How many video game "Collectors" are there?

[digitalpress]

Last weekend I had a reporter over to the house to talk about vintage gaming, get a look at what a game collection looks like, and discuss various aspects of both classic gaming and collecting.

He asked a number of interestnig questions that I have my own opinion on, that I told him would vary depending on who he asked.

One of those questions was "how many collectors do you think there are out there?". When I asked him to define what he considered a collection, he threw the number out there: "a thousand or more games".

Though we've sold several thousand books, I know that not everyone who reads it is reading it strictly for collecting purposes but rather for nostalgia and/or for sale/resale use. Then I thought a little about our Room of Doom and just general feel for how many community members truly collect. I told him 1,000.

What do you think? Am I off the mark?

[Arcturius]

It's hard to say for sure as there's going to be a lot of folks out there collecting that you'd not know about Iespecially in other countries too I know a lot of the sellers I deal with on eBay are also collectors as well so it's a pretty rough guess but a good place to start for sure.

[Ed Oscuro]

1000 folks have 1000+ games? That could be right, maybe a bit high, but if you consider all the posters here who have that many...then the lurkers...then the people off the boards...the number of people who really do collect classic games but don't have that many is much higher for sure. There's probably a lot of folks who keep all their old games but just don't go looking to add to that collection, as well.

I'd say there's no sense beating yourself up over giving that answer, that's what. It sounds right to me.

Now the question is...do you have to have over 1000 classic games to be a collector? I think that the essential ingredient to any collector's mental makeup is that they continue to buy games (regardless of the consequences)...so if somebody has 200 games now (not looking at myself, no sir!) but they have a mind to increase their collection in the future, they should qualify. Just my take on things...there's no arguing that 1000+ games in the house doesn't qualify as a collector :)

[fcw3]

Tough call. There may be more than 1,000 people that have collections of more than 1,000 games. It would be hard to do a census.

I only joined this forum about a year ago. I've had over 1,000 games for a long time. There may be many people that have 1,000 games that have never visted this site.

But what is interesting is the question; What defines a collector ?

If I only collect stamps for the USA, does that make me less of a stamp collector than someone that collects from all places around the world ? How about if I only collect nickels ? Am I less of a collector than someone that collects quarters ?

When you think about it, if you have 1,000 people with 1,000 games each you have 1 million games.

I wonder how many collectors it would take to make it to 1 million games. I have 2,458 in my database. I haven't updated it in 4 years. I pretty sure I'm around 3,000 now.

FRED

[christianscott27]

probably higher, based on the fact that i've "found" quite a few collectors in my area who are not part of the online scene. for various reasons some game geeks like to lay low. the one who really comes to mind is my friend joe, his collection is the second largest in the boston area. other guys i've run into at gameshops are the same way, just doing their thing and not looking to join a community. its really hard to figure out how many of these lurker types are out there but i'm sure we've all seen an intellivision or something sitting around the thrift only to have some unknown rush to the register with it.

[Oobgarm]

I think you're starting to define a collection when you hit 500 games or so. Everyone has favorite games they go after, and I would find it difficult to believe that a person has 500+ favorite games, although it is entirely possible. :)

I think 'serious' collection fits the bill nicely. I never considered myself to be a collector until I started pushing 500 games.

[Ed Oscuro]

probably higher, based on the fact that i've "found" quite a few collectors in my area who are not part of the online scene.

Besides the guys you mention, do a lot of them seem to have over 1000 games? That's pretty interesting, by the way...it does confirm something I suspected all along :)

[Keir]

I'm positive there are more than 1,000 collectors out there by my definition of a collector, but using the 1,000 game mark it's hard to say really. I'm still leaning towards more than 1,000. Even just in the United States that would be a mere 20 collectors per state. Then you have to add in other parts of the world.

[hydr0x]

thousand games? i think he's talking about comics here ;)

everyone with over 100 games is already considered a geek by 99% of the people, and i'd say if you ask normal gamers, they'd say a collection starts at about 250 titles

thousand is way too much, that's already about 4 complete libraries of bigger systems which is quite a lot if u think about it

i think there are less than 1000 people with 1000+ games but i'd say there are about 10.000 collectors worldwide

[Ed Oscuro]

I'm positive there are more than 1,000 collectors out there by my definition of a collector, but using the 1,000 game mark it's hard to say really. I'm still leaning towards more than 1,000. Even just in the United States that would be a mere 20 collectors per state. Then you have to add in other parts of the world.

