T-MINUS... CGE 2K4 UPDATE

[digitalpress]

It's that time again! As I am the person responsible for news updates on the cgexpo.com site, I'm going to update this thread to store ideas and events in tandem. Consider it a preview to the show, thirty or so events, highlights, and announcements to lead us right up to the big show itself!

Let's begin. It's "T-MINUS" TIME! :rocker:

T-MINUS THIRTY!

CGE PARTNERS WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/logo_specialolympics.jpgClassic Gaming Expo is proud to partner with Special Olympics (http://www.specialolympics.org). If you were not aware, Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition to more than 1 million people with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries. This year, Classic Gaming Expo and Video Game Collector (http://www.vgcollector.com) magazine will donate the proceeds of a dozen top-notch auction lots, and all proceeds from the show's first-ever "swap meet" room. Details for both of these events will be posted to the CGE website in the next few days. We are truly excited about this partnership and together with VGC and the gaming community at large, hope to make a difference in these young Olympians' lives.

[MarioAllStar2600]

Wow only thirty days. Jesus, I should start putting away some money. But taht was the first time I heard you guys are helping out Special Olympics. Its like one big goodwill. :P Video games and you help someone, now it doesn't get much better then that.

[Sniderman]

Now THAT is a damn nice thing to do. I suggest a Donations Box at the Registration Table or something similar so folks can donate throughout the Expo. I know *I* always have a few bucks on the last day burning a hole in my pocket and I usually buy some trinket or doo-dad or game I really didn't want. But if there was a box, in goes the $$$.

[Qixmaster]

that's an excellent thing to do. I'm behind this 100%. See, video games lead to great things.

-Josh

[punkoffgirl]

That is so awesome and touching to me that I can't begin to find the words to describe it. I participated in my first Area Games for Special Olympics earlier this year, having only participated in a more local event while I was in high school. I wish I'd taken pictures. It was really such a great time for everyone involved; I know I had just as much fun as anyone I was there to support or cheer on. I'll be wearing my "coach" shirt during the auction :)

[tholly]

wow....that is great to hear that they doing that....

too bad i wont be there, or some of my money that i would be spending would help this cause....

hopefully one of these years i can make it out.

[-hellvin-]

Too bad I have so much to pay off...I really wanted to come.

[sisko]

Wow! That was out of left field!

Very unexpected, and so very very cool. I second Sniderman's idea of a donation box!

[digitalpress]

Regarding Special Olympics: I'm really happy that people care about this. It was important to me to kick off our series of show features with the one that's really the most important. Video games let you be a hero or champion, but Special Olympics helps people become champions in real life.

While CGE has never been a non-profit organization, it should be clear that we have no monetary interest in it either. It's our pleasure to help those who need it most.

If it wasn't really really clear, we owe this partnership effort to Video Game Collector magazine, who are the official sponsors of the CGE Auction. They're good people over there and we're really happy to have a common interest in this charity.

T-MINUS TWENTY-NINE.

THE CGE MUSEUM

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/museum.jpgThis year's Classic Gaming Expo will feature what surely is the world's single greatest collection of vintage video game and computer consoles, games, prototypes and memorabilia. With over 1000 unique items spanning some 4,000 square feet (nearly twice the size of last year's show), you are guaranteed to see many pieces that you haven't seen in years... and many you never knew existed! From a vast handheld collection to priceless artifacts like the Atari System X (the original prototype for Atari's 5200 SuperSystem) to one-of-a-kind items like the color Vectrex, it would take hours to absorb it ALL. Fortunately the show is two days long!

[digitalpress]

T-MINUS TWENTY-EIGHT.

CGE, THE MOVIE

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/dvd/logo_dvd.jpgIn case you've missed this... for the first time ever, all of the excitement from the world's first and largest event paying tribute to the people, systems and games of yesteryear has been captured on digital video for your viewing pleasure. Produced by Zach "zmweasel" Meston, this two-DVD set is packed with 3+ hours of footage from this year's show as well as tons of extras. If you saw it at CGE 2K4, you'll see it here! The DVD is $19.99 if you purchase before August 21st. For more details on the contents and order information, head over to the CGE DVD order page (http://www.cgexpo.com/dvd.htm).

[digitalpress]

T-MINUS TWENTY-SEVEN.

