Midwest Gaming Classic 2013

[Mathius]

It's almost that time of year again. In 5 short months the most underrated Modern/Classic Gaming convention in the country will be storming the beaches in Milwaukee for the umpteenth time. At this year's Octurbofest we hog tied some new recruits to potentially help out in setup and bringing gear. We are looking for more people as there never can be too much help in putting on the best show this side of the Mississippi. Those in the Midwest (or own a plane) who are interested in helping please PM either myself or forum member DHG Hunter.

Emails have been sent out to those who were interested at Octurbofest. Please take 5 minutes to let us know why you got into gaming. If you are a member of this forum then obviously you are passionate about retro gaming and we would really like to hear why! Hope to hear from yuz guyz soon!

The show will take place March 23rd and 24th at the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel in Brookfield, WI

http://www.midwestgamingclassic.com/

[bartre]

well i'm in, as i was last year, let's get together and rock 2013 even harder than 2012!

[Mathius]

well i'm in, as i was last year, let's get together and rock 2013 even harder than 2012!

Definitely!

Editing first post with link

[OldRover]

I will probably miss it... again. Unless, of course, I get rich between now and then. If I happen to get rich between now and then, I will bring lots of stuff too.

[JoshTurboTrollX]

I will probably miss it... again. Unless, of course, I get rich between now and then. If I happen to get rich between now and then, I will bring lots of stuff too.

Anyone interested in doing a "Get Rove to MGC fundraiser"?  ;)

[cdamm]

i just wish they would reply back to me about getting a table :/

its been several messages and nothing.

[jeffhlewis]

Anyone who hasn't been to this event yet needs to make the trip this year. It's 2 days of complete and total insanity - you won't be disappointed!

[majors]

It's 2 days of complete and total insanity - you won't be disappointed!

Feat. Majors!

Jeff -> How is that keg idea coming along? Do I need arrive Thursday to tap that shit?

(Of course MAGFEST is 4 days, 96 hours of madness!)

[nectarsis]

(Of course MAGFEST is 4 days, 96 hours of madness!)

Kicks majors in the junk for Mathius

[Mathius]

i just wish they would reply back to me about getting a table :/

its been several messages and nothing.

I'll email JD or Dan to see what's up. It's still early so they may be ironing out details still.

(Of course MAGFEST is 4 days, 96 hours of madness!)

Kicks majors in the junk for Mathius

MGC trumps Magfest. Home of the real Turbofest. 

[jeffhlewis]

It's 2 days of complete and total insanity - you won't be disappointed!

Feat. Majors!

Jeff -> How is that keg idea coming along? Do I need arrive Thursday to tap that shit?

(Of course MAGFEST is 4 days, 96 hours of madness!)

Oh it's happening for sure this year. We putzed around last year with a couple cases but this time around I'm going all out. it's only a question of what kind of beer we're getting!

[cdamm]

Thanks Mathius. Im not looking for anything too fancy- just one or two tables (two is better, but one will suffice).

[DHG Hunter]

i just wish they would reply back to me about getting a table :/

its been several messages and nothing.

cdamm... Were you the one I spoke with at Octurbofest? 

The vendor area as it stands right now is "stupidly sold out" in the words of one of the guys that handles this, meaning there really isn't a way for them to sneak another table in that they can find.  That said, I imagine you haven't gotten an e-mail yet because they're exploring some expansion plans that are still being ironed out.  I really can't go into more detail than that right now because a lot of this intertwines with some announcements they've yet to make on the official site.

As for those of you I spoke with at Octurbofest or anyone that would be interested in helping us with the MGC, we really do need your help!  We need folks to help plan, help set up, tear down, run tournaments... Basically, we have a lot of opportunities and we have a lot of perks lined up for those that do help such as after-parties and the like.  So again, please take a few minutes and contact us like Mati suggested above.