Huh, that's true. I think it's safe to say that the number of classic gamers in Alaska, the Dakotas etc is pretty small...but I'm sure there's some in, say, Rhode Island and Hawaii (I KNOW there's some people with Japanese systems in Hawaii, how many is another issue).

So, wow, that does change the outlook somewhat. I think you may have hundreds in a few states (Michigan for example), even more in New York and California, and then it drops off sharply.

[YoshiM]

A thousand games is the collector starting point? I disagree. That's a bit on the high side as I doubt those who consider themselves collectors probably don't have near that many. You can't really put a quantity on that. And collecting isn't really just the accumulation of stuff, there's more of a passion or emotion behind it.

If I'd have to put a definition of a "collection", modern systems aside, I'd have to say either the collector has to have multiple systems with at least 10 to 20 games each or one system they collect for with at least 30+ cartridges. Small, yes but still nothing to sneeze at of call a "fad".

[digitalpress]

thousand games? i think he's talking about comics here ;)

everyone with over 100 games is already considered a geek by 99% of the people, and i'd say if you ask normal gamers, they'd say a collection starts at about 250 titles

I agree and have always said that a good collection has nothing to do with the number of games you have. Look at the guy who collects solely for Virtual Boy. He's got maybe 40 games and lots of interesting memorabilia and hardware, but his collection is one of the best, ever!


thousand is way too much, that's already about 4 complete libraries of bigger systems which is quite a lot if u think about it

It's not my column, that's why I asked him what his definition was. I think his angle is more "fanatical collectors", not collectors in general.


i think there are less than 1000 people with 1000+ games but i'd say there are about 10.000 collectors worldwide

I'd agree, using your formula of 100-250 games as the minimum.

[Ed Oscuro]

I'd have to say either the collector has to have multiple systems with at least 10 to 20 games each or one system they collect for with at least 30+ cartridges. Small, yes but still nothing to sneeze at of call a "fad".

Sounds like anybody who's playing on current gen consoles...I don't buy a lot of games for the new systems myself, but that's pretty low. If that's classic consoles, then yeah, that's about entry level.

Oh, what do we have Here? (http://www.forumplanet.com/gamespy/topic.asp?fid=1422&tid=1290085) Let's see how this progresses.

[portnoyd]

I'd say there are most likely 1000-2000, in this country alone. You figure, what, close to 300 million ppl (No, I haven't been following it, and that could be way off), and 2000 collectors.... does 1 in every 150,000 people sound right? ;)

I figure, online, you could cull a list of 1000 from eBay/DP/AA and so on, and like it has been said, there's those not online capable, or don't want a part, so you just doubel that figure.

dave

[chadtower]

probably higher, based on the fact that i've "found" quite a few collectors in my area who are not part of the online scene. for various reasons some game geeks like to lay low. the one who really comes to mind is my friend joe, his collection is the second largest in the boston area. other guys i've run into at gameshops are the same way, just doing their thing and not looking to join a community. its really hard to figure out how many of these lurker types are out there but i'm sure we've all seen an intellivision or something sitting around the thrift only to have some unknown rush to the register with it.

There must be better thrifts in south boston than there are halfway between boston and providence. I can't find ANY decent thrifts aside from a couple of Sals that overprice everything they get so it's not even worth looking.

[Ed Oscuro]

there's those not online capable, or don't want a part, so you just doubel that figure.

I know some folks who collect old cereal stuff (Battle Creek's cereal boom period, 1890-1910 essentially) and they all use eBay sometimes...but that doesn't mean there aren't folks who don't. I think that most anybody who's online is going to be checking eBay, though.

I suppose every area has holdouts who just check thrifts and go to conventions...I can't see a collector *just* checking thrifts and local stores for tradeins; I'm sure there's a few but it can't be many. 'sides, Joe and others run into these types at said conventions.

[Speedy]

1000 games is a collector .. i think that is not true. I consider myself as a collector but i started 1,5 year ago and got 200 games now. Maybe in 5 years i'll pass the 1000 ... but what am i doing until then? I call it collecting :). I don't have the luck that i live in the US so i have to buy my games relative expensive here in Holland with a limited budget. Overall think there are more than that 10.000 people around the world i think, i don't know much about Japan but from what i see on webstores i think that there must be a huge collectors scene there.

[Raedon]

also that excludes the VG collectors who only collect Atari 2600.

[IntvGene]

Yea, 1000 games to be a collector is way too steep. I think 1000 games is way too high of an investment to be considered a collector. That may signify the need for psychological help, but it can't define the average collector.

But, what about stores/collectors? Are they still considered? If you add them, you'll have tons more. They are all enjoying our shared pool of games.