A BETTER WAY TO SWAP

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/logo_swapmeet.jpgFor six years, Classic Gaming Expo has hosted a "swap meet" event, whereby collectors around the world can wheel and deal. Some of the greatest finds we've ever heard of happened at this event, like the acquisition of a very rare Atari 2600 game, Video Life, for a mere $5 at CGE2k1. One of the things we've heard from our attendees over the years is that the CGE swap meet is too short, and that that a better arranged room would really help everyone see and barter for everything. With the additional space afforded at San Jose's McEnery Convention Center, a 700-square foot room adjoined to the rest of the action will be dedicated specifically for gamers and collectors to trade their wares. Tables will be available for the nominal charge of $5/hour, of which all proceeds will go to our friends at Special Olympics. You can expect some incredible finds and stories from this year's swap meet... let's see if the Video Life find of 2001 can be topped!.

[digitalpress]

Joe stole my thunder by beating me to the punch but damn the torpedoes, I'm sticking to the schedule!

T-MINUS TWENTY-SIX.

ATARI 5200 "BRISTLES" DEBUTS

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/logo_bristles.gifBristles, a new FirstStar Software video game for the Atari 5200, will be released by Atari2600.com during Classic Gaming Expo 2004. Bristles is a challenging platformer which features Peter the Painter in the starring role. He is thwarted throughout by the Bucket Chucker and his Flying Half-Pints. Bristles features 8 different game screens and 6 skill levels for each building. Use ladders, stairs and elevators to navigate throughout each on your task of repainting the building. Bristles is unique as it is the first licensed release of an original manufacturers software on an Atari game system. Production is limited to 100 copies! Additional information is available on Atari2600.com (http://www.atari2600.com).

[MarioAllStar2600]

Jeez 26 days. I definatly shouldve started saving up earlier. I am trying to scrap together money now. Well 26 days. Man im excited.

[l_lamb]

Regarding the Special Olympics auctions - can we donate items for the auction? I may be able to get an item or two out to California that I would be glad to offer.

[digitalpress]

Regarding the Special Olympics auctions - can we donate items for the auction? I may be able to get an item or two out to California that I would be glad to offer.

Absolutely but please let us know ASAP (email us at info@cgexpo.com) since we're aiming to have these lots known to the public beforehand via flyer which we'll likely stuff in with the show program.

Thank ya!

[digitalpress]

T-MINUS TWENTY-FIVE.

AN ENCYCLOPEDIA FOR 16-BIT GAMERS

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/logo_16bit.jpgIf you're a fan of the "second era" of classic gaming, the time period that spans from the dawn of 16-bit consoles like the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo and TurboGrafx-16 right up to the game systems that have recently discontinued like Sega Dreamcast and Nintendo N64, or have a hankering to see the handheld systems that turned gamers on to portable gaming once and for all, you'll surely want to check out Digital Press' new book, "Collector's Guide Advance", which has complete game listings for over 30 systems released between 1989 and 1999. This 512 page encyclopedia also includes the signature Digital Press rarity scale, easter eggs, and loads of details about your favorite classic systems. The book debuts at Classic Gaming Expo 2004.

[digitalpress]

T-MINUS 24 DAYS.

MIDWAY GAMES AT CGE

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/logo_midway.jpgMidway has been a leader in the industry since the dawn of the video game revolution, with early breakthrough titles including Defender, Sinistar, Tapper, and Spy Hunter. Last year, Midway debuted Midway Arcade Treasures, which featured many of their early hits. This year, the bigger and better Midway Arcade Treasures II will be playable and on display. This compilation includes classics A.P.B., Arch Rivals, Championship Sprint, Cyberball 2072, Gauntlet 2, Hard Drivin'', Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat III, NARC, Pit Fighter, Primal Rage, Rampage World Tour, Spy Hunter 2, Steel Talons, STUN Runner, Timber, Total Carnage, Wizard of Wor, Xenophobe and Xybots! That's a lot of gaming. See for yourself at CGE2k4!

[MegaManFan]

There's unquestionably some irony with Midway being at CGE. On the one hand I'm glad they'll be promoting MAT 2, but on the other they just slammed the majority of us who will be +AT+ the CGE in an article saying "the 30+ crowd doesn't push titles, nobody is buying old school games or titles about dragons and trolls any more." Nice attitude. :P

[digitalpress]

There's unquestionably some irony with Midway being at CGE. On the one hand I'm glad they'll be promoting MAT 2, but on the other they just slammed the majority of us who will be +AT+ the CGE in an article saying "the 30+ crowd doesn't push titles, nobody is buying old school games or titles about dragons and trolls any more." Nice attitude. :P

Well, it may be irony Steve, but I'm a firm believer in "actions, not words". On that faith Midway is clearly a supporter of old-school games. This is their second consecutive year exhibiting at the Expo and it appears they've also committed to a "Treasures" compilation on the PSP which - get this - reportedly will contain all of the games from the first two and a few more!