Contrary to what some believe, I was not one of the original organizers of the MGC.  I got involved after going to the show in 2001, and honestly, it has been one of the most rewarding, exciting, and often times entertaining things I've had the chance to do since that first show.  And really, it is often times folks like Mati, Josh, Matt L., Jeff, and Byron from these boards that really make the show such a big success each year.  I has been a privilege to work alongside all of them. 

Later.

[Mathius]

These really are the best group of guys one could hope to work with. Those feeling apprehensive shouldn't as there isn't a better team around.

[cdamm]

i just wish they would reply back to me about getting a table :/

its been several messages and nothing.

cdamm... Were you the one I spoke with at Octurbofest? 

The vendor area as it stands right now is "stupidly sold out" in the words of one of the guys that handles this, meaning there really isn't a way for them to sneak another table in that they can find.  That said, I imagine you haven't gotten an e-mail yet because they're exploring some expansion plans that are still being ironed out.  I really can't go into more detail than that right now because a lot of this intertwines with some announcements they've yet to make on the official site.

As for those of you I spoke with at Octurbofest or anyone that would be interested in helping us with the MGC, we really do need your help!  We need folks to help plan, help set up, tear down, run tournaments... Basically, we have a lot of opportunities and we have a lot of perks lined up for those that do help such as after-parties and the like.  So again, please take a few minutes and contact us like Mati suggested above.

Contrary to what some believe, I was not one of the original organizers of the MGC.  I got involved after going to the show in 2001, and honestly, it has been one of the most rewarding, exciting, and often times entertaining things I've had the chance to do since that first show.  And really, it is often times folks like Mati, Josh, Matt L., Jeff, and Byron from these boards that really make the show such a big success each year.  I has been a privilege to work alongside all of them. 

Later.

yes that was me you met at octurbofest.

'stupidly sold out' is a bummer. If a table or two can be arranged (via top secret arrangements), please let me know- im down for anything. Im going either way, but I would prefer to have a table (and hopefully a wee bit-o-power).

[WingZeroKai]

Wow, thats about a 30 minute drive from me. I think I know where I'll be going in March.

[JoshTurboTrollX]

Oh it's happening for sure this year. We putzed around last year with a couple cases but this time around I'm going all out. it's only a question of what kind of beer we're getting!

If I can interject an opinion (Or pitch in moneys): no Bud, Miller Lite, Bud Lite, blah blah- random american lager crap.  If it HAS to be a keg of what's available My request would be Coors Light or Rolling Rock.  Otherwise, I need to pick up some tasty stouts or porters. 

</beersnob>

PS: Cause I'm an adult!!  I'll throw that Miller Light on the ground if I see it!!!  ;) LOL

[jeffhlewis]

Oh it's happening for sure this year. We putzed around last year with a couple cases but this time around I'm going all out. it's only a question of what kind of beer we're getting!

If I can interject an opinion (Or pitch in moneys): no Bud, Miller Lite, Bud Lite, blah blah- random american lager crap.  If it HAS to be a keg of what's available My request would be Coors Light or Rolling Rock.  Otherwise, I need to pick up some tasty stouts or porters. 

</beersnob>

PS: Cause I'm an adult!!  I'll throw that Miller Light on the ground if I see it!!!  ;) LOL

Oh c'mon man, Coors Light is just as much garbage beer as Miller (and it's the same company!)

I was thinking we'd go 2 pony kegs of a nice micro - maybe one IPA-ish type beer and one lighter one for the pansies.

Also - I'd like to organize a group to go to the Lakefront Brewery Tour in Milwaukee if anyone is interested. It's right downtown - only costs $10 i believe but that gets you 5 beer tastings, a free beer at a bunch of restaurants downtown and a free pint glass. I've been on all of the tours in the area and it's the best mix of sampling and knowledge - plus they have the original Bernie Brewer Chalet on site and the Pabst brewery line that was in the intro to Laverne & Shirley. If there's time we can catch a cab over to the Milwaukee Brewing Company in Walker's Point, which is another good (and cheap!) tour.

