The first-ever Saskatchewan Retro GameCon attracted gaming enthusiasts from across Western Canada to Temple Gardens Centre on Saturday, with sold-out tournaments and vendors reporting strong interest in vintage gaming culture.
Event organizer Jared Dormer, who also drums for the Scott Benson Band, said the response exceeded expectations.
"I'm so excited. It's a packed house. People are coming from across the province, Alberta, BC. The vendors are stoked to be here. We just can't believe it's happening today," Dormer said during the event.
The convention featured tournaments in classic games including Halo 3, Street Fighter 2, and Super Mario Bros. 3, with the competitions selling out in advance. A special kids' tournament was also held as part of the day's programming.
The Moose Jaw Gamers Association operated a retro lounge area featuring board games and vintage console systems designed to recreate the atmosphere of gaming with friends.
"We've got board games. We've got some retro console games, video games, that kind of stuff. We're your friends' living room from 20 years ago, is what we're trying for," said Andrew Deobald of the Moose Jaw Gamers Association.
Vendors included local businesses like Triple B 3D Printing Services, operated by Bo Chiason, who brought gaming-related 3D printed products to the event, including a series of epic, functional Marvel-themed masks including Deadpool, Spiderman, and Wolverine.
"There's tons of sweet vendors out here. We're just hoping to meet some cool people and make some sales and have some fun," Chiason said.
The event featured a unique musical component, with gaming soundtrack music provided by members of the Scott Benson Band, who were also the primary organizers behind the convention.
Jared Robinson, another organizer, explained the dual role of the band members in creating the event.
"Since it's the Scott Benson band that kind of organized this, we're just four friends that are having a blast bringing something fun to the city. And we thought, oh, this is also an opportunity for us to put some of our favorite gaming soundtracks together," Robinson said.
Deobald praised the organizational effort for a first-time event, noting the professional quality of the convention.
"I'm very impressed with how they've put stuff together, especially for a first time," he said. "So far, it's been a lot of fun."
The Moose Jaw Gamers Association also used the event to promote their own upcoming February GAX convention, which focuses on role-playing games, tabletop gaming, and video games.
Dormer indicated the success of the inaugural event has organizers planning to make it an annual tradition.
"We can't wait to keep bringing it back," he said.
