The 2007 CAGDC Tourney at Challenge Arcade

[MDARULZ]

Joe LeVan and I are finally ready to announce that the second edition of the annual CAGDC Tournament is a go !  I thot that I would be able to roll out the announcement quite some time ago (see these posts: post 1; post 2; post 3), but, due to there being a lack of surety with various plans and mall management approval issues, plus the holidays making for a lack of time to decide on things, Joe had to delay giving me a go-ahead.  But, that's OK, as we have things pretty much in line (while still maintaining some flexibility), and there's also still a couple of months of lead time.

Now, here's the tentatively firm information for everyone:

We'll be holding the event over one of the last three weekends in March, and it will be held for three days, Friday thru Sunday, as it was last year.  One idea that is likely to happen is to delay the start time slightly, from the 11 AM time of last year; this year, we're thinking of starting up at 4 PM, which will allow for gamers to not have to spend an extra night (or day) to come out and be there at the start of the event.  Otherwise, the starting and closing times will closely adhere to last year, within a half-hour.

As last time, there will be the well-liked option of choosing the games that you want to play, out of a pool of titles.  It was suggested that this pool was almost too big last year (tho my thot is, the more, the better !), so, we're going to slightly cut back on the number this time, probably to about 12 (compared to 15 last year).

The scoring system will be further simplified, from the standpoint of one set of calculations, and no 'bonus', which caused a problem last time.  We'll likely be implementing a sort of sliding scale way of calculation, which will lend fairness to all places of finish.  However, if the majority wishes, the more common percentile system may be implememented instead.

The prize purse will have a similar value as last time, but this year, Joe and I came up with the idea of 3 money-place finish prizes, and a fourth 'runner-up' prize of a classic gaming console, with cartridges.  At this time, the idea is to have first place win $150, second place $75, and third $25 (compared to a bit more for each last year).  Note that this year, we are again putting in the possibility of adding to the purse, if enough people enter the event.  Last year, that point was over 20 entrants; this year, it's been lowered to over 15, and with the added players expected from this being a year 2 event, it's very likely that the purse will increase nicely ($5 added for each person past the 15 point).

Another welcome money change is the entry fee.  While it's technically the same as last time ($15 pre-pay, and $20 at the door once the contest day arrives), we'll be offering an 'early-bird' option, where the fee is just $12 !  This will likely be valid thru the end of January, and possibly a little into February.  In addition, we're also having a rewards program, whereby anyone that signs up and mentions (at the time) that they were 'referred' by someone, will earn $3 for that person (not for themselves !).  The only things to keep in mind are: the person referred must not have been in the CAGDC Tourney last year; the person who made the referral must enter the tourney in order to be paid; and, the referral fees will be paid out only at the tourney itself (naturally, you must show up, and the tourney must take place, to receive any earned fee(s)).  Basically, the first rule is (of course) because we want new players to enter this year.  In any case, this could save a referring player their entire entry fee, so, please spread the word, and get new players to sign up !

Now that the major points are summed up, I want to have forum readers post their thots and ideas on any of the mentioned tourney options.  First of all, please vote for 6 of your favorite games above, that you'd like to see appear in the tourney (and, you can even vote if you're not sure you'll be able to come yet).  While this is not a true vote (i.e., Joe and I get the final say !), your wishes will be strongly considered !

I'd especially like to hear what everyone prefers, as far as the possible dates in March go.  These include the 'weekends' of: 16-18; 23-25; and 30-1.  Also, if you'd prefer the percentile method to any other, I'd like to know that, too.

Since this is a year two event, it's very  important that we do well, as this will encourage both Joe and I to continue this event.  Last year we had 11 entrants, and this time we're shooting for 20-25 minimum, including trying to get in more players from across the country, and even outside our borders (Canada, Britain, Finland, and wherever).  If you're thinking of coming to a contest, make this the one !  Right now, Joe is requiring (for the event to take place) that there to be a minimum of ten pre-pays by a certain date, which is now tentatively around February 20th (to allow plenty of time for everyone to make travel arrangements).  I know this won't be a problem, especially with the incredible $12 'early-bird' offer.  But, I guess I'm saying... don't delay !

