Retro gaming weekend
This event is now over
29 January, 6–9pm
30 and 31 January, 10am – 5pm, 2010
Get your joysticks ready for a packed weekend of retro computer games: from Pac-Man to Donkey Kong and Galaga!
From Friday evening until Sunday afternoon play 80s computer games, learn about game creation and design, hear from local and international gaming experts, and much more. Relive the golden age of video gaming at The 80s are back exhibition too.
On Friday 29 January, 6–9pm, hear from some of the biggest international and Australian names in gaming design, including Nick Montfort (Associate Professor of Digital Media, MIT); Jarrad Woods (creator of ROM CHECK FAIL); and Steve Wang (one of the developers of America’s Cup Sailing Simulation game). Hear 80s and games-inspired music from DJ Ali Reza while you enjoy a drink at the cash bar.
On Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 January, kids can get creative with games-based craft workshops. Adults and bigger kids can join a tour of the Cyberworlds exhibition with curator Matthew Connell (Saturday 30 January, 2–3pm) or hear 80s gaming experts, including John Passfield, in a fascinating panel discussion (Sunday 31 January, 2–3pm). Read the full program of activities below.
Free with Museum admission: $10 adult / $6 concession / $5 child / Free for Powerhouse members
Retro gaming weekend program
Activities are included with Museum admission unless indicated
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FRIDAY 29 JANUARY |
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6.00pm – 9.00pm |
Arcade games available to play in the Turbine Hall |
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6.00pm – 6.30pm |
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6.30pm – 7.30pm |
Hear local and international gaming experts, including Nick Montfort, Jarrad ‘Farbs’ Woods and Steve Wang, talk about what it was like to design, develop and play computer games in the 1980s. Hosted by Bajo and Hex from ABC TV’s Good Game. |
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7.30pm – 9.00pm |
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SATURDAY 30 JANUARY |
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10.00am – 5.00pm |
The 80s are back exhibition open for viewing |
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10.00am – 4.30pm |
Take our computer game challenge and play ROM CHECK FAIL |
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10.30am – 12.00pm |
80s games-inspired craft workshops for kids |
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11.00am – 2.00pm |
Dress up as a character from a classic 80s computer game in the Turbine Hall |
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11.00am – 3.00pm |
Games design workshop, $45 / $40 members |
11.00am – 4.00pm |
Play Super Mario Bros and Mario Kart games, provided by Nintendo, in our digital workshop space. Also play vintage games on a PC emulator! |
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11.30am – 2.00pm |
Chill out in the Artefact H10515 exhibition |
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12.30pm – 1.30pm |
Hear a panel discussion, hosted by Byteside’s gaming experts, which asks ‘how far has gaming come?’ The panel includes Jeremy ‘Junglist’ Ray (formerly of Good Game) and Paul Hunt (former deputy of the Classification Board and family gamer). |
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2.00pm – 3.00pm |
Join a tour of the Cyberworlds exhibition, led by Powerhouse curator Matthew Connell |
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3.00pm – 3.45pm |
Learn about exhibiting digital media and art |
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SUNDAY 31 JANUARY |
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10.00am – 5.00pm |
The 80s are back exhibition open for viewing |
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10.00am – 4.30pm |
Take our computer game challenge and play ROM CHECK FAIL |
|
10.00am – 2.00pm |
Games design workshop, $45 / $40 members |
|
10.30am – 12.00pm |
80s games-inspired craft workshops for kids |
|
11.00am – 2.00pm |
Dress up as a character from a classic 80s computer game in the Turbine Hall |
|
11.00am – 4.00pm |
Play Super Mario Bros and Maria Cart games, provided by Nintendo, in our digital workshop space. Also play vintage games on a PC emulator! |
|
11.30am – 2.00pm |
Chill out in the Artefact H10515 exhibition |
|
2.00pm – 3.00pm |
Hear 80s gaming experts, including John Passfield, Nick Montfort and Jarrad ‘Farbs’ Woods in a fascinating panel discussion on computer games in the 1980s |
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3.00pm – 4.30pm |
Closing ceremony and awards presentations for Game Jam Sydney |
Read reviews and memories of classic video games
Over in the 80s memories section you can reminisce about the games of yesteryear. We’ve been covering titles from the arcades, the home computers, and handhelds.
