It started with a crude video game called “Pong.” It was impossible to predict that this 1972 table tennis video game would end up being the grandfather of hundreds of thousands of video games that have been innovated over the last 60+ years. Today, if you are not an online gamer, why not? Playing hard-copy and online video games is the world’s favorite form of entertainment.
With such a rich history, the gaming industry has much to celebrate. The technology has certainly come a long way from the early days of Atari to playing high-resolution games right on your phone. Gaming has become intertwined with other industries, such as gambling, where developers incorporate dazzling gameplay mechanics. For instance, video slot games where you can play for free with a no deposit bonus code and possibly win some cash in the process.
While some of the best conventions are restricted to tradespersons within the gaming community, a few are still open to the public. Having fun and mingling with other avid gaming community members is a great way to spend a day or two.
If you have a little spare time this summer and into the early fall, you might be interested in attending one or more of the three (3) top retro gaming conventions in the U.S. If so, here are some details of interest related to each convention.
Southeast Game Exchange 2024 – July 6-7
The first significant retro gaming convention of the year will be the Southeast Game Exchange 2024 (SEGE). The event is scheduled from July 6-7 at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, South Carolina. This year will be the event’s 8th year.
SEGE is open to the public. Each day of the event will start at 10:00 am EDT and conclude at 5:00 pm EDT. Ticket prices are set as follows:
- Single Day Pass – $15 online and $20 at the door
- Standard Two-Day Pass – $25 online and $30 at the door
- VIP Two-Day Pass – $80 online online (limited to 250 tickets)
Things to do include the following:
- Kick-off Party to be held July 5th evening at Pinky’s Arcade and Lounge
- Over 200 exhibits to visit in Exhibitor Hall
- eSports competitions
- Special guests – top gamers and game developers
- Free retro game arcade – over 40 historic titles
- Smash IRL Live Wrestling event on the night of July 7
Special vendor passes and sponsorship options are available. Last year’s event drew approximately 4,300 visitors and another 20,000 visitors online.
Cleveland Gaming Classic 2024 – September 20-22
In the fall, the 2024 Cleveland Gaming Classic (CGC) will take centerstage among the U.S. gaming community.
The event is scheduled for September 20-22 at the IX Center in Cleveland, Ohio. This year will be the event’s 10th, including an all-virtual presentation in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
CGC is open to the public. Ticket prices are set as follows:
- Kids under the age of 10 are always free with adult
- Friday Night Preview (Sept. 20) – $25 online (6:00 pm CDT to 10:00 pm CDT)
- Saturday General Admission (Sept. 21) – $30 online (10:00 am CDT to 10:00 pm CDT)
- Sunday General Admission (Sept. 22) – $25 online (10:00 am CDT to 4:00 pm CDT)
- 3-Day Weekend Pass – $60 online (limited availability)
- VIP Weekend Pass – $115 online (limited availability)
Things to do include the following:
- Free pinball and video game arcade – 50+ games
- Collectors exhibits
- Access to classic video games
- COSPlay encouraged
- Battletech ride
- Tabletop gaming lounge and library
- Arts and crafts
- Special guests – gamers and game developers
Special vendor passes and sponsorship options are available. Last year’s event drew approximately 10,000 visitors.
Portland Retro Gaming Expo 2024 – September 27-29
Heading west, the next significant stop on the retro gaming circuit will be the 2024 Portland Retro Gaming Expo (PRGE). The event will run from September 27-29 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. This event stands as one of the longest-running gaming conventions in the U.S., starting its run in 1997.
PRGE is open to the public. Ticket prices are set as follows:
- Friday Pass – $30 (noon until 4:00 pm PST)
- Saturday Pass – $40 (9:00 pm PST to 10:00 pm PST)
- Saturday Pass – $30 (10:00 pm PST to 5:00 pm PST)
- 3-Day Weekend Pass – $65
- Kids 3-Day Pass (3-12 yrs) – $15
Things to do include the following:
- Jonas Neubauer Cup – A DAS Championship
- Special guests and panel discussions
- Blockbuster World Video Game Championship
- Movie madness night
- Exhibits and collector booths
If you’re unable to attend any of these conventions, don’t fret – there are even more scheduled for 2025 and beyond. Simply enter a search query for your country and “retro game convention” to discover more.