[ubersaurus]

Sweet, Midway. I'm gonna ask their representative if the MK games on the treasures compilation will have online play.

[digitalpress]

T-MINUS 23 DAYS.

KONAMI AT CGE

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/logo_konami.gifOne of this year's exhibitors should be no stranger to classic gaming fans. Konami, a company that has grown and bred a vast pedigree of retro champions such as Gyruss, Time Pilot, Castlevania, Contra, Super Cobra and many more will be present at CGE2k4. They'll be focusing on their recent PS2 title Gradius V, the latest edition in the popular side-scrolling shooter series. You'll also get to revisit the series' roots, the games that ruled the genre from the 8-bit days right up to this latest installment. There will even be a high-score tournament where you can win a special package chosen by the Konami team for this show!

[gavv]

There's unquestionably some irony with Midway being at CGE. On the one hand I'm glad they'll be promoting MAT 2, but on the other they just slammed the majority of us who will be +AT+ the CGE in an article saying "the 30+ crowd doesn't push titles, nobody is buying old school games or titles about dragons and trolls any more." Nice attitude. :P

Well, it may be irony Steve, but I'm a firm believer in "actions, not words". On that faith Midway is clearly a supporter of old-school games. This is their second consecutive year exhibiting at the Expo and it appears they've also committed to a "Treasures" compilation on the PSP which - get this - reportedly will contain all of the games from the first two and a few more!

hopefully they'll pay more attention to detail on faithful emulation this time (robotron brain soundfx kthx), and come up with a front end that isn't frustrating and confusing. and perhaps coming up with extra materials that aren't ps1 era mpeg re-use from the williams/etc collections

gavv

[MegaManFan]

Well, it may be irony Steve, but I'm a firm believer in "actions, not words". On that faith Midway is clearly a supporter of old-school games. This is their second consecutive year exhibiting at the Expo and it appears they've also committed to a "Treasures" compilation on the PSP which - get this - reportedly will contain all of the games from the first two and a few more!

Don't misunderstand, I'm glad they'll be there, I just wish they'd quit marketing to the old school on one hand and sucker punching us with the other hand. I'm happy they keep releasing these products, just not that they think we're all a bunch of fossils.

[digitalpress]

Sorry, posted this at the CGE site yesterday, forgot the t-minus counter!

T-MINUS 22 DAYS.

LOOPZ FOR LYNX

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/logo_loopz.jpgAfter years of being in a holding pattern, Loopz is finally making a landing on the Atari Lynx at CGE2k4. Songbird Productions (http://songbird-productions.com/) recently scooped up the rights to this game after several years of negotiations with Audiogenic Software Ltd. and Hand Made Software. Loopz is the captivating puzzle game which has been published in at least a dozen different formats. The premise is simple: get pieces, drop them on the screen, and form closed "loopz" to clear the screen. The bigger the loopz, the bigger the points. The three game variations included are Chain Loopz, Target Loopz, and Match Loopz, each with their own twist on the basic game. Players can also watch for "gophers" which appear occasionally to help clear incomplete loopz from the screen. This is just one of the many newly available classics you'll find at this year's event.

[digitalpress]

T-MINUS 21 DAYS.

SNK JOINS AS CGE SPONSOR

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/logo_snk.gifYou may have already noticed a number of new corporations standing behind this year's event. We're very proud to announce SNK as one of this year's sponsors, added to our growing line-up of supporters today. SNK is well-known all over the world as top-notch developers of such classic series as Metal Slug, Samurai Shodown and King of Fighters. You may also know them from their Neo-Geo hardware both in the arcades (MVS) and home (AES) as well as the short-lived Neo-Geo Pocket and Neo-Geo Pocket Color handheld systems. SNK is one of the few developers still producing quality 2D games! You'll see lots of their titles both for sale and for play at CGE2K4.

[digitalpress]

T-MINUS 20 DAYS.

CLASSIC VIDEOGAME GAME SHOWS: LIVE!

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/gameshows.jpgClassic Gaming Expo is home to one of many unique events: video game game shows! Hosted by Digital Press, you can expect a whirlwind of classic game show goodness this year. The game shows will feature a surprise host and pro spokesmodel Janice Prishwalko. Each day of Classic Gaming Expo will feature a new game that plays a lot like "Jeopardy" but with classic video gaming trivia. The competition will be fierce and the prizes plentiful, but it's just as much fun to watch! Be there.

[digitalpress]

T-MINUS 18 DAYS.