For sure, Japan! With a country of 130 million people, there are easily 1000 people there with collections that size.

How about ROMs? CD-burns? Are they parts of collections too?

[tynstar]

I just joind the ranks of the 1000 club. But I dont think you need a 1000 games to be considered a true collector. What if the only system you play and buy games fot is the Neo Geo? Thats a whole lot of money. Say I collect Atari games and only have R5's and up (DP scale rarity). I would say either one of those people are collectors.

[Parodius]

Considering the IMPRESSIVE game district in Paris I'd have to say there are tons of French collectors.

According to another forum the first Edge Retro Special sold about 10000 copies. That makes about 7-8000 in the UK and the rest elsewhere, when calculating the normal UK to rest of the world ratio of a normal issue of Edge. Now, I wouldn't say that all those 7-8000 in the UK were bought by hardcore collectors, but considering that it cost £5 at the newsstand, maybe half of them were sold to "real" collectors.

That there is a retro only store in London, as well as 3-4 really serious import/retro stores in London as well would attest to this too.

[Cmosfm]

Well, Im at about the 1600 mark now....adding games quickly too. People are too quick to sell stuff here and it's just so easy to find. As for how many there are in the US...maybe about 2000-5000, not sure, no way to be sure, we just have to guesstimate I suppose.

[rbudrick]

. the one who really comes to mind is my friend joe, his collection is the second largest in the boston area.

This wouldn't be Joe Fox, would it ChristianScott27?

I've met him once or twice. DP, I've mentioned him to you before (if this is indeed him).

-Rob

[98PaceCar]

I think it has to depend on what a person collects. Am I less of a collector because I only have 27-30 games right now? What if I said those 27-30 are all upright arcade games?

There are really too many sub categories in videogames to have a real number that makes a collection. Some people refuse to collect cd based consoles, some only VCS, some only NES, some only arcades.

98PaceCar

[christianscott27]

nope his name is joe de yarrio, he's always at our trademeets but never online. we also had joe grand in our ranks til he moved but no joe fox. if the guy lives around new england show him our site, we're always happy to meet other collectors.

[PapaStu]

I think that there have been some really good points so far.

I've got over 1000 games so i can fall into that defined catagory quite easily. But what stuns people who know about my collection is that i dont consider myself a collector of the all the sytems that i own. I only consider myself a collector of the systems that i persue. My PSOne/PS2/XB/GCN stuff has had a little added to it almost every few days. Where as my GameGear hasnt had a new game in probably 5 years. So to me when asked what i collect i dont say that, but i do say that i own X number of games for that system...
Ive got around the same number of GCN and NES games (mid 50's) and i dont call myself a NES collector, because im not interested in completing any aspect of that systems library, but my GCN, im all for snaggin games for it...

I think that it also is a numbers game, if i tell someone that ive got 400 games, that alone wouldn't necessarily mean that I would be called a collector, but if i say that i have 400 PSOne games......

[PDorr3]

Well since I am still in high school and have yet to get a job I wont have 100 gamex for awhile, but I do consider myself a videogame collector. I will send in pics of my room of doom as soon as my super mario/zelda bed sheets arrive :)

[Flack]

So technically, there are no arcade cabinet collectors out there? Unless I guess you own a couple of football fields to store them in (and hey, why not -- if you can afford a thousand games at a few hundred bucks a pop, I'm sure you can afford football fields too).

I think to be a collector you have to say you are obtaining items with the intention of not getting rid of them, whether that's ten, a hundred, or a thousand. And I think most people realize they have become collectors the first time they buy an item that they have practical no use for.

[ubersaurus]

I'm only 50 or so games away from 1000 :-P

[orrimarrko]

Honestly,

I feel that the "collector" mentality takes shape when acquiring the games is far more important than playing them.

While I do play once in a while, the "hunt", and the feeling I get from completing a subset of a system's library, or getting a great deal on a rare game, or whatever, is what drives me.

In my opinion, that makes me a collector - regardless of the number of carts I have.

However, I would agree that you can distiguish yourself from the "casual" collector in various ways - size of the collection being one of those.

Steve

[Dangerboy]

Honestly,

I feel that the "collector" mentality takes shape when acquiring the games is far more important than playing them.



I agree with that, in fact, I believe that is the true defining moment when you go from gamer to collector. Earlier in my life, I'd spend every waking minute playing a game. Now I spend every waking minute hunting down the games, since many times the hunt for the game was more fun than the game I was searching for ever coud be.

