Allow me to tell you a short story, a story of Play Expo London 2018.
Now this story has no real point other than to offer words alongside images of inviting
arcade cabinets, comforting machines of old and objects glowing with warming light.
My tale begins 3 weeks ago; the 11th and 12th of August 2018, at London's Print Works venue.
A venue which would be more than fit for a re-release of Games Master.
It would be glorious, albeit without Sir Patrick Moore.
This particular area was the location of Knightmare Live over the weekend.
Sadly, I didn't have enough time to visit myself, but here's some footage from a fellow
attendee.
The main area consisted of wealth of flashing lights and micro-switched sticks.
People mingled in-between letting out gasps of joy, seeing a machine they hadn't played
in 20, maybe 30 years.
This was the arcade atmosphere of old, but larger, more vibrant and more keen than perhaps
back when strolling into a seaside town arcade was a regular occurrence.
Breaking us this vibrance was a multitude of those weird Youtube folk, talking on stage
about horrific memories, nice memories and current affairs.
The stages were busy for most of the weekend, intertwined with experienced professionals
of old, and offerings of new.
Those that we able to continue on, past these places of intrigue, found themselves deep
in their favourite machines of old.
Although, not everything was as old as it appeared.
In the corner glistened, the indie Zone with treasures such as Maow Maow Castle, alongside
that, the Spectrum Next played melodic tunes which although invoking a nostalgic feel,
also imparted a sense of new, a sense of wonder, not unlike what I felt during the late 80s,
seeing these machines adorning pages of Argos, Index and other exciting catalogues of splendour.
By this time, most people had become lost in the nostalgia.
Only a few were brave enough to carry on to the back room.
The room where treasure awaited for the taking.
I mean, you had to exchange hard earnt cash for this treasure, but often it felt worth
it.
Sometimes, however, what seemed to be worth it was a ruse.
A misendeavour we were dragged into.
Leaving with false treasures.
Treasures that perhaps, deserved to be left, festering in this great hall.
It was a subjective time.
By Sunday evening, the Play Expo seemed to wind down.
Crowds separated.
Night called.
It was over.
But what fun we had.
For me Play Expo London was a worthy journey.
I met some truly excellent people.
I experienced some truly excellent machines.
I left with some truly excellent items.
Some of which I have lined up for closer inspection in the not too distant future.
If you want to see more of what was, then I please take a look at the links in the video
description.
They will take you to places of wonder, filled with much more informative footage than I
ever manage to capture.
Until then.
Have a great evening.