More details, and a dedicated web page and PayPal link, will soon appear.  If you like, please feel free to pay even sooner than that, by going to this page, and clicking either of the first two links, or the top PayPal logo, and filling in the details.  You can even use a credit card, with no PayPal account needed !  Thanks in advance to everyone, and let's make this a tournament to remember !

[MDARULZ]

Thanks to everyone who has so far voted for your favorite games.  Joe and I have gotten a lot of great ideas as to what games are most wanted.  Of course, Joe and I want a little say, too, so don't be surprised to see a title or two that didn't garner much in the way of vote totals !

Speaking of the titles, I have a tentative list put up on my just-completed 2007 CAGDC Tourney page, here.  The traveler page, which is chock full of useful tips and info for out-of-town visitors, is here.  I again negotiated some great room rates at local hotels (from $6 to $50 off per night !), so that's a welcome savings, for sure.  Oh, and please fill out the form linked at the bottom of this page, if you can offer anything in the way of rides, room sharing, or any other help for fellow gamers at (or travelling to) the event.  A big thanks in advance for this, since a number of persons were helped out greatly last time !

The tourney weekend dates are now set; it will be held the last weekend in March, from Friday, March 30th (4 PM start) until Sunday, April 1st (4 PM finish, then the awards ceremony should be a bit before 5 PM).  Needless to say, the weather should be better than having it in mid-March, as last year, and also, a number of potential attendees (that I talked to via phone) said the later weekend was much better for them.

Some things to keep in mind are that, even tho the first table on the tourney page shows 14 titles, this will be reduced in the coming week or so to 12 announced titles.  Other than the need to switch one out for possible functional issues, these will be set in early February.  In addition, there will be one more title in the tournament pool of games - a 'mystery' title !  It will be announced the day of the event, at both the arcade, and, likely, on the forums.  Also, note that the titles shown in red-face in the table are ones that are already likely to make the final 12.

As far as prepays go we already have one submitted, even before things are finalized !  A big thanks to Pat Laffaye for his support in doing that.  Again, we need to have everyone sign up as early as possible this time, both for your benefit (with the $12 'early-bird' discount-rate offer, tentatively set to go thru February 6th only), and everyone's (with the minimum of 10 prepays that are required for us to be able to hold the event; the tentative cut-off date with that is February 25th).  I know we'll reach 10 prepays even before that point, but, it doesn't hurt to emphasize it !

Don't forget, too, that each person who enters the event, and also refers one or more entrants (who didn't enter last March) will receive a $3 bonus for bringing in another gamer !  Please let your friends and local arcade 'buddies' know about this event, for sure.

The link to pay (securely, via PayPal) is located near the bottom of the tourney page, here.  A PayPal account is not  needed; you can pay via any common credit card, if you wish.

Well, that sums up the current status of things.  I'll add another post when most everything becomes final (titles, prepay date, cut-off date, etc.).  In the meantime, please chime in with any ideas, thots, questions, suggestions, etc.  Thanks !

[jkoolpe]

Mark,

As per our previous phone conversation, I also put in my "vote" to have you "convince" the Challenge Arcade to include at least one vector title.  Asteroids, Tempest, or Star Wars are such classic and great games as we all know.  The other rarer ones such as Space Duel, Black Widow, Gravitar, Quantum, and Black Widow would also be a great games to include, but I don't think that CA has any of these titles (unless you could convince a local collector to bring one).  Heck, I'd love to see Star Castle, RipOff, or even Tac/Scan, but I doubt you could find one of those around the area (maybe Star Castle).  Tell him to install an LV200 kit in his Tempest and Star Wars.  They are available here:

http://www.geocities.com/jeffhendrix67/lv2000/

I have one in all of my Atari color vector monitors (I have all of Atari's color vector games in my garage collection:)), and I have had no problems with the monitors since then.  They are easy to install with just minimal soldering skills (takes maybe about 30 minutes if even that).

Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there.  It's certainly great that you are doing this contest again this year.  Still don't know if I can make it, but you never know ...

[DDRFUR4LIFE]

heh heh guess I better lay off DDR, and start practicing for the tourney  , well I hope 19XX will be there, if not it will be 1940 I believe well I hope to see you old and new players there

[MDARULZ]

As per our previous phone conversation, I also put in my "vote" to have you "convince" the Challenge Arcade to include at least one vector title.  Asteroids, Tempest, or Star Wars are such classic and great games as we all know.

...

Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there.  It's certainly great that you are doing this contest again this year.  Still don't know if I can make it, but you never know ...

Hi again Jonathan - thanks for the suggestions, and especially the 'fix' info !  I told Joe about your post a few days ago, and he almost immediately made the decision to put Star Wars in the tournament !  So, now you have even more of a reason to come !  I know that Mark Boolman, Donald Hayes, and a number of others will appreciate having this beloved classic title in the event.

heh heh guess I better lay off DDR, and start practicing for the tourney , well I hope 19XX will be there, if not it will be 1940 I believe well I hope to see you old and new players there

Yep, lay off the dance moves, and pick up the game patterns, Ryan !  Right now, 19XX is a likely title to make the final cut.

Speaking of that, the current list of 12 titles on the official tourney page will likely be set in the next few days.  But, note that the current list is tentatively very firm, and likely to remain in place.  Let me extend a big thanks to all the forum members who voted - it really helped Joe and I with the list, and allows us to put in the games that you most want !

Now, to wind up, I'll note some things that have happened since I posted a week ago.  We've received another two prepayments from gamers (Steve McBlane, and Frank Lupia, both from last year's event), and I've gotten verbal commitments from about 5 others.  Also, Donald Hayes, Darren Harris, and Abdner Ashman are 80%+ going to attend !  And, other likely (90%+) attendees are Bryan Wagner, Jimmy Linderman (Pac-Mania wr holder), and a couple of others from both the east and west coasts.  I'll be posting more info as the prepays come in.  Note that there's just a few days left to get in on the 'early-bird' special discount, so be sure to sign up now, using any common credit card (or, your PayPal account).

Three (count 'em !) possible special gaming events (all of which are yet to be set in stone) involve three different gamers that may be trying for world-record gaming marks while at the event.  First, Jimmy Linderman plans on trying to break his incredible 3.7M score on Pac-Mania.  Then, if Joe approves, forums member Jason Spindler would like to bring a title in from his home arcade collection, and go for the record (via taping).  Finally, and perhaps most significantly, I've invited Les Martin, of Pac-Man splitscreen 'fame', to come out and get by the splitscreen on Joe's official original Midway romset version of the game.  If he can, I will pay for all of his expenses while at the event.  We'll see if he wishes to take advantage of this opportunity to become both a 'living legend', and the most famous classic arcade gamer ever !

Well, that summates things to date.  I look forward to seeing everyone again this year, and I know that a lot of newcomers have mentioned wanting to come out just to see the arcade, in addition to playing in the event.  This is definitely the year to do so !  Don't miss out on any of the excitement or fun - come out in March, meet all the famous gamers, and play to win !