And to JD's point about signing up to help - this really is a great group to work with. It is a lot of work - don't think it's not - but it's super-rewarding and really immerses you in all the show has to offer. Help us out!

[bartre]

I second Jeff's statements, minus the beer thing.
MGC is loads of fun, regardless of what you do.
that said, i can do without the beer, i'd rather enjoy some nice liquor. 

[jeffhlewis]

that said, i can do without the beer, i'd rather enjoy some nice liquor. 

Ahem...we also have the Great Lakes Distillery downtown - their tour is about $15 and you get 9 shots (full shots!) of sample. It's a quick way to end your afternoon

http://www.greatlakesdistillery.com/

[majors]

Also - I'd like to organize a group to go to the Lakefront Brewery Tour in Milwaukee if anyone is interested.

You thinking a Friday thing? I can arrive early if need be.

1 Keg or two ponys, as long as it's beer. Make sure we get something that can be drunk all weekend, some of those "thick" brews can't be mass consumed. Fat Tire, Dos Equis or Newcastle are some ideas...of course anything local is tops with me.

[bartre]

now let's see if we can keep this weekend about gaming, instead of drinking

that said, i'm actually fine with whatever, keg, liquor, tour of any kind.

one idea though, why not have people bring some local brews for everyone to try?

[DHG Hunter]

Few notes...

First, we're cross-promoting the Midwest Gaming Classic with the Distant Worlds Final Fantasy concert set for February 14th at the Milwaukee Theater.  You can get 10% off your Distant Worlds tickets by following this link and entering "MGC" as your promo key:

https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=wsctr&o=1685420&g=163

We'll have a booth at the show, so please stop on by and say hi!  We'll have some games set up at the booth I imagine... Heh, maybe we can sneak in a TG16 or something?  ;)

Second, I placed a rather large FAQ up on the Retroids forums you guys may find interesting:

http://retroids.com/site/showthread.php/329695-Midwest-Gaming-Classic-2013?p=508593&viewfull=1#post508593

I cover a little bit of everything on there and plan to update it some more in the future.

Finally, beer...  We're likely going to have an after-party in the museum area Saturday night.  I was thinking it could be fun to set up a table with some examples of the local breweries around where we live, though we have a few rules.  First and foremost, since this is in the museum and there are likely going to be some kids joining their parents, we need to watch the table and ensure kids under 21 aren't drinking.  Also, nobody can get so wasted that you could cause any damage (or trouble, for that matter) in the museum around all the classic consoles and the folks there.  Drink responsibly, as they say.  

Last point is necessary since it is the show rule on after-parties... To get into the party, you have to be involved with the show.  That means you either need to bring consoles and games for the show use, TV's (which we can always use, btw!), run a tournament, help set up or tear down... that sort of thing.  I really can't make exceptions on this because the whole gist for these parties is to allow the folks that are running the show a chance to play and enjoy some of the games there.  If you'd like to take in the party Saturday night and would be willing to provide some of the examples I outlined for getting in, let me know and we'll figure something out.

Later.

[nectarsis]

New downloadable flyer (I have some up at the local comyc book shops already), and banners up for helping promote the show ;)

http://www.midwestgamingclassic.com/promote/

[esteban]

Holy cr*p, that's not far from Sheboygan.

Also, holy cr*p I wish I was closer.

[Mathius]

New downloadable flyer (I have some up at the local comyc book shops already), and banners up for helping promote the show ;)

http://www.midwestgamingclassic.com/promote/

Thanks for the heads up on the banners, Neccler!

Holy cr*p, that's not far from Sheboygan.

Also, holy cr*p I wish I was closer.

Este, this business of you not joining the madness needs to stop. Stop the prick-teasing and join us at the show already! 

[esteban]

New downloadable flyer (I have some up at the local comyc book shops already), and banners up for helping promote the show ;)

http://www.midwestgamingclassic.com/promote/

Thanks for the heads up on the banners, Neccler!