I've also noticed I've started playing only the really oddball stuff that no one else would / few have, just because it keeps my attention more than than the present day stuff I see every freakin' day.

As far as counts go...29 till the 4,000th game mark. Collector indeed. ;)

[Mr. Smashy]

Just to rephrase a point that many people here have already made, I think that it's clear that there are many different styles of collecting. I've been lurking around this forum and a few others and it becomes pretty obvious that there are a few styles of note.

One of the most obvious is completionist collecting. There are quite a few people that try to get just about every game that was domestically released for their system of choice. Subsets of this form would include having complete packaging and of course whichever other system carts they can get their hands on (competition carts, demo carts, prototypes...).

My style of collecting is pretty much that I'll want just about any piece of hardware that I can get my hands on and focus mainly on the more popular and fun games for whichever systems I have.

Other collectors go to garage sales and buy all of the gaming stuff they can regardless of whether they have every game and piece of hardware they're about to buy (if the price is right).

Some collectors prefer having their system in a condition as close to how it was when it was new as possible. Some people mod their systems up to improve the video and/or sound quality (and other reasons).

There are lots of ways to go about it. Even if all of my games burned up in a fire, I'd still consider myself a collector.

[PapaStu]

Honestly,

I feel that the "collector" mentality takes shape when acquiring the games is far more important than playing them.

While I do play once in a while, the "hunt", and the feeling I get from completing a subset of a system's library, or getting a great deal on a rare game, or whatever, is what drives me.

In my opinion, that makes me a collector - regardless of the number of carts I have.

However, I would agree that you can distiguish yourself from the "casual" collector in various ways - size of the collection being one of those.

Steve

To True.... I didnt think of that when i posted last time, but when people talk to me about my collection (in particular my PSOne collection) I openly and honestly say that ive not touched a PSOne game in over a year (Last played game was Soul Blade) and now its all about the hunt...and that i stopped collecting when it was no longer feasable to try and play everything that i had.
When i think i finally acknowledged that i had a collection going was somewhere in the 100-150 range where i picked up a handfull of RPG's for the system, and where before i played and beat pretty much everything that i had (ive got the 8 full memory cards to prove it) I came to realise that these games involved too many hours to complete, and i turned my focus from playing everything to treatin the system like it was Pokemon, im now trying to catch em all...

[cheesystick]

Huh, that's true. I think it's safe to say that the number of classic gamers in Alaska, the Dakotas etc is pretty small...but I'm sure there's some in...

Well, there is at least one! I am not even 18 yet, and have over 600 games. I have met a few other Alaskan gamers, mostly small time NES collectors.

I agree about the metality of the collector. I have to admitt, that I spend as much time per week tracking games down as I do playing them. It is that kinda thrill of finally find a good deal and adding that one box to your prized bookshelf. That is a whole new feeling in itself.
-crispy

[Robotron777]

I think a 1000 may be a bit high to be a collector. I would say anyone with more than 4 game systems is a collector or well on their way to being one. I have been playing video games since b/w Pong. Most of the people I know think I have way too many games, but I don't think I have a 1000 yet. I have most of the popular systems and game carts for them. I have in my collection: a Fairchild Channel F, an Astoarcade, Intellivision with voice module, a Colecovision, Nes, Super nes, N64, Gamecube, Sega master system, Sega Genesis with 32X and cd adaptor, Sega Saturn, Sega Dreamcast, Atari 2600 four different styles( 6 switch thru mini version), Atari 5200, 7800, Jaguar, Atari 400 and 800 computers, Atari lynx old and new versions, Comador vic20 and 64, playstation 1, a Vextrex, and an Xbox. Also I have about 17 coin-ops and a bunch of dedicated consoles like pong and Telstar Ranger. Even with all that I don't think I have a 1000 games, though I have never counted them all, Maybe someday when I have time I will. Besides I think collecting is in the heart or maybe in the blood. All I know is when I see a system that I don't have one of, I want it.

[christianscott27]

man this thread is getting silly, its like you guys want affirmation or something! hell call yourself a collector if you want to, theres no leauge of standards out there thats gonna reject your application :) i kinda like the 1000 number myself, its sorta represents that tipping point where it goes from something that fills a shelf to something that takes over a room. the point where your hobby goes from being cute or curious to being scary or life consuming!

has anybody else ever seen the 2002 movie "comic book villains"? its a great little black comedy about the legnths collectors will go to.

http://www.webwombat.com.au/entertainment/dvds/comic.htm

the plot revolves around the death of a reclusive comic book collector and the battle between two shop owners to get their hands on his legendary collection. theres this neat little scene where donal logue's (grounded for life, i love the 80s) character goes on about how if he gets the collection he could "sit at the big kids table" at comic-cons with other super collectors. kinda reminds me of the video game world, if you're stuck for a movie, rent it.