VIDEO GAMING'S ICONS

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/keynotes.jpgOne of the many features that distinguishes Classic Gaming Expo from any other event is the gathering of video gaming legends, the people who shaped the electronic gaming industry we know today. We're fortunate enough to have many returning "alumni", and this year brings a record number of new faces to the Expo. With the recent announcement of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, CGE 2k4 presents a record-breaking number of classic gaming alumni including Al Alcorn, Steve Cartwright, David Crane, Jamie Fenton, Rob Fulop, Larry Kaplan, Dan and Garry Kitchen, Dennis Koble, Mark Lesser, Ed Logg, Alan Miller, Owen Rubin, Jay Smith, Howard Scott Warshaw, Bob Whitehead, and many more. Meet and greet the men and women who built the very foundation of video gaming at CGE. For more details on our guests, browse through the celebrities page (http://www.cgexpo.com/guests.html).

[Sniderman]

Ahem, someone's two days behind in his updates. :D C'mon, what else is gonna happen? Huh? Huh?


"My nipples explode with delight!"

[digitalpress]

Truthfully there has been so much to do that the forum updates are ranking a lower priority, but how does this grab ya:

T-MINUS 16 DAYS.

NVIDIA JOINS AS CGE SPONSOR

http://www.nzone.com/docs/IO/10855/twimtbp_logo.jpgNVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA) is a market leader in visual computing technology dedicated to creating products that enhance the interactive experience on consumer and professional computing platforms. Its graphics and communications processors have broad market reach and are incorporated into a wide variety of computing platforms, including consumer digital-media PCs, enterprise PCs, professional workstations, digital content creation systems, notebook PCs, military navigation systems and video game consoles. NVIDIA is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and employs more than 1,700 people worldwide.

And of course, they make video games hum. We're proud to announce NVIDIA as a major sponsor to this year's CGE. Their backing goes a long way toward making the San Jose event the monstrous event that it will be but to cap it off, NVIDIA is offering lots of very cool products that will be given away at various CGE contests and events. Walk away with the gear at CGE!

[MarioAllStar2600]

its getting so close!!!! I am so excited..... so excited!

[sisko]

T-MINUS 16 DAYS.
NVIDIA is offering lots of very cool products that will be given away at various CGE contests and events. Walk away with the gear at CGE!

Ooooh I need a new (better) video card!

*Crosses fingers*

[stickchick]

Hey, are you guys bringing the Bubbles arcade game again? That was fun.

- stick

[digitalpress]

T-MINUS 14 DAYS.

HISTORIC COMPUTER SPACE AND PONG: FREE PLAY

http://www.cgexpo.com/img/logo_computerspace.jpgCourtesy of Atari alum Jerry Jessop, both Computer Space and Pong will be the centerpieces of this year's CGE Arcade! Computer Space, arguably the strangest, coolest looking arcade game is also the first ever, presents a myriad of buttons to the player in a tough, one-on one dogfight in space. Pong was the first commercially successful arcade game. When Nolan Bushnell received the call from Andy Capps' (a bar where Pong was being test-marketed) asking him to check the "broken" game out, a new era was born when he discovered that the cause of this was an overflowing coinbox! These are very special machines that should be enjoyed by classic gaming fans. Discover the thrill of gaming's origins at CGE2k4!

[DEBRO]

T-13...T-12??? Please keep 'em coming.

I looks like you that are fortunate enough to go this year are in for some great treats.

[dkap01]

come on guys, only 9 days to go... Lets have somemore updates its T-9 and counting... See you all there... 8-)

[digitalpress]

Clearly we need a larger staff next year. The new location is creating lots more work so again, my apologies for not getting the web updates to you. Here's one to whet your appetite.

T-MINUS 9 DAYS.

RE-UNITED: ACTIVISION'S FOUNDING FOUR

Classic Gaming Expo is proud to announce that the four founding members of gaming's very first third-party development team, Activision, will be re-united at this event! David Crane (Pitfall!, Freeway) Bob Whitehead (Stampede, Sky Jinks) , Larry Kaplan (Kaboom!, Bridge) and Alan Miller (Starmaster, Robot Tank) will be on hand for an engaging team keynote speech. This may be your ONLY chance to catch all four guys in the same room. Bring along your favorite Activision collectible for a one-of-a-kind signature opportunity!

[DEBRO]

Clearly we need a larger staff next year. The new location is creating lots more work so again, my apologies for not getting the web updates to you.
I know it takes a lot to do these and keep up with them so thank you for doing what you do.



RE-UNITED: ACTIVISION'S FOUNDING FOUR
@_@ To the people that are able to attend...take advantage of this opportunity. Wow, I would love to sit with Bob Whitehead and have him talk about how he came up with the 6-char display kernel (if he can remember back that far).