The recent Retro Gaming Expo in San Francisco attracted industry veterans, including Nolan Bushnell, John Romero and Hisashi Nogami, who discussed the past, present and future of gaming, with a focus on classic games. The event also featured exhibits on consoles, games and accessories spanning decades of the gaming industry. Keynote speeches by industry veterans Howard Scott Warshaw and Jordan Mechner covered topics ranging from Warshaw’s work on the infamous E.T. game, new and old platforms, and the state of the industry. The panelists and speakers expressed optimism about gaming’s future, especially regarding technological advancements including VR and AR.
Gaming industry veterans reflect on past and future at Retro Gaming Expo
At the recent Retro Gaming Expo, held in San Francisco, some of the biggest names in the gaming industry came together to reflect on the past of gaming, as well as share their thoughts on its future.
Panel Discussion
The highlight of the event was a panel discussion, featuring gaming legends such as Nolan Bushnell, the creator of Pong and the founder of Atari; John Romero, co-founder of id Software and developer of classic games like Doom and Quake; and Hisashi Nogami, producer of the popular game Splatoon.
The discussion focused on the classic games of the past, with the panelists sharing stories of their experiences in the industry and their memories of creating some of the most iconic games of all time. They also talked about the changes in the industry over the years, particularly with the rise of mobile gaming and the growing popularity of eSports.
Keynote Speeches
Aside from the panel discussion, the expo also featured keynote speeches from industry veterans, including Howard Scott Warshaw, the developer of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for the Atari 2600; and Jordan Mechner, the creator of the classic game Prince of Persia.
Warshaw talked about his experiences working on the infamous E.T. game, which is often considered one of the worst video games ever made. He also discussed his experiences working on other games for the Atari and shared his thoughts on the current state of the industry.
Meanwhile, Mechner reminisced about the early days of game development and shared his insights on the challenges of creating games for both old and new platforms.
The Expo
In addition to the discussions and speeches, the Retro Gaming Expo also featured exhibits showcasing classic gaming consoles, games, and accessories. Attendees had the opportunity to play some of the most beloved games of all time, such as Super Mario Bros., Street Fighter II, and Sonic the Hedgehog.
There were also vendors selling retro gaming items, as well as merchandise related to current games and franchises, such as Fortnite and Pokémon.
The Future of Gaming
Despite the focus on the past, the panelists and speakers at the Retro Gaming Expo were all optimistic about the future of the gaming industry. They talked about the potential for virtual reality and augmented reality to change the way games are experienced, and the growing use of gaming technology in fields such as education and healthcare.
Overall, the Retro Gaming Expo was a celebration of the gaming industry’s past, but also a look towards its future. With such prominent figures in the industry sharing their experiences and insights, it was a truly unforgettable event for fans of gaming of all ages.