[Predatorxs]

Honestly,

I feel that the "collector" mentality takes shape when acquiring the games is far more important than playing them.

While I do play once in a while, the "hunt", and the feeling I get from completing a subset of a system's library, or getting a great deal on a rare game, or whatever, is what drives me.

That for me hits the Nail on the head, I live in the UK, but i collect everything and anything for the US Snes (For me this is alittle more of a challenge considering i have to buy alot of stuff from American and Canada)

At first it was to play the games, that didn't last long!! Now it's all about the HUNT!! getting those rare items, I just picked up the Exertainment Mountain Bike Rally / Speed Racer Cart!

(the last one out of a bunch of 4 the seller had - i think?)

Things like Starfox Weekend (MINT) for $48, Earthbound for (mint/boxed) $10, that is a great feeling, sometimes you can go crazy and pay alittle over the odd's but in the name of collecting you do it. :-P ( It's all in good fun ;) )

Also 1000 is really alittle high, i think it can start from 20 games to 200 once your into it, it just keeps going!

I'm just alittle over 1100, btw.. (My Snes collection is 3 quarters complete, mainly sports titles to chase up)

XS..

[Cmosfm]

I think it has to depend on what a person collects. Am I less of a collector because I only have 27-30 games right now? What if I said those 27-30 are all upright arcade games?

There are really too many sub categories in videogames to have a real number that makes a collection. Some people refuse to collect cd based consoles, some only VCS, some only NES, some only arcades.

98PaceCar

I personally collect any games or game memorbilia my grubby little mits can get...and get cheap. But when Joe said collector I think he meant an all around collector. Like one that will buy an arcade, and also buy NES games, and 3DO games, and not hesitate to pick up that 5.00 PS2 game either. That is a video game collector. If you collect just arcade games you're an arcade game collector.

[Cmosfm]

Honestly,

I feel that the "collector" mentality takes shape when acquiring the games is far more important than playing them.

While I do play once in a while, the "hunt", and the feeling I get from completing a subset of a system's library, or getting a great deal on a rare game, or whatever, is what drives me.

In my opinion, that makes me a collector - regardless of the number of carts I have.

However, I would agree that you can distiguish yourself from the "casual" collector in various ways - size of the collection being one of those.

Steve

VERY GOOD SIR! That's me there, I spend maybe 15 hours a week game hunting, and I love to find a good deal or buy games more than I actually like to play them. Actually, I've only played about 20% of all the games I own. And when i do play, which is about 2-3 hours a week, Its a next gen system.

I believe I have FAR surpassed the "casual" collector mark, being that Im at about 1600 games now, and running short on space...but still buying with no end in sight. I feel that too makes a good collector, when your running out of space and still bringing stuff home with no where to put it. LOL

[98PaceCar]

I personally collect any games or game memorbilia my grubby little mits can get...and get cheap. But when Joe said collector I think he meant an all around collector. Like one that will buy an arcade, and also buy NES games, and 3DO games, and not hesitate to pick up that 5.00 PS2 game either. That is a video game collector. If you collect just arcade games you're an arcade game collector.

That's a very good point. When people ask, I usually do say I collect arcade games specifically. I think like has been said in this thread, collecting is more the hunt for games to achieve a certain milestone.

So yea, in my case, I am a gamer when it comes to most systems (have Xbox, GCN, DC, 3D0, PS1, and VCS all hooked up at the moment as well as a C64 and 2 Amigas). But when it comes to arcades, I'm a collector. I just think it's just hard to lump all collectors into one mold of "videogame collector". In a market as huge as videogames, it would be almost impossible to collect for everything (though I'd love to meet someone that does!).

98PaceCar

[Cmosfm]

In a market as huge as videogames, it would be almost impossible to collect for everything (though I'd love to meet someone that does!).

HI! Nice to meet you.

Like I said, if I find it, and even if I don't have the system...I buy it. I don't collect for PC or anything, but I don't think anyone on here does...it's a totally different thing and too much garbage.

But like I said, I collect for every system, if it hooks up to a TV it's a system...I have consoles and games ranging from Atari 2600, Commodore 64, NES, 3DO, on and on, many many systems, even odd learning systems like the Socrates and such. My collecting isn't nearly as huge as Joe or Achika, nor some of the others around here, but to only be officially collecting for about a year - a year and a half I've got a damn nice one. :D I hope to run across some arcade machines cheap one day, hopefully a Nintendo Playchoice, I will buy one when I find it reasonable.

