Oklahoma's Only Retro Video Game Exhibition Returns

TULSA, OK–-Classic video games will roll in like a storm from history, as mid-America's one and only OVGE returns for the ninth Oklahoma Video Game Exhibition!

On June 16, 2012 video game collectors and enthusiasts from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, and even further will come together at the Spirit Bank Event Center in Tulsa to celebrate the history, hobby, collecting, and entertainment of the video gaming industry. “Before the OVGE, people from the surrounding states had to travel across the country for events such as this,” said Jesse Hardesty, founder and organizer of the OVGE.

In 1972, the video game industry began with the release of the Odyssey by Magnavox, the first multi-video game system for the home. Seven years later in 1979, Atari released the mighty 2600VCS and both created and changed home entertainment forever! Then, in the early ‘80s an overflow of games and poor sales resulted in the great crash of the video game industry in 1983. Since the rebirth of the industry in 1985, with the introduction of the Nintendo Entertainment System, video game sales and popularity have flourished.

Still, many video game players find themselves returning to classic video games. With the advanced high definition graphics and motion control of today’s video games, why are so many people fascinated with the classics? “Even though modern game systems have amazing graphics and sound, the most important aspect of any video game is that it actually be fun to play. Because classic game systems, like the Atari 2600, had very simple graphics, game designers had to focus on the game-play. Those same games that were fun in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s are still just as much fun today,” stated Albert Yarusso, modern video game programmer and co-founder of AtariAge.com. It is also this simple pick up and play philosophy that makes for quick gaming without the need to invest in large amounts of time as many of today's games require.

"With video gaming being today’s main form of home entertainment, the history behind it should not be forgotten,” said Hardesty. “The Oklahoma Video Game Exhibition is providing the youth and their parents a chance to visit and interact with that past.”

Numerous video game systems, computers, and arcade machines, will be set up for the public to play plus tournaments and door prizes! Vendors and exhibitors will have memorabilia on display with many items for purchase.

Doors will open to the public at 9:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. Cost of admission for ages eight and above is $5 dollars at the door.

The OVGE is organized by gaming enthusiasts who want to share their hobby and passion for classic and modern video games with the public. For more information, visit www.ovge.com.

Contact:
Jesse Hardesty , Founder & Organizer
ovge@cox.net
(918)724-7818