Holy cr*p, that's not far from Sheboygan.

Also, holy cr*p I wish I was closer.

Este, this business of you not joining the madness needs to stop. Stop the prick-teasing and join us at the show already! 

Wisconsin might as well be on Mars! Seriously.

[Mathius]

New downloadable flyer (I have some up at the local comyc book shops already), and banners up for helping promote the show ;)

http://www.midwestgamingclassic.com/promote/

Thanks for the heads up on the banners, Neccler!

Holy cr*p, that's not far from Sheboygan.

Also, holy cr*p I wish I was closer.

Este, this business of you not joining the madness needs to stop. Stop the prick-teasing and join us at the show already! 

Wisconsin might as well be on Mars! Seriously.

Where do you live?

[esteban]

New Jersey. SO. FAR. AWAY.

[JoshTurboTrollX]

New Jersey. SO. FAR. AWAY.

I could drive to your house, grab all your OBEY and return to MGC within 35 hours.  No Problem.

[Mathius]

New Jersey. SO. FAR. AWAY.

I could drive to your house, grab all your OBEY and return to MGC within 35 hours.  No Problem.

If there is a random Esteban laying around go ahead and grab it too. If it is laying on a couch just take the couch along as well.

[bartre]

New Jersey. SO. FAR. AWAY.

I could drive to your house, grab all your OBEY and return to MGC within 35 hours.  No Problem.

If there is a random Esteban laying around go ahead and grab it too. If it is laying on a couch just take the couch along as well.

might be difficult unless you're driving a truck.
if you're driving a taurus or an accord or something, just duct tape the whole setup to the roof.

[roflmao]

My wife's birthday is March 25 and tonight I told her I'd like to take her to MGC this year for her birthday.



She laughed at me.

[jeffhlewis]

Majors - you going to make it this year? got any new MagFest vs. MGC jokes to share?

[majors]

Majors - you going to make it this year? got any new MagFest vs. MGC jokes to share?

You know I want to be there to rep MAG but I'm not 100% ATM. There is a local anime con the same wknd that wants TO PAY for me to bring my babies (arcade cabs). We are still discussing price and if they do not have the budget or it's just a logistical nightmare I'll be up to MGC. That Spotted Cow an't gonna drink itself!

Who needs jokes when I got PIC'S of MAGFest.

[jeffhlewis]

You know I want to be there to rep MAG but I'm not 100% ATM. There is a local anime con the same wknd that wants TO PAY for me to bring my babies (arcade cabs)

Saw those pics earlier - looks like a blast, seriously.

Hey - I can pay you in beer and you wouldn't even have to lug your arcade cabs around!

[xcrement5x]

My wife's birthday is March 25 and tonight I told her I'd like to take her to MGC this year for her birthday.



She laughed at me.

Haha, I'm originally from Northern IL and my wife and I will be back in the area during these exact dates however it will be for baby showers, so I don't think I will be able to make it

[DHG Hunter]

Majors - you going to make it this year? got any new MagFest vs. MGC jokes to share?

You know I want to be there to rep MAG but I'm not 100% ATM. There is a local anime con the same wknd that wants TO PAY for me to bring my babies (arcade cabs). We are still discussing price and if they do not have the budget or it's just a logistical nightmare I'll be up to MGC. That Spotted Cow an't gonna drink itself!

Who needs jokes when I got PIC'S of MAGFest.

Granted Milwaukee probably isn't a hop skip and a jump away from where you're at, but I see you had about 8 cabs there... Keep in mind that the MGC does provide show cash for bringing arcade cabs that you can use in the vendor hall.  If you had 10 cabinets, for example, you'd get 10 * $20 + $10 + $20 + $40 = $270.  So yeah, we would PAY you to come to the MGC in essence and we've always got turbo goodies in the vendor hall...

