Old School Gamer Magazine speaks with Daniel Iacovelli, promoter of the Video Game Summit, about this year’s event.
Old School Gamer Magazine: What makes this year’s Video Game Summit unique?
Daniel Iacovelli: This year’s event captures the essence of our beginnings in 2003 as a small gathering. It has more of a community feel than larger conventions like MGC, and many past vendors appreciate the intimacy. Plus, we’re excited to host former Activision programmers, which is a significant highlight.
Old School Gamer Magazine: Who are some of the featured guests this year?
Iacovelli: This year, we have the talented Activision programmers Dan and Garry Kitchen, as well as David Crane, Todd Tuckey from TNT Amusements, Q*bert programmer Warren Davis, and Doug Watson, a pinball artist from Gottlieb.
Old School Gamer Magazine: Will there be any special vendors present?
Iacovelli: We won’t have any particularly new special vendors; most will be familiar faces who have been part of the show since the beginning.
Old School Gamer Magazine: What additional activities can attendees expect this year?
Iacovelli: We’re introducing several new features: panels will be scheduled this year for the first time, which replaces the informal Q&A sessions we’ve held previously. We’re also replacing our raffles with a Prize Wheel that includes VGS-branded merchandise and prizes donated by sponsors and vendors.
Our game area is returning, featuring consoles from Atari to Xbox, including the TurboGrafx system showcased in its own Turbofest tournament. We owe a lot to Armando and Brandon, who have managed the game area since 2010.
We’ll also host Paul Zimmerman’s Atarimania, featuring a high-score challenge on a classic 2600 game, and I’ll continue my own AVC Games Arcade Challenge, which includes a version of a classic arcade game made for the 2600 by Champ Games, who generously provide the main prize for the challenge.
Additionally, we’ll have arcade games from Galloping Ghost and Haunted Horseman arcades.
Old School Gamer Magazine: In summary, why should someone attend the convention this year?
Iacovelli: Attendees can connect with guests who played a role in creating classic games and enjoy interactions with vendors who specialize in retro gaming. Ultimately, it’s all about having fun with like-minded enthusiasts.
Old School Gamer Magazine: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Iacovelli: When we first launched in 2003, it was meant to be a simple gathering for gamers, but it has evolved into a convention that has grown significantly. We decided to return to a more intimate format to recapture that original spirit. Even though I’ve run the show since the start, I’m grateful for the support from fans and my core team: Paul Zimmerman, Armando Rodriguez, and Brandon Davis, who are the backbone of the event.
Old School Gamer Magazine: Where can people find out more information?
Iacovelli: Visit our website at http://VideoGameSummit.net.
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Original article by www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com