[MDARULZ]

Here's another tourney update for everyone.  Thanks to the voting, input, and help (especially with Bryan Wagner's 'bug' research - a big thanks BW !!) from everyone, the tournament game titles are now set, other than the obvious contingency where a title has an unrepairable mechanical / electronic failure.  For the latter reason, Joe had to pull Spy Hunter from the arcade, and that explains it suddenly being gone from the list that has basically been in place for over a week now.  We decided to put Panic Bomber in its place (I know, I know, it's not exactly a top title, but... trust me - it's a good one for the contest, and the best overall choice among the titles left, as far as input I've had, and as far as it being the least likely to have operational problems, out of the games from the vote list).  So... to save everyone from having to go to the tourney page, here's the official list of titles:

Bubble Bobble, Indiana Jones ATTOD, Millipede, Mr. Do!, Ms. Pac-Man, 19XX, Panic Bomber, Pole Position, Q*bert, Star Wars, Time Pilot '84, Zoo Keeper, and...  the Mystery Title (a game that will be announced the starting day of the event)

OK, I ripped off the 'Mystery' part from the Funspot 'Mystery Game' !  But, 'Surprise Title' sounded funky, so, I went with the obvious.  Now, this is a great line-up, and I think one that is equal to last year's in every way.  Lots of gamers wanted Indiana Jones and Millipede, plus driving games are popular, so Pole Position was an obvious choice.  I let Ms. Pac and Zoo Keeper have encore performances from last year, as they're perennially popular titles, and I know that they will likely please a large percentage of contestants.  Mr. Do! was popular at the most recent Challenge Arcade event, and if you've never played Time Pilot '84, you're in for a treat.  For fans of shooters, it has a number of unique features, and challenging screens, that will please.  Oh, and last but not least, that Mystery Title will very possibly be one that's in the arcade now, and / or on the vote list.  It's not set yet, so don't count on that 100%, but, this likelihood should help a few people better practice for the event.  Be sure to vote in the poll at the top of this thread if you haven't already done so, as we'll very possibly be picking the Mystery Title partially on the basis of the vote (tho remember that the main titles are now set, so the voting will have no impact there).

OK, now on to the subject line.  I just found out that great gamer Donald Hayes is coming to the event, and has booked his flight.  You can be sure he'll be one of the names to watch as the tournament progresses.  But, don't count out anyone, as there are 4 or 5 gamers on tap that will very possibly get at least two #1 scores each !  One of them is Jimmy Linderman, the wr holder on Pac-Mania.  This game isn't in the listed games for the event, and unless it ends up being picked for the Mystery Title in the contest, then he'll likely be trying for a wr during his 'down-time' from the tourney.

Also on tap is Darren Harris, and / or Abdner Ashman.  They're about 80% sure of coming, and they each have two contest titles that they are world-class / world-record level on.  Let's also not forget Pat Laffaye, or Bryan Wagner, who are Funspot regulars that can 'throw down with the big boys' !  Also, I'm hopeful that a number of California gamers will show, including Franz Lanzinger (designer of Crystal Castles), Mark Robichek (former Frogger wr holder, and Pengo wiz), Mike Klug (second in the world on Pole Position), plus maybe Gary Hatt and Paul Dean on top of that !  Wow - if we can get even half these incredible players, the event will rock !!

Here's a final, and very exciting note - I've invited Les Martin, of Pac-Man splitscreen fame (he apparently got by it on numerous occasions during a public demo in the early 80's) to show up for the event, and show us that he can get by the splitscreen on the game !  Also, his buddy Rick 'Permafrost' Carter, has indicated that he'll be attempting to get vacation time arranged in order to come to the event.  I hope Les agrees to try to come out for the event also, and hope that he will also agree to play Pac-Man to a historical and unprecedented conclusion !  If he's there, and you're not... well, I wouldn't want to regret missing something like that !!!  Stay tuned for more updates on the possibility  of the impossible  on Pac-Man happening...

More updates will be coming, as they arise.  Make your plans now to be at Challenge Arcade in late March, and sign up today !

[MDARULZ]

Time for another update !  I talked to Joe yesterday, and we can now confirm that we have enough sign-ups, and likely attendees, to guarantee going forward with the event.  So, make your plans to be at Challenge Arcade next month !

Forums member Bryan Wagner has now signed up, and will be bringing his son along.  Steve McBlane also may have a nephew in tow, so we'll have to see how these 'tweens' do !  Practice up, or they may give you a run for your money !