On a side note, and don't get me wrong - I like what they/you have done with MAG - but I see so much empty space between cabinets and large walkways and think, yeah, we probably would have planed that space down to the final square inch, lol.   Tricks this year include cramming 12 consoles into a 12' x 17' space.  Think about that, and then look at those pictures you posted again... hehe.  ;)

Later.

[majors]

Granted Milwaukee probably isn't a hop skip and a jump away from where you're at, but I see you had about 8 cabs there... Keep in mind that the MGC does provide show cash for bringing arcade cabs that you can use in the vendor hall.  If you had 10 cabinets, for example, you'd get 10 * $20 + $10 + $20 + $40 = $270.  So yeah, we would PAY you to come to the MGC in essence and we've always got turbo goodies in the vendor hall...

I have 13 I bring(15 if you count the head-to-head cabs as two for spatial logistics) and that is because 15 is the perfect fit for a 16" box truck. Truck rental and with gas it get's around $1200 of REAL money to Milwaukee and back. Not to count the lost work and the hours driving solo I incur. Plus, in my eye, MGC does not room for much more at the current location.

I also get a "feel" that japanese sitdown cabs running 90's Capcom/SNK fighters and bullet hell shmups is not the fit for MGC. Or is what I have experienced the last two years more to do with supply rather than con direction?

On a side note, and don't get me wrong - I like what they/you have done with MAG - but I see so much empty space between cabinets and large walkways and think, yeah, we probably would have planed that space down to the final square inch, lol. 

Yes, MAG has a lot of room to grow (they have a convention center now!). Cabs are all volunteered from attendees. There is about 6-7 guys that have a bunch, like me, that make up the majority of the cabs. With more ppl coming, more ppl want to donate. I met a dude this year that lives within an hour of the con that has 4 candy cabs he wants to bring. As for the large walkways, that is due to the fire marshal.

[DHG Hunter]

Why do I have the feeling you want this to become a pissing contest?  ;)

As I replied to your PM prior to seeing this, my point was if you were thinking about coming to the MGC anyway and wanted to bring some cabs with, there were some rewards to consider.  I know the other folks on the forums were interested in seeing you there with or without the cabs, so I was just trying to be nice and made the comment in case what the anime convention was offering you wasn't a huge factor.  I was not insinuating I knew exactly where you live or that you consider lost time from work in factoring the decision.  I'm not quite sure why that even figures into the conversation considering anyone that does a convention is either taking time off if they have a job or using PTO.

To your other rather poignant topics:

1.) Do I think that just about everyone that goes to the MGC and visits this forum would be interested in those games?  Of course.  Is everyone that goes to the MGC going to?  Of course not.  Yet there is still a sizable audience for that at the show else Galloping Ghost's collection wouldn't have been nearly as popular as it was including games like The Outfoxies and DoDonPachi Dai-ou-jou, vendors that specialize in imports wouldn't be some of the first to sign up each year for the show, nor would we have just announced the Nippon Import Group room with folks like this forum's own Matt Turner, Joshua Jaeger, Sean Corse of Famicom Dojo, and Carlson of Mad-Gear.  I won't deny your feelings any more than I'd wrong you if you weren't a Chicago Cubs fan like me (hehe), but denying there isn't a large group for those games at the MGC isn't right either.  Just like MAG, we don't have too much control over what comes in through the door.  Some years like last year we were heavy on fighting games.  A few years prior it seemed like everyone brought something TRON related.  I really don't know what to expect, but the show has such a diverse crowd that typically there's something for just about everyone. 

2.)  Size of the show...  OK, fair enough.  Yeah, we basically are in the largest hotel space we can get in the area, and the one hotel that was larger than this just went bankrupt.  Will the show expand over the next year or two.  Hopefully.  We're always exploring options, but we're also very careful since we've seen a lot of shows go belly up by expanding too quickly or having that one bad year.  Remember, we had a tough time after the 2004 show, so kinda like Blizzard will ship the game when it is done, we'll move once we're sure the finances are in order.  That said, we are expanding the show this year again.  We've added another wing to the show, we've completed a several thousand dollar upgrade to our electrical system again with an eye on the future, and we're likely to have arcades and pins throughout the show floor this year, including the new wing.

