A NEW Starcade... LIVE?

[digitalpress]

I think one of the more interesting aspects of organizing an event like Classic Gaming Expo is the ongoing possibility that on any given day I might hear from a gaming icon, past or present. I've had the good fortune to make the acquaintance of several new faces (to our show) this year, such as Tim Skelly, Paul Norman, Ed Rotberg, and Jim Huether, each of whom I'm very anxious to chat with "in person".

Even at this late stage in the game, with the floorplan designed, the show's program at the printer, and the speaking schedule being prepared, there's always time for a surprise.

I received this email today.

My name is Mark Richards and I was the original host of "Starcade," cable television's very first original TV game show featuring arcade games. Alex Trebek hosted the original pilot and I hosted the first 26 weeks of the series that aired on Ted Turner's WTBS from December 1982 through June 1983. I also have all of the videotapes of the first 26 shows. As a 12 year resident of Las Vegas, I would only have to travel about 10 miles to the Classic Gaming Expo.

To those of you who watched Starcade or have been catching the reruns on G4 TV, there are far fewer Mark Richards shows than Geoff Edwards, but Richards' show was in many ways better. I'm going to be using my mad negotiation skills to see if he might even be interested in hosting a NEW episode of Starcade LIVE at CGE. Think about it. We've got all the equipment there, we've got questions, and we even have the G4 TV crew on hand.

Now tell me how cool that would be!

[Sniderman]

OH. MY. GOD. That is HUGE! Mark Richards, the host of Starcade at the Expo?!?! Yes! Please invite Mr. Richards as a Guest! I think he'd be great to meet and talk to about his tenure as Starcade host! It's really good of him to offer to attend like that and the fact he lives in LV makes it obviously convenient for him to attend.

Fantastic! I look forward to meeting him! And having him host a round of Starcade LIVE, even if it's done just as a fun little event, would make for a memorable CGE moment, definately!

[digitalpress]

Latest correspondence:

Thanks for getting back to me so soon. I would be delighted to attend the Friday night banquet as well as the Saturday and Sunday activities you have planned and to meet and mingle with Starcade viewers.

I'm going to chat with him today - looks like we've got a very good chance of making a brand new Starcade episode in 2 weeks at CGE!

[Sniderman]

Well, now I gotta find a photo of Mr. Richards for him to sign! That would look great hanging over my game collection! Maybe he'll have some available?

Also, pop together a CONFIRMED notice for the man! Whooo! I am WAY too excited here!

[punkoffgirl]

Holy POOP!! That's THE coolest :) I can't wait to see!

[Anonymous]

<drool> live starcade...

I hope World Heroes is one of the games!

[DEBRO]

NO FAIR!!!

I wish I could attend this year :( It seems everyday you post a "CONFIRMED" notice my heart sinks deeper.

I hope he attends others in the future. I'd love to meet him.

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

:o WOW.

Color me impressed! If he makes it in '04 and we can set up some real video gear, I might know someone who could edit such a beast together...

[digitalpress]

:o WOW.

Color me impressed! If he makes it in '04 and we can set up some real video gear, I might know someone who could edit such a beast together...

Why wait, I say! I'm just two steps away from arranging this with G4 TV, I'll keep you posted!

[portnoyd]

I call dibs on being in the first episode.

dave

[Sniderman]

Who the hell is "Dibs," and of what good will a phone call to this guy do?

[digitalpress]

Who the hell is "Dibs," and of what good will a phone call to this guy do?

He must be talking about "Dibs Malone", the so-called crime boss of downtown Las Vegas. The thing of it all is though, we've got Dibs already. And if you try calling Dibs you could go to jail! JAIL!

[Atar1G1rl]

My life is pretty much complete now and I can die a happy woman.

:D

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

Why wait, I say! I'm just two steps away from arranging this with G4 TV, I'll keep you posted!

If someone hauls the Starcade neon sign outta storage, somebody better catch me, 'cause I'm gonna faint. :D LOL

[Arcade Antics]

Awesome.

*turns on endless loop of the music from Xevious*

[NE146]

*turns on endless loop of the music from Xevious*

LOL

[Sniderman]

Awesome.

*turns on endless loop of the music from Xevious* Now THAT was funny! But you know that SOMEONE will need to burn the original theme on CD and have the band cue it up when the show starts! Whoo-hoo!

[portnoyd]

Ok, I OFFICIALLY PLACE MYSELF ON THE TOP OF THE LIST TO PLAY STARCADE AT CGE :) And in case you want to construe it more, WHEN YOU PLAY STARCADE, THE GAME SHOW AT THE CLASSIC GAMING EXPO, MYSELF WILL BE ONE OF THE FIRST CONTESTANTS.

kthx.

dave

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

Actually, befitting the "Starcade Reloaded" nature of the occasion, I've got a Namco CD with both the original and arrangement versions of the Xevious music standing by. :-D

[MarioAllStar2600]

Thats awsome. Also can I reserve a spot on the game. I dont care if im last one on, I just want to play. AMAzING, from te sounds of it this will be the bets CGE i've been to yet.

[Boboduo]

CGE just keeps getting cooler and cooler - I CAN'T WAIT!!!
:o

[digitalpress]

Thats awsome. Also can I reserve a spot on the game. I dont care if im last one on, I just want to play. AMAzING, from te sounds of it this will be the bets CGE i've been to yet.

I haven't confirmed yet that this will happen, and if it does we'll figure out how contestants will be chosen once we're at CGE. Being a Roundtable forum member certainly can't hurt, that's going to be a VIP badge in many ways at the show.

Keep in mind also that we're planning other game show events, like Classic Gaming Jeopardy! so there will be quite a few opportunities to compete!

[Mayhem]

Definitely interested in taking part... having viewed some stuff that old Sniderman sent me etc. Should be fun if it can be pulled off! 8-)

[Gamemaster_ca_2003]

If this does happen at CGE I want to see some pictures or video of it if you do not mind.

[digitpress Jim]

YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is so so so very awesome that Mr.Mark Richards is going to be at CGE this year,I cant wait to get to see him in person.I hope I can get something signed by him,but just to get to shake his hand would be such a huge fanatastic honor and I would be so very grateful.I have seen and have recored every episode that G4tv has shown of "Starcade".Mr.Geoff Edwards rocks two,he makes a fantastic host also.I hope very much that there will be a "Starcade Live" because I will be on the top of the list.YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!! This CGE is going to rock HardCore,Man I can't wait any longer,only 15 more days though.This is such a rare treat to get to see Mr.Mark Richards,I am so very honored and grateful. :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :rocker: :rocker: :rocker: \^_^/ \^_^/ \^_^/