PaceCar....do you have any pictures of your arcades? I'd like to see them. I REALLY need to update my collection pics. :o

[Stark]

I'd have to add that I agree a "collector" is one who values owning the games more so than actually playing them like me (mostly). As far as having 10 or 10,000 games dosen't really make a difference. And what about the hardware collectors? Do they count for anything? If 1,000 games is the goal to become an official collector then I passed that mark long ago. So what constitutes a "Super Collector" so I can set a new goal? 8-)

[qbertandernie]

i dont shop on ebay because every game i buy on ebay comes in crappy shape. it seems most of the sellers are not collectors so 'great condition' means that it works. i also much prefer finding the games in the field for minimal cost, its so much more fun than just dropping a bunch of money for whatever i want. i have 2750 games and dont know anyone in my area that has that many(though im sure there are some, i just dont know them).

i dont think you can use ebay as a gauge of how many 1000 game club folks there are. i dont frequent ebay to buy stuff and i just recently came to this site, and have had 1000 games for a few years. i also dont really know how i would meet the gamers in my town. none of my friends care about this stuff, and its not like a have it painted on my car or something for others to know im a super collector when im walking down the street.

i bet there are closer to 5000 (or more) in the 1000 game club, i bet most people just dont know where to voice their existence.

[Mr. Smashy]

its not like a have it painted on my car or something for others to know im a super collector when im walking down the street.

i bet there are closer to 5000 (or more) in the 1000 game club, i bet most people just dont know where to voice their existence.

Maybe somebody should make Digital Press hats, shirt, and bumper stickers. I'd probably be more likely to approach a stranger with a Digital Press hat or T-shirt.

I'm new here so as far as I know, it has already been done.

[98PaceCar]

HI! Nice to meet you.

Like I said, if I find it, and even if I don't have the system...I buy it. I don't collect for PC or anything, but I don't think anyone on here does...it's a totally different thing and too much garbage.

I guess I should have expected that reply!! ;)

See, I don't see a difference in a videogame on a console, computer, or even dedicated hardware. Not that I think there are many people that collect for PC in general. Most likely, people that collect PC based games collect sub categories of PC games (all the C&C games, all Flight Sim games, etc). You are right, there's a lot of games on PC and a large portion of them are crap! But you can't exclude PC based games on the basis that they are bad or that there are too many of them. They are still videogames in the strickest definition of the word.

Now, I don't doubt you have a great collection. Don't take what I said the wrong way. But *I* would define you as a vintage game collector, based on the systems you listed. Still a difference from a pure videogame collector, at least in my opinion. It's all in labels and doesn't really make any difference though!

Edit: Just scanned through your pics.. You do have a heck of a collection! I guess the Xbox, GCN, and PS2 kinda throw my vintage game collector idea out the window... I'm not sure how I would classify your collection!! Maybe console, but you mentioned Commodore.. Got me! Either way, it's a damn nice collection!! X_x

A Playchoice is a great game to own. I've got a dual monitor upright in my garage right now. It's in need of some cosmetic and monitor work, but it does play! I've only got a couple carts in it, but it's still fun to mess around with! Even picked up a gun for it, so I can finally play Duck Hunt again!!! 8-) (I'm easily entertained!!)

I had a few pics of my gameroom up, but they are way old and about half the games in them I don't even own anymore! Since it looks like I'm gonna get iced in down here, I'll try to get some current pics taken. A few games are in various states of disassembly right now, waiting on some powdercoating, but you can at least see what all I've got. I'm missing some key games still, but I'm getting very close to having all the vintage games I really want. I'm sure I'll always pick up more, but the core games are almost all there!

98PaceCar

[Cmosfm]

HI! Nice to meet you.

Like I said, if I find it, and even if I don't have the system...I buy it. I don't collect for PC or anything, but I don't think anyone on here does...it's a totally different thing and too much garbage.

I guess I should have expected that reply!! ;)

Now, I don't doubt you have a great collection. Don't take what I said the wrong way. But *I* would define you as a vintage game collector, based on the systems you listed. Still a difference from a pure videogame collector, at least in my opinion. It's all in labels and doesn't really make any difference though!

