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Classic Arcade Game Revival Event Set for Oct. 20-22 at The Colosseum in Providence
First-ever 'Arcade Revival' -- massive arcade event with over 50 memorable, classic games from the 1980s & 90s -- all set for 'free play'
Remember Asteroids, Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede, and Mortal Kombat? On October 20 - 22, if you find yourself at The Colosseum (180 Pine Street) in Providence, RI, between 7 pm and 12 midnight, you may think you’ve taken a step 30 years back to the future.
It’s the first-ever ‘Arcade Revival’ -- a massive arcade event with over 50 of the most memorable, classic games from the 1980s and 90s. All games will be set to ‘free play’ so no quarters will be needed, though there’s a $10 cover charge. Organizers are partnering with craft brewers from across New England, including the Revival Brewing Co., to add to the festivities. Call it a ‘Barcade.’
The Arcade Revival is the brainchild of and co-organized by Jay Leone , Grant Garvin, and Scott Langlais who, with other collectors and hobbyists, will create a unique, immersive and fun classic arcade environment. Together, these collectors own hundreds of games and plan to host monthly events in RI and MA. All are welcome to the inaugural event (age 21+).
Find out what's happening in East Providencefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Organizer Jay Leone, an electrical and computer engineer at Dell/EMC, has been collecting since 2009. “I started with two games. Today I own over 200. Most games I purchase are non-working and need electronics and / or cosmetic repair. I love bringing them back to life. I've also connected via Internet forums with other collectors who share my passion.”
About five years ago Leone started a collector meet-and-greet series called ‘Arcade Wednesday’ where collectors play competitively. He offers advice to help collectors debug and repair problems. There are over 30 members, many of whom will be at the Arcade Revival.
Find out what's happening in East Providencefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Unfortunately, I was too young to experience the ‘golden age’ of the arcade scene in the early ‘80s,” says the North Providence High alum. “I spent most of my time playing console (home) video game systems like Atari, Coleco, and Nintendo. It wasn't until the rebirth of the arcades in the ‘90s that I started playing regularly.”
He says all things ‘vintage’ are making a comeback, especially with the popularity that millennials have brought to the arcade scene. Classic arcade and pinball games are enjoying a renaissance among the 30s and 40s crowd seeking to relive childhood memories. The Arcade Revival is where old and new gamers can try their hand at the classics that helped shape the industry.
What & When: ‘Arcade Revival’ -- Thursday, Oct. 20 – Saturday, Oct. 22 Cover: $10 per person
Where: The Colosseum (180 Pine Street) in Providence Visit http://www.colosseumprov.com/events
Who: Contact Info for organizer Jay Leone: Twitter -- @Arcade_Revival / Facebook facebook.com/arcaderevival / Email -- vintage_arcade@yahoo.com / jayleone@yahoo.com / 401-374-4000
By Stanley Hurwitz stanhurwitz@gmail.com
