VGXPO. Hands Down!!!

That's all for now: Peace and Love to you all...

[GrandAmChandler]

I've read enough PR on both sides to realize that VGXPO can't hold a candle to the folks at GameX. They have more happening at their first year show than VGXPO could have ever dreamed of. DP??? could you be more biased in your fourms? Facts are facts, VGXPO sucked last year, the year before, and the year before. I'm thrilled there is a new show in town :-) I decided to reply to some posts from another thread on here. My replies are to VGXPO vs. GameX or http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130691&highlight=gamex

So I will start with this genius :deadhorse:
MindlessPunk - I'm guessing that’s not just a name ;-). You sound about as intelligent as my 2 year old. It's nice to know you won't be at GameX - It just means more class. What do you own anyway that GameX would even want?

J2Games - I spent my entire weekend at Wizard World in Philly this year and if they had 30k people then I'm a blind fool. 13k MAX. Also, VGXPO didn't sign EA, GameX did. Get your head out of your ass :-P.

Virtual Rush / GameX - My advice to you all is that you just keep plugging away, I am very impressed with what you have done so far. I'll be in touch as were coming to your show to exhibit.

intvsama - I'm guessing you’re not bright enough either to realize that Virtual Rush hasn't gone under, in fact, from what I've read, they are kicking the living shit out of VGXPO. Hands Down!!!

That's all for now: Peace and Love to you all...

Bash one more forum member here and you are gone. Final warning.

Threads Merged.
-GAC-

[intvsama]

The fact that you think that DP is biased towards VGXPO shows what a fucking total ignorant noob you are and that you need to stfu and gtfo. Also, cocks.

[Sniderman]

Holy shit! Someone thinks the DP members SUPPORT VGXPO? I think I just peed myself.

Here n00b. Read these threads and feel the "love":

A link (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124741&highlight=vgxpo)
Nuther link (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99920&highlight=vgxpo)
Another one (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98433&highlight=vgxpo)
Yet another orgy of love and respect (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90949&highlight=vgxpo)

[Kid Ice]

DP??? could you be more biased in your fourms?


The bias here towards gaming events that have actually happened is absolutely ridiculous.

[DKTheArcadeRat]

Holy shit! Someone thinks the DP members SUPPORT VGXPO? I think I just peed myself.

Here n00b. Read these threads and feel the "love":

A link (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124741&highlight=vgxpo)
Nuther link (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99920&highlight=vgxpo)
Another one (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98433&highlight=vgxpo)
Yet another orgy of love and respect (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90949&highlight=vgxpo)

We can't forget.... http://kotaku.com/5068791/ed-flemings-suv-now-50-percent-bumper+free THAT was awesome, which proves more people don't like VGXPO. Also, just going to be a matter of time before we find out how bad GameX is.

[MV500]

GameX Boycott

With the recent revelations that the GameX founder, and executive producer, Frank "Paul" Tresca was convicted on "Deadbeat Dad" charges, we are organizing a boycott of his convention and ask you to join us in promoting fatherly-responsibility of child support, health and welfare.

To learn more visit the GameX boycott facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=118187701939&ref=search&sid=100000107034804.1760686777..1

[Kid Ice]

I followed the bread crumbs here and to summarize:

-this Tresca apparently got thrown out of some con for distributing paperwork for Gamex (just like one of VGXPO's organizers did)

-this Tresca owes some child support (who cares)

-this Tresca told his wife and/or mother-in-law "you'll be dead soon" (yes we'll all be dead soon)

Hey, I heard John Hardie owes some parking tickets and Joe subscribes to Skinemax. Let's boycott CGE.

[MachineGex]

The personal attacks really caught me off guard....

[Kid Ice]

The personal attacks really caught me off guard....

Considering the source very off guard. And sad.

[Sniderman]

I find it interesting that the only people still passionate about the whole VGXPO/GAMEX situation are our n00b "2-posts-or-less" members. Seems the old timers no longer give a shit either way.

So, to our n00b "2-posts-or-less" members, I say, "Go promote/dis these cons elsewhere as we've kinda given up on both at this point."

[GrandAmChandler]

So, to our n00b "2-posts-or-less" members, I say, "Go promote/dis these cons elsewhere as we've kinda given up on both at this point."

QFT. :hail:

[MV500]

I didn't mean to get anyone upset. I'm just pissed off at guys like this. My dad sucked and did the same thing to me and my brother and my mom.

I don't plan to attend Gamex and I hope that people who do will know what this guy is. If any of you ever have kids, please never screw them. If you cannot afford your child support talk with your ex, and your lawyer, and have the payments modified. Also, never be an ass to a woman, especially in front of your kids.

I wont say anything else about this. I look forward to chatting with you all on other gaming topics in the future.

MV

[Kid Ice]

I don't plan to attend Gamex and I hope that people who do will know what this guy is.

I have never attended/not attended a gaming event based on the moral/legal disposition of one of its organizers. I could care less if the guy drove drunk through a church while raping a kitten. Put on a decent Philly show and shut the hell up.

[intvsama]

I have never attended/not attended a gaming event based on the moral/legal disposition of one of its organizers. I could care less if the guy drove drunk through a church while raping a kitten. Put on a decent Philly show and shut the hell up.

Been reading my rap sheet, 'eh?

[portnoyd]

So when are they going to ditch both of these shows and bring back PhillyClassic. Like PhillyClassic 2 or 3 style. Seriously.

[Tempest]

So when are they going to ditch both of these shows and bring back PhillyClassic. Like PhillyClassic 2 or 3 style. Seriously.
The PhillyClassic is pretty much retired for good from what I understand. Of course that doesn't stop someone from putting on a PhillyClassic-like show. The Midwest Gaming Classic in WI is very much like PC, it's the best show out there at the moment IMHO.