Now that Star Wars is in the event, perhaps Jonathan Koolpe will show !  We put it in just for you, JK !!   

I talked to Abdner Ashman last weekend, and he and Darren Harris are basically a lock to attend, so seeing their Ms. Pac skills, along with their expert abilities on two or three other contest titles, will be a treat.  A possible attendee from the west coast is Franz Lanzinger, designer of Crystal Castles.  He's promised to have a great prize for everyone who enters the contest, so kudos to him.

For more possible 'names' that may be in attendance, see the second paragraph on the official web page for the event.  And, check out the traveler's page for help and info on lodging discounts, airports, mapping of the area, and possible rides to and from the airport, or from out of state, even.

I've recently updated a couple of the rules for the tournament games, plus determined the tentative 'threshold' scores for the contest game titles.  The threshold score is the minimum score that a contestant must achieve to turn in a score on a particular game.  I also have the entrant agreement form completed (this lays out the tournament, and arcade, rules and information, which all tourney entrants sign off that they'll follow and abide by).  For a page showing all of these things, click here.  Please post feedback in this thread, including your thots on possible changes / corrections to the threshold scores, additions to the specific game rules, and on any of the event rules and information listed.  I think I've covered all the bases, and hopefully been fairly clear about how the scoring system works.  I put in a lot of detail to avoid any misunderstandings, as happened last year.  Let me know if anything could be clearer, or better written.

Final notes; Joe and I are tentatively going to have a live webcam going for the event.  We hope that it's even a mobile one, so that we can show web visitors the entire arcade at times !  This would definitely be another historical first for our contest.  We're also looking at a fairly decent possibility of a visitor from outside US borders, which would be terrific.  Last, but not least, are the players that will be going for world records on a few of the games at the arcade (myself included - I want  Panic Bomber !!).  With all the incredible things going on, sign up now, and be sure to make a trip to the event this year !

[Permafrostrick]

Hey everyone....

my first post here..just joined.  I am Rick Carter...known online mostly as permafrostrick or going back ever further and at MARP as LN2.

I am attending the above mentioned tournament.  I plan on driving up(I live between Baltimore MD and DC....so about 2:15-2:30 hours drive for me to Challenge Arcade...on Thursday afternoon to get some Thursday evening then Friday morning/afternoon practice before the contest starts. I have to work Sunday evening so likely would be leaving in the early afternoon.

It has been ages since I have played on real arcade machines for most of these titles.  I haven't seen a real Zoo Keeper since 1985.  It will be a joy to play on a real q*bert again...hope it's an original with the kicker etc.  I played Q*Bert a bit in wolfmame just last night...stopped at 250k...lost a man on 2-3 and another on 4-1...but that was all....so yeah, I'm rusty.  hehe

I have met upwith Don Hayes a few times but have never met all others planning on attending so it will be cool to hang out and meet you guys.
I look forward to it.

I also spoke with Les earlier this evening...and he is currently a "maybe" and will let me know within the next 3-4 days if he can attend.

[MDARULZ]

Glad to see you posting. I am assuming you have chosen Mr. Do! for one
of the contest games at Mark Alpiger's 2007 Classic Gaming Challenge
Arcade Event.

I wonder if you will be allowed to marathon the game and try to beat
the existing world record of 2,535,852 by John McKeever of Montreal, Canada
or improve your existing Twin Galaxies score of 1,975,150?

Yes, it's great to have you here, Jimmy - welcome to the forums !  It will likewise be great to have you at the event at the end of this month.

I'm definitely sure, Paul, that Jimmy will make Mr. Do! one of his tourney titles.  Unfortunately, I think he told me that even making 1M in an hour isn't possible.  So, breaking the wr would take over 3 hours, and with the one-hour tourney time limit in place, continuing on isn't a likely prospect.  The only time that I can envision it happening is if he starts near the end of the contest on Sunday (say, around 3 PM), and after taking his score at either the one-hour mark, or at the score-taking time before the contest day closes, he could continue to play on, in pursuit of a record, if he wants.

