Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Mike Gedeon, who’s Cleveland’s Classic Console and Arcade Gaming Show (CCAG) is displayed on card number 233, from the Superstars of 2012. Mike and his partner Matt Teske are the organizers of the Cleveland Classic Gaming Show in Ohio. This event displays various gaming displays form both console and arcade gaming, as well as pinball. Tournaments, auctions, prizes and many other surprises can be found at this one-day event. The mission of this event is “To strive to keep the days of early video gaming alive. Paying homage to the games and systems that started and formed the largest and most pervasive form of entertainment media ever!”
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
Probably either some black & white arcade games at the local Sears or some 70’s pinball machines on a Florida vacation.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games?
How do you compare them to older, classic games? I play some but sometime the load/update time can be a pain. I just love popping in a cart and playing.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a Video Game Trading card?
Well I’m actually not on one yet but a show I co-organize is: CCAGShow.com
Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the Trading Card? If so, where?
Not yet but my store has: Videogameconnection.com on local television a couple times when a controversial game would come out.
When did you first meet Walter day and where was it at?
I believe it was CGE 2001 in Las Vegas. I played a pretty good game on Mad Planets and won a High Score Record Book. More recently I picked him up at Cleveland Hopkins Airport when he came to visit the Grand Opening of John Salter’s Full Blast Arcade.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Dedicated! He’s devoted his life to gaming.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
Yes, I own a Retro Video Game Store in Cleveland, Ohio – Video Game Connection. I Co-organize a Video Game Show in North Olmsted, Ohio – CCAG or Cleveland’s Classic Console & Arcade Gaming Show. I am also an avid Arcade Machine, Pinball Machine & Classic Console Video Game Collector and Player.
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
The Vectrex because it Rules! Honestly play more on my phone and tablets though.
Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?
Console Gaming because it’s just less complicated.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
Was playing a lot of Destiny and Destiny 2 on the XBOX one, but lately a lot of Sega Dreamcast. Old School Shooters are my favorite.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
Mad Planets Arcade. It was the first machine I owned. It got damaged and I sold it. I am currently getting another restored now.
Which console company is your favorite and why?
Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft? Love and Play games on all systems. I’ve never been much into Sony however.
How does video game music influence games past and present?
Video Game Music keeps you in the game. I love walking in an arcade and hearing all those great retro game noises.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
All age brackets.
Do you believe some Video Games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
Yeah, GTA is not needed. Not really all that fun either if you ask me.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
Both depending on the game.
Which company makes the best games and why?
Too many great companies making great games to pick one.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
Usually not with the games I play.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
Yeah!
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
Are there any good ones? They usually get cancelled. The documentary The King of Kong was cool though.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
Master Chief from Halo.
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
Fun
Of these five elements video games, which is the most important to you and why? Gameplay, Atmosphere, Music, Story, Art style
Gameplay because it is how the game plays.
Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?
Sometimes
What is your favorite singe player game and favorite multiplayer game?
Right now: Mr. Do! Arcade for Single Player and Windjammers Arcade for 2 players.
If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
Some retro space shooter and the main character would be a triangle. 🙂
Where do you see Video gaming in the next 20 years?
Probably going towards VR games.
This is one of an ongoing series of articles based on the Walter Day Collection of e-sports/video gaming trading cards – check out more information at thewalterdaycollection.com.
Todd Friedman is heavily involved in the retro gaming community and has co-promoted the Video Game Summit in Chicago, IL for the past 16 years. He also has published 2 books and written for various different gaming magazines including Old School Gamer.