Edit: Just scanned through your pics.. You do have a heck of a collection! I guess the Xbox, GCN, and PS2 kinda throw my vintage game collector idea out the window... I'm not sure how I would classify your collection!! Maybe console, but you mentioned Commodore.. Got me! Either way, it's a damn nice collection!! X_x


LOL I was about to correct you on that. I have currently 150+ PS2 games, and 40 some odd GCN & Xbox games. hahaha, so if you really want to classify me then I guess it would be console collector. Like I mentioned, if it hooks up to a TV...I'm getting it, and the Commodore 64 does. BTW, those pics are far out of date...I need to update them, my room is way more packed than that now. :evil:

I still classify PC as totally different, PC games are just that, PC games....not Video Games in the collector sense. They just, I dunno, someone help me out here. PC games aren't collectable, at all, I just don't see it. Does anyone collect PC games? Maybe it's the fact that you can't just put the disk in the drive and play, or that you need a certain amount of specs to play them and if there too old or too new you can't play them. I don't know, PC games are just not collectable.

As for the eBay shopping comment, I believe a true collector goes out and buys what he can on his own, getting good deals, not just dropping tons of money on eBay. But you can't say that everyone who uses eBay is not a collector. Because everyone does! Theres just some stuff you don't find in the wild, or you cant find due to it being import or too rare. Sometimes eBay is your last resort to finish your collection or supply your need for Famicom games. oh boy, thank God for eBay.

[98PaceCar]

I still classify PC as totally different, PC games are just that, PC games....not Video Games in the collector sense. They just, I dunno, someone help me out here. PC games aren't collectable, at all, I just don't see it. Does anyone collect PC games? Maybe it's the fact that you can't just put the disk in the drive and play, or that you need a certain amount of specs to play them and if there too old or too new you can't play them. I don't know, PC games are just not collectable.

Wow! Makes my little console game selection look pathetic as it is. I can't imagine having more!! Course, my arcade habit has taken over a bedroom, half of my living room, part of my office, and a little over half my 2 car garage. Plus, my Ms Pac is still in another friends house. Just to get it in a climate controlled area!! (I think she doesn't mind though!!)

Always best to do some research before commenting. I'm glad I caught it before you got to me!!! LOL ;)

I agree with you that PC games are different to people like us, but they are still videogames. I think the difference (at least for me) is there is no emotional attachment to PC Games. I have C64 and Amiga because it's what I had when I was in high school and college. I have the VCS around because it's the one I had when I was a kid. I won't say I collect for any of those platforms though, as I will pass on items related to any one of them. But maybe in 10 or 20 years, people that are just kids now will be collecting PC games like we collect old console games and arcades.

But I do still have to say that no matter what platform a game runs on, it's still a videogame. The feeling that a game on a given platform invokes for each person is different, but that's what makes it interesting. You and I don't see PC games as viable for collecting, but to a true "videogame collector", I think PC would be an accepted and even necessary part of a collection.

[Cmosfm]

But I do still have to say that no matter what platform a game runs on, it's still a videogame. The feeling that a game on a given platform invokes for each person is different, but that's what makes it interesting. You and I don't see PC games as viable for collecting, but to a true "videogame collector", I think PC would be an accepted and even necessary part of a collection.

I guess I do have to agree with you. But I wouldn't not call any of us a video game collector because we don't do PC. I'm a video game collector! :D But I guess if there was someone who collected EVERY video game he'd go after PC also. Is there anything other than console, PC and Arcade that can be considered a "video game"? I can't think of any cept those holographic light gun games they have set up in buildings in "amusement towns" like Pigeon Forge Tenn. But I seriously DOUBT anyone is trying to own one of those! LOL LOL

[98PaceCar]

I guess I do have to agree with you. But I wouldn't not call any of us a video game collector because we don't do PC. I'm a video game collector! :D But I guess if there was someone who collected EVERY video game he'd go after PC also. Is there anything other than console, PC and Arcade that can be considered a "video game"? I can't think of any cept those holographic light gun games they have set up in buildings in "amusement towns" like Pigeon Forge Tenn. But I seriously DOUBT anyone is trying to own one of those! LOL LOL

Exactly!! :)

Taking this back up to the top of the thread and my original post (and this isn't directed at you Cmosfm, it's directed towards the original author), you can't say that unless someone has 1000 games or more, they aren't a collector. I'm as much a videogame collector with 27 or so arcade games as someone else that has 1000+ games for various platforms. I doubt anybody here truly collects for every platform a videogame can exist on. The logistics of such a collection boggle the mind! I would consider the DP crowd to be more retro gamers or vintage game collectors that also enjoy other aspects of gaming, including modern pc and next gen games.