3.)  If you felt like I was taking too much of a swipe at your comments about MAG floor space in this MGC topic (hehe), I'm sorry, that actually wasn't the thrust of my comments.  It was mostly to say "wow, look at all that space and here I'm trying my hardest to make every last square inch count."  ;)  If Dan gave me all that room I'd feel guilty at this point if I didn't plan it as much as I do now!  As for the comments about cabs being volunteered, of course.  No show I'm aware of owns the majority of the cabs or pins they put out.  We're all fan-run aside from a few mega conventions out there with corporate backers. 

Listen, again, my point here was to say that I could see you had some friends here that wanted you to come out to the show, and I just wanted you to know about some of the perks just in case you did decide to come out.  You make it sound like either I or the MGC has wronged you in some way, and that was never my intention.  Cool?

Later.

[Mathius]

From my point of view having a MGC without Majors is like having pizza without cheese. He's been a permanent fixture at all the shows I have been to. Get your ass to Milwaukee in March, my friend.

[JoshTurboTrollX]

From my point of view having a MGC without Majors is like having pizza without cheese. He's been a permanent fixture at all the shows I have been to. Get your ass to Milwaukee in March, my friend.

I think 2013 is the 10 year anniversary of my first MGC!!  O_O

[tggodfrey]

For those of you worried about your wives.....its simple.

"Honey, I am leaving MGC and there is a real good chance I am going to spend all the cash I took out of the bank account last night.....You might want to ask your parents for a loan for you divorce lawyer.  See you when I get back!"

[jeffhlewis]

For those of you worried about your wives.....its simple.

"Honey, I am leaving MGC and there is a real good chance I am going to spend all the cash I took out of the bank account last night.....You might want to ask your parents for a loan for you divorce lawyer.  See you when I get back!"

Simply telling my girlfriend about the event was enough to make her not want to show up - problem solved!

[majors]

Simply telling my girlfriend about the event was enough to make her not want to show up - problem solved!

Mine is happy to kill the Tivo of all the shows I could care less about when I head outta town.

[DHG Hunter]

Not exactly 2013, but I finally finished the MGC 2012 video.  51 minutes long... Enjoy!

https://web.archive.org/web/20190511055633if_/https://youtu.be/wSTo7uVXNnQ
This is a walk through of the entire Midwest Gaming Classic 2012, narrated by MGC co-organizer John Norman.

The Midwest Gaming Classic 2012 took place March 24 & 25 at the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield Hotel in Brookfield, WI. It featured several hundred playable games including more than 270 video arcade and pinball machines, a comprehensive playable video game museum, table top gaming, tournaments, and panels. Well over 5,000 visitors took in the event over its two-day span.

Later.

[esteban]

I must watch this later. I think a bunch of us were bugging you for this 

[DHG Hunter]

The topic has come up... once or twice... ;)

Later.

[SignOfZeta]

It looks like I'll be going to this show. Since I never planned on making it to MGC I never really looked into it much. Now that I've seen this video I'm really impressed!

Does anyone want me to bring anything? I'm not sure if I have anything you don't already have a million of but if you are looking for anything in particular I might have it. The only thing I know I'm bringing for sure is my Neo Geo Pocket and all the linkable games I have since I so rarely get to do the link thing with this system.

[nectarsis]

It looks like I'll be going to this show. Since I never planned on making it to MGC I never really looked into it much. Now that I've seen this video I'm really impressed!

Does anyone want me to bring anything? I'm not sure if I have anything you don't already have a million of but if you are looking for anything in particular I might have it. The only thing I know I'm bringing for sure is my Neo Geo Pocket and all the linkable games I have since I so rarely get to do the link thing with this system.

You should bring Jboy with you ;)