Retro gaming has been a hobby for many people for decades, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s something special about the simplicity and charm of classic games that just can’t be replicated in modern titles. And for those who are particularly passionate about retro gaming, attending a retro gaming event can be an unforgettable experience.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at retro gaming events and why they’ve become such a beloved part of the gaming community. From conventions to tournaments and everything in between, we’ll explore the different types of events that retro gaming fans can attend, as well as some of the most popular events around the world.

The Rise of Retro Gaming Events

Over the past few years, retro gaming events have exploded in popularity. In the past, retro gaming enthusiasts had to rely on small meetups or gatherings with friends to share their passion for classic games. But now, thanks to the internet and social media, it’s easier than ever to connect with other retro gaming fans and attend events that cater to their interests.

One of the biggest factors in the rise of retro gaming events is nostalgia. As more and more people who grew up playing classic games have entered adulthood, they’ve started to look back on their childhood favorites with a sense of fondness and nostalgia. Attending a retro gaming event is a way to relive those memories and connect with other people who share those same experiences.

Another factor is the accessibility of classic games. In the past, retro games were hard to come by and expensive. But now, with the rise of emulation and retro gaming collections, it’s easier than ever to play classic games on modern systems or even on a computer. This has made retro gaming more accessible to a wider audience and has helped to fuel the growth of retro gaming events.

Types of Retro Gaming Events

There are many different types of retro gaming events that fans can attend, each with their own unique flavor and focus. Here are just a few examples:

Retro Gaming Conventions: Conventions are perhaps the most well-known type of retro gaming event. These multi-day events feature vendors selling retro games and merchandise, panels and presentations featuring industry insiders and gaming personalities, and plenty of opportunities to play classic games and compete in tournaments.

Some of the most popular retro gaming conventions include the Classic Gaming Expo, the Midwest Gaming Classic, and the Portland Retro Gaming Expo.

Retro Gaming Tournaments: For competitive retro gaming fans, tournaments offer a chance to showcase their skills and compete against other players. These tournaments can be focused on specific games or consoles, or can be open to a wide range of retro games.

Some of the biggest retro gaming tournaments include the Retro World Series, the Twin Galaxies World Championships, and the Classic Tetris World Championship.

Retro Gaming Meetups: Meetups are smaller gatherings of retro gaming fans who come together to play games, socialize, and share their collections. These events can be organized through social media or gaming forums and are a great way to meet other fans in your local area.
Arcade Expos: For fans of classic arcade games, arcade expos offer a chance to play and compete on vintage arcade machines. These events can include both classic and modern arcade games, and often feature tournaments, cosplay contests, and other activities.
Video Game Swap Meets: Swap meets are a great way to buy, sell, and trade retro games and consoles. These events are often organized by local gaming communities and can be a great way to find rare or hard-to-find items for your collection.

Benefits of Attending Retro Gaming Events

Attending a retro gaming event can be a great experience for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few of the benefits:

Meeting Like-Minded Fans:

Retro gaming events offer a chance to c onnect with other fans who share your passion for classic games. Whether you’re a fan of old-school RPGs, classic arcade games, or anything in between, there are sure to be other fans at the event who share your interests. These events can be a great way to make new friends and find a community of people who share your interests.

Playing Classic Games:

One of the biggest draws of retro gaming events is the chance to play classic games on vintage hardware. Whether you’re a fan of the NES, the Sega Genesis, or any other classic console, you’ll have the chance to play your favorite games on the systems they were originally designed for. This can be a great way to rediscover old favorites or to try out games you’ve never played before.

Discovering New Games:

Retro gaming events are also a great way to discover new games that you may have missed the first time around. With so many classic games out there, it’s easy to miss some hidden gems. Attending a retro gaming event can expose you to new games and genres that you may have overlooked in the past.

Buying Rare and Hard-to-Find Games:

Retro gaming events are a great place to find rare and hard-to-find games and consoles. Vendors often bring their rarest and most valuable items to these events, and you may be able to snag a great deal on a game or console that you’ve been searching for.

Learning from Industry Insiders:

Many retro gaming events feature panels and presentations from industry insiders and gaming personalities. These sessions can be a great way to learn about the history of classic games, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and gain insight into the development process.

Popular Retro Gaming Events

Now that we’ve explored the different types of retro gaming events and the benefits of attending them, let’s take a look at some of the most popular events around the world.

Classic Gaming Expo: The Classic Gaming Expo is one of the oldest and most well-known retro gaming conventions in the world. The event features panels and presentations from industry insiders, as well as vendors selling retro games and merchandise. The convention is held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Midwest Gaming Classic: The Midwest Gaming Classic is another popular retro gaming convention, held annually in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event features a wide range of classic games and consoles, as well as tournaments, cosplay contests, and more.
Portland Retro Gaming Expo: The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is held annually in Portland, Oregon, and is known for its massive selection of retro games and consoles. The event also features panels and presentations from industry insiders and gaming personalities, as well as tournaments and cosplay contests.
Retro World Series: The Retro World Series is a series of retro gaming tournaments held throughout the year in various locations around the United States. The tournaments feature classic games from a variety of consoles, and winners are awarded cash prizes and other rewards.
Classic Tetris World Championship: The Classic Tetris World Championship is an annual tournament that takes place in Portland, Oregon. The tournament features classic Tetris gameplay on vintage hardware, and is a favorite among competitive retro gaming fans.

Retro Gaming Events

Conclusion

Retro gaming events offer a chance to connect with other fans, play classic games on vintage hardware, and discover new games and genres. Whether you’re attending a convention, a tournament, or a meetup, there’s something special about the retro gaming community and the passion they have for classic games.

If you’re a fan of retro gaming, attending an event can be a great way to connect with other fans and rediscover your love for classic games. So why not plan your next retro gaming adventure and attend one of the many events happening around the world? Whether you’re a seasoned retro gamer or just getting started, there’s something for everyone at these events.

In addition to the events we’ve highlighted here, there are many other retro gaming events happening around the world. Some are large-scale conventions with thousands of attendees, while others are smaller meetups held in local game stores or community centers. No matter where you live, there’s likely a retro gaming event happening near you.

In conclusion, retro gaming events are a great way to connect with other fans, play classic games on vintage hardware, discover new games and genres, and learn from industry insiders. Whether you attend a convention, a tournament, or a meetup, these events offer a unique and memorable experience for fans of classic games. So why not start planning your next retro gaming adventure today?

Browse

Want to chat?

Start here

Retro vGames Blog