But you are correct Cmosfm, we are all videogame collectors no matter how many games or systems we have. That's why were here!! 8-)

Oh, and about the holographic lightgun games, I do know a person that would buy them if he had the chance. Just to say he owns it more than anything, but he's like that. Bought out a Laser Quest just to get the guns and sensors. It's fun to play with, but a bit excessive for sure!! O_O

98PaceCar

[Cmosfm]

I guess I do have to agree with you. But I wouldn't not call any of us a video game collector because we don't do PC. I'm a video game collector! :D But I guess if there was someone who collected EVERY video game he'd go after PC also. Is there anything other than console, PC and Arcade that can be considered a "video game"? I can't think of any cept those holographic light gun games they have set up in buildings in "amusement towns" like Pigeon Forge Tenn. But I seriously DOUBT anyone is trying to own one of those! LOL LOL

Exactly!! :)

Taking this back up to the top of the thread and my original post (and this isn't directed at you Cmosfm, it's directed towards the original author), you can't say that unless someone has 1000 games or more, they aren't a collector. I'm as much a videogame collector with 27 or so arcade games as someone else that has 1000+ games for various platforms. I doubt anybody here truly collects for every platform a videogame can exist on. The logistics of such a collection boggle the mind! I would consider the DP crowd to be more retro gamers or vintage game collectors that also enjoy other aspects of gaming, including modern pc and next gen games.

But you are correct Cmosfm, we are all videogame collectors no matter how many games or systems we have. That's why were here!! 8-)

Oh, and about the holographic lightgun games, I do know a person that would buy them if he had the chance. Just to say he owns it more than anything, but he's like that. Bought out a Laser Quest just to get the guns and sensors. It's fun to play with, but a bit excessive for sure!! O_O

98PaceCar

Well put my friend, very well put!

One quick thing though, not everyone here is a collector. I know some who just post here cause they like to play video games. Most people here are collectors, and everyone here has respect for the classic gaming community.

Thanks for a great conversation! Well enjoyed PaceCar :D

[98PaceCar]

Well put my friend, very well put!

One quick thing though, not everyone here is a collector. I know some who just post here cause they like to play video games. Most people here are collectors, and everyone here has respect for the classic gaming community.

Thanks for a great conversation! Well enjoyed PaceCar :D

Right back at you! It's always nice to talk to other true enthusiasts! :cheers:

I did forget that there are pure gamers here. That's the great thing about DP. There is a wide array of interests here, but a great common bond between everybody! 8-)

I'll do my best to get some pics of my collection for you. It's small right now, but I'm always increasing it!! Keep an eye out for a pm from me!

98PaceCar

[Cmosfm]

I'll do my best to get some pics of my collection for you. It's small right now, but I'm always increasing it!! Keep an eye out for a pm from me!

98PaceCar

Sounds good, I hope to get some updated pics on my collection soon, just been too lazy to do it! LOL , talk to you soon.

[Ed Oscuro]

*shrug* (http://www.forumplanet.com/gamespy/topic.asp?fid=1422&tid=1290085)

288 views, 30 posts, and a good deal of these are PC gamers, but here's the voted breakdown (I assume some of the 288 who didn't vote have similar numbers of games, but didn't vote for whatever reason) so far:


Less than 50 13 31.7%
50-100 10 24.4%
100-200 7 17.1%
200-400 4 9.8%
400-1000 4 9.8%
1000+ 1 2.4%
I like butter on my toast, kthxhai* 2 4.9%

*Standard forum etiquette to include an "othar" option.

[Cmosfm]

*shrug* (http://www.forumplanet.com/gamespy/topic.asp?fid=1422&tid=1290085)

288 views, 30 posts, and a good deal of these are PC gamers, but here's the voted breakdown (I assume some of the 288 who didn't vote have similar numbers of games, but didn't vote for whatever reason) so far:


Less than 50 13 31.7%
50-100 10 24.4%
100-200 7 17.1%
200-400 4 9.8%
400-1000 4 9.8%
1000+ 1 2.4%
I like butter on my toast, kthxhai* 2 4.9%

*Standard forum etiquette to include an "othar" option.

Looks good, but most of those are just from PC gamers and not collectors. I still doubt many people collect PC games though....theyd have to have 20 different computer setups with different specs and HUGE hard drives to play them all! Plus old floppys just aren't that stable. 75% of the floppys I have now from back in the day have lost there files.

[Keir]

The 2.4% that voted 1000+ was me.

[bargora]

I believe that I drop in somewhere just short of 400. Been a while since I dd a count.