+-^CrossBow^- Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 (edited) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Oklahoma's Retro Video Game Exhibition Returns TULSA, OK (April 5, 2013) – Classic video games will return from history, as mid-America's one and only OVGE returns for the tenth Oklahoma Video Game Exhibition! On September 21, 2013 video game collectors and enthusiasts from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and even further will travel together to the Spirit Bank Event Center in Tulsa to celebrate the history, hobby, collecting, and entertainment of the video gaming industry. “Before the OVGE, people from the surrounding states had to travel across the country for events such as this,” said Jesse Hardesty, founder and organizer of the OVGE. "And since the OVGE first began back in September of 2003, we have inspired many other retro conventions in the surrounding areas." In 1972, the release of the Odyssey by Magnavox, the first multi-video game system for the home was a new technological curiosity. Seven years later in 1977, Atari released the 2600VCS and both created and changed home entertainment forever and the beginning of a new industry! Then, in the year of 1983 an overflow of poor games and even poorer sales resulted in the great crash of the video game industry. A crash that wouldn't heal until 1985, with the introduction of the Nintendo Entertainment System, video game sales and popularity have flourished ever since! Still, many video game players find themselves returning to classic video games. With the advanced high definition graphics and motion control of today’s video games, why are so many people fascinated with the classics? “Even though modern game systems have amazing graphics and sound, the most important aspect of any video game is that it actually be fun to play. Because classic game systems, like the Atari 2600, had very simple graphics, game designers had to focus on the game-play. Those same games that were fun in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s are still just as much fun today,” stated Albert Yarusso, modern video game programmer and co-founder of AtariAge.com. It is this simple pick up and play philosophy that makes for quick gaming and is a philosophy still active today with the rise of mobile games and powerful portable handheld gaming systems. "With video gaming being today’s main form of home entertainment, the history behind it should not be forgotten,” said Hardesty. “The Oklahoma Video Game Exhibition provides today's youth and their parents a chance to visit and interact with that past." This year, some of the proceeds from OVGE will benefit the Autism Center of Tulsa a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by autism, a series of spectrum neurological disorders now being diagnosed in approximately one in every eighty-eight births in the United States alone. Numerous video game systems, computers, and arcade machines, will be set up for the public to play plus tournaments and door prizes! Vendors and exhibitors will have memorabilia on display with most items for purchase. Doors will open to the public at 9:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. Cost of admission for ages eight and above is $5 dollars at the door. The OVGE is organized by gaming enthusiasts who want to share their hobby and passion for classic and modern video games with the public. For more information and complete details, visit www.ovge.com. Edited June 3, 2013 by -^Cro§Bow^- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Weis Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 "The 10th annual OVGE is dedicated to the memory of Brad Prillwitz" that's cool that you did that, Brad was a really cool guy! I will miss him! Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted July 29, 2013 Author Share Posted July 29, 2013 (edited) We have less than 10 tables left and just under 2 months before the event! Lots of update have been made to the website with current list of vendors and exhibitors! Remember this year's event is for a good cause as a portion of the proceeds from this year's event will benefit the Autism Center of Tulsa. The OneUps will also be back this year playing lots of your favorite video game tunes in their special funkified ways! Look over the website on its new host courtesy of thelogbook.com and let us know if you want to reserve a table before they are all gone! WWW.OVGE.COM Edited July 29, 2013 by -^Cro§Bow^- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MegaManFan Posted August 11, 2013 Share Posted August 11, 2013 I'm half considering a table, but I'm fully considering attending. For once this year it falls perfectly into the football schedule and lands on a weekend where Iowa State is having a road game - although there's a small irony - Iowa State plays TULSA and IN TULSA just five days later!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted August 28, 2013 Author Share Posted August 28, 2013 Just a few quick updates as we are quickly approaching September! First and I know this will disappoint some of you, but Mad-Gear has had to cancel due to scheduling conflicts. Additionally, for any vendors or exhibitors who frequent these forums, note that we only have access to the back loading dock area from 5 - 9pm now on Friday the 20th. The event center has a concert booked for that same Friday night and the band will require the entire back loading area after 9pm. Additionally, no parking will be allowed back there overnight or at least until the band has packed up and left much later that evening. Otherwise we are a go and I look forward to seeing each and everyone one of you there for our 10th year of retro-gaming awesomeness! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadow460 Posted September 4, 2013 Share Posted September 4, 2013 Wish I could make it, but that Saturday is booked for me. Ya'll say "Hi" to the OKRGS folks who are there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MegaManFan Posted September 16, 2013 Share Posted September 16, 2013 I'm definitely coming. I'm bringing a few things with me but will only be looking to make back gas money. If I come out ahead I'll spend it on exhibitors or eating out with fellow attendees. I won't have a table though as I didn't want to be tied down all day - a friend has graciously agreed to watch my small stash of items. I may be loaning him a TV for the day to hook up consoles in exchange. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MegaManFan Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 This thread is surprisingly quiet given the show is this weekend. I'm hopeful for a big turnout those and to see a lot of you there! R.I.P. PureEnergy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MegaManFan Posted September 23, 2013 Share Posted September 23, 2013 (edited) Well, the show went great! My personal opinion to some degree, but official attendance was reported at over 500, so that has to be a success. I'll be posting interviews with some of the vendors/authors who were there this year shortly. And Jeff Cooper's stash is amazing. I would happily take a paid job being his assistant just to clean, sort, and file the contents of his garage alone. I imagine it's much like what Rick Weis' house must be. PS: I love how when I told Michelle where I was at she said (and I quote) "Oh, you're at Pac-Man Guy's house!" Yes, yes I was. Edited September 23, 2013 by MegaManFan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trade-N-Games Posted September 23, 2013 Share Posted September 23, 2013 Great show as always. Its always fun to see everyone. I wish I had time to go to Jeffs house but i had to zip right back to St louis. Next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MegaManFan Posted September 23, 2013 Share Posted September 23, 2013 I'm uploading a ton of OVGE videos to YouTube.com/MMF187 but here's one for example - my interview with TheLogBook's Earl Green, who you may know better as PhosphorDotFossils right here on the AA forums! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MegaManFan Posted September 29, 2013 Share Posted September 29, 2013 Here's my interview with Jesse Hardesty from last weekend's OVGE in Tulsa! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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