Waukesha, WI
I know, despite the fact that this is going to be a long post/email, that I'm going to forget something or someone. But if I don't get it out now, it might never get done. I had wanted to get this out on Monday, but that didn't happen...
First, if you are seeing this post online, but brought a game and did not get this via email, please email me at [email protected]. I want to make sure I have everyone on our mailing list so we can keep you in the loop on the status and plans for the 2015 show.
Now the good stuff: Based on all the feedback I've heard, the arcade hall at the 2014 Midwest Gaming Classic was a tremendous success and the best to date. That is a tribute to you guys.
1. With moving the arcade hall to the new room, we doubled the square footage of the free play area. I figured/hoped you guys would help us grow to fill that room in 2-3 years. I never DREAMED you guys would fill that space THIS year!!! That is a complete testament to you guys. Without you guys bringing games, we wouldn't be able to fill a hotel room with games. Not only did you guys fill the space we allocated for the freeplay area, we relocated a couple of vendors out of the vendor side of the arcade (thanks for that DK!) which allowed us a little more breathing room there. You guys are just AMAZING. If it sounds like I'm gushing, I am. Looking around that room when we opened at 10am on Saturday was a sight to behold.
2. We had approximately 240 total games registered during the weekend. When you add in the vendors who we don't register and the arcade in the basement, that puts our total game count well over *300* games. Of that total, *151* were pinball machines! That is just absolutely outstanding.
3. Modern Stern lineup: Based on what I was seeing registered, I made arrangements with 2 people to adjust their plans of what they were bringing in an attempt to get a decent lineup of different modern Stern games. Thank you to the two of you for doing that. I was figuring we would have 11-12 different titles to play and we had a spot for them. Then, what we actually ended up with was OFF-THE-CHARTS and we had to find more space. We ended up with *20* different modern Stern titles - not including the Pro/Premium/LE variations. I was completely blown away by the turnout and I hope you enjoyed playing them. To my own disappointment, I only got to play a handful of them as I was too busy with the show and then talking and socializing at the after-party. As I am typing this, I am still in awe of the turnout. Thanks to everyone who brought these games!
Harley-Davidson
Striker Xtreme
High Roller Casino
Rollercoaster Tycoon
Simpsons Pinball Party
Lord of the Rings
Elvis
World Poker Tour
Pirates of the Carribean
Spiderman
Shrek
CSI
Avatar
Tron (2 examples)
Transformers
AC/DC
X-Men
Metallica (4 total, 3 in the tourney)
Star Trek (2 Pros and 1 Premium)
Mustang
4. Python games: We had planned to put the Python Angelo games in a lineup, but ended up scrapping that idea for logistical reasons. But, I wanted to preserve the list of games that were there that he worked on. Thanks for everyone who brought them:
High Speed (I think there were 3)
Pinbot (3 of them)
Big Guns (sadly not working for most of the show)
Taxi
Jokerz
Bride of Pinbot (2 of them)
Fish Tales
5. Check out the Coast2Coast pinball podcast for some great coverage of MGC (episodes 75-77 specifically). Episode 77 in particular is a replay of the forum Nate moderated with some of the pinball greats - both senior and up-and-coming. If you didn't get a chance to catch it in person, catch the replay at http://www.coast2coastpinball.com/. Nate - it was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to more great stuff from you!
6. A lot has been said about the show already so I'm not going to repeat most of it. But, I did want to take a moment to thank a few people. Thanks to my fellow arcade hall team leaders Steve and Chris. It is a total team effort and you guys already know that this wouldn't happen without you. The three of us are typically the first ones in the arcade hall on Thursday and the last to leave on Sunday. This year, it was 10pm when we finally got to head home. Brian and Tom - You guys are there every year to help muscle and thanks again for all you do (sorry we missed you Eric but I GUESS you had a good excuse - CONGRATS by the way). Corey - You went above and beyond this year to help out and we can't thank you enough. Corey was there with us right up until 10 this year helping get Kingpin loaded. If you think I missed naming someone, I apologize. Please feel free to throw out kudos to them here in the thread.
7. DAN AND GARY - I wanted to put you in your own line. Every year, you two do so much and spend so much time and money to put on this show. Without you guys, we wouldn't have a show. Our appreciation cannot be expressed. I know this year was especially tough and as you stated, you're going to take some time to digest it. But, we will all support you no matter what happens. What I do know is this - when 2015 comes around, we'll all be here to make it be as big of a success as is possible.
Ok, that is it for now as lunch is over and I need to get back to work. Thanks again to everyone who participated in the show, no matter how big or how small. It wouldn't be the Midwest Gaming Classic without you!
Keith, Chris, Steve, and the rest of the arcade hall crew
*EDIT* I KNEW I forgot something... Here's winners of the best-in-show awards from the after party. Congrats guys!
EMs: Lunar Shot
Solid-state: Sorcerer
DMD: Bram Stoker's Dracula
Custom: America's Most Haunted
Arcade: Joust
Post edited by Jazman: Forgot to add best of show winners...