Tempest

[Sniderman]

The PhillyClassic is pretty much retired for good from what I understand. Of course that doesn't stop someone from putting on a PhillyClassic-like show. The Midwest Gaming Classic in WI is very much like PC, it's the best show out there at the moment IMHO.

Tempest

Yup, actually any of the smaller regional shows have a nice "olde tyme" PhillyClassic feel to them. I suggest checking any one of those out.

[portnoyd]

Yeah, but I don't want to drive past how far I'd have to drive for where PhillyClassic was. :P

[intvsama]

Yeah, but I don't want to drive past how far I'd have to drive for where PhillyClassic was. :P

Well, GameCore was just today, and it was like 10 minutes from where PhillyClassic used to be held.

Plus there's TooManyGames up in Reading every year.

[udisi]

I'm gonna agree with Sniderman and the others who say...

who cares?

No offense to Fleming as he seems like a nice guy. Don't know this other guys tresca or whatever. BUT

VGXPO sucks.....GAMEX will probably also suck. I could give a crap less about some industry wanna be E3 games con. I don't care if you have 13,000 mindless idiots in the door or 70,000. I'd much rather go to the mid-west classic in WI, or The Portland,OR show, or CGE.

Why? because they actually focus on classic gaming. They will be smaller, cheaper shows, with more of what I want to see at a show.

There aren't many good classic shows because it's hard to put one on for profit. The crowds at a truly classic games show may break a few grand. you'd never see 50k people.

I can get the experience of vgxpo or gamex from watching E3 coverage on youtube. or walking into my local gamestop.

I see these conventions as what they are. They're a buisness endver for those putting the shows on. They want to sell enough floorspace and tickets to cover expenses and make as big a profit as possible. 70k people in the door no matter if they enjoy it or not is successful. I would venture to bet that although the majority of people I've heard from though the vgxpo sucked, that vgxpo probably made a pretty nice buck if they past 70k through the doors.

Not saying that most Classic shows don't try and turn a profit. They do, but they also try to do so while keeping the theme. Some classic shows don't even break even. So why do they do it? Cause they don't want a E3, they want the classic experience. That's why phillyclassic will forever be the only show that was ever worth going to in philly. I don't know how it did financially. I'm guessing not good enough to continue it, but that's the kind of show that classic gamers want.

[Tupin]

I've read this thread several times, and I still don't understand what's going on.

That's probably for the best. All I can tell is that I'm not going to either of these conventions.

[mindlesspunk77]

So when are they going to ditch both of these shows and bring back PhillyClassic. Like PhillyClassic 2 or 3 style. Seriously.

You should of been at Game Core.

[mindlesspunk77]

I'm gonna agree with Sniderman and the others who say...

who cares?

No offense to Fleming as he seems like a nice guy. Don't know this other guys tresca or whatever. BUT

VGXPO sucks.....GAMEX will probably also suck. I could give a crap less about some industry wanna be E3 games con. I don't care if you have 13,000 mindless idiots in the door or 70,000. I'd much rather go to the mid-west classic in WI, or The Portland,OR show, or CGE.

Why? because they actually focus on classic gaming. They will be smaller, cheaper shows, with more of what I want to see at a show.

There aren't many good classic shows because it's hard to put one on for profit. The crowds at a truly classic games show may break a few grand. you'd never see 50k people.

I can get the experience of vgxpo or gamex from watching E3 coverage on youtube. or walking into my local gamestop.

I see these conventions as what they are. They're a buisness endver for those putting the shows on. They want to sell enough floorspace and tickets to cover expenses and make as big a profit as possible. 70k people in the door no matter if they enjoy it or not is successful. I would venture to bet that although the majority of people I've heard from though the vgxpo sucked, that vgxpo probably made a pretty nice buck if they past 70k through the doors.

Not saying that most Classic shows don't try and turn a profit. They do, but they also try to do so while keeping the theme. Some classic shows don't even break even. So why do they do it? Cause they don't want a E3, they want the classic experience. That's why phillyclassic will forever be the only show that was ever worth going to in philly. I don't know how it did financially. I'm guessing not good enough to continue it, but that's the kind of show that classic gamers want.


Again you should check out Game Core.

[16-bit]

Tens of thousands of people, and over 300 volunteers, just for lil ole VGXPO? Gosh, that's just swell.

It was a really impressive show. I've done over 80 conventions and I was very impressed with the staffing and help in the retrocon room. In fact, I'd place the show in my top 5 for staffing service.

Retrocon wasn't perfect (museum sucked), but VGXPO demonstrated a real consideration for classic gaming to me last year and I am really excited to be returning to the retrocon section for this year.

[Baloo]

I think I might be going to both this year. Definitely going to VGXPO, I read over the website and it looks like it's going to be very good. Mind you I've never been to this before.

GameX doesn't seem to have enough info out there though to get me really interested though. But I might go anyway.

[mindlesspunk77]

Vgxpo made my nintendo very happy today complete qix, crackout,balloon fight and a few more black box games also uforia 2 hong kong white carts and a really strange color color dreams game.

Anyway. Very happy and its only friday.

[Baloo]

Yeah same, I had a good time. I managed to win 2 copies of Wario Land Shake It and a copy of Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon for DS along with getting a DSi USB to SD card converter from the Nintendo booth today.

Nintendo booth rocked the rest of convention. Especially with it's New Super Mario Bros. Wii demos! :)

Can't wait for tommorow and Sunday.

[mindlesspunk77]

Just wanna let you guys know since this is a PA area gaming thread that the Game Core 2010 show has been announced. I made a thread in the Events forum here and you can check the website at www.gamecorecon.com