For the time being, I imagine that he's concentrating more on making a new record on Pac-Mania, which he'll likely attempt if he has the time.  Good luck to him, and all the other contestants as well !

[yankeebest]

I will tell you this:

I played 2 different timed games.

To get 999,950----------it took me 40 minutes!!!...but could take longer or shorter depending on the amount of points per screen i get.

In 1 hour I got 1.5 million...could be more or less depending on the amount of points i get.

I believe i saw donald hayes..not in person..that he got only 191,... in 1 hr...well i got 245,... in 1 hour.

I got 500,... on qbert in 1 hr.

[MDARULZ]

I will tell you this:

I played 2 different timed games.

To get 999,950----------it took me 40 minutes!!!...but could take longer or shorter depending on the amount of points per screen i get.

In 1 hour I got 1.5 million...could be more or less depending on the amount of points i get.

I guess i misremembered what you told me on the phone last month, Jimmy.  I was thinking that you said about 800K would be all you could score in an hour.  If you can get 1.5M, then in two hours, you could certainly top the record, assuming your game was going well, of course.  As I noted to Paul, if you start a game around 3 PM Sunday, maybe you could continue it past the contest cut-off, and see what happens !  If you could get the wr on Mr. Do!, and Pac-Mania, that would rock !

I believe i saw donald hayes..the ms pac man wr holder got only 191,... in 1 hr...well i got 245,... in 1 hour.

I got 500,... on qbert in 1 hr.

I think Don actually didn't quite make 1 hour, but was closer to 50 minutes.  Still, your 245K on Ms. Pac is quite excellent.  The 500K on Q*bert is likewise very good.  I do know that a number of gamers will be playing Ms. Pac and Q*bert to the hour mark, so those titles will be hotly contested.  As always, practice will make perfect, Jimmy.  Thanks for letting us know what you can score on these titles.  I'll especially be watching you play Mr. Do!

[fezzik72]

Hi Jimmy

My name is Frank and I'll be attending the CAGDC tourney in march.  I'm a big Mr. Do! fan and would welcome any tips on improving my play.  I can usually get to screens 25 and above but usually have trouble when its gets very fast. I'd love to see you play and get some pointers!  Anyway see you at the tourney and good luck going for the Pac Mania record.  I'm rooting for you!!

Frank

[yankeebest]

I need to know if on any game the score turns over does that count as 1 million?

Will the percentages be calculated based on the 6 HIGHEST PERCENTAGES of the games you play as opposed to the 6 HIGHEST SCORES?

[yankeebest]

I actually timed those 2 games. That's how the times were derived.

[MDARULZ]

I need to know if on any game the score turns over does that count as 1 million?

Will the percentages be calculated based on the 6 HIGHEST PERCENTAGES of the games you play as opposed to the 6 HIGHEST SCORES?

Good questions Jimmy, as it never hurts to cover the bases.  But, of course, the cardinal rule (for CAGDC related matters) is that a gamer will never be penalized unfairly.  Thus, if you earned a score, it's counted, and therefore all turnovers / rollovers are tracked, and the 'real' score is counted.  But, you raise a good point.  I wasn't thinking about the rollover (assuming there is one on Mr. Do!, and there obviously is, as you would know, having scored over 1M before !) issue on any of the games, but it must be considered.  To my knowledge, the only other title in the contest that has this issue (other than a little bit on Panic Bomber, but if anyone rolls it, I'll be amazed beyond words), at least within the one-hour time limit, is Millipede.  Still, it's something for the tourney refs to keep our eye on, for these titles.  And, if you only have to play Mr. Do! once, that will be terrific.  Needless to say, keeping track of timed games is very intensive, as I can't  make a mistake.  Thus, the less of them I have to do, the better.

Similarly, both logic and fairness dictate that the 6 best scores, percentage-wise, be the consideration.  This is covered on both the tournament page, and on the entrant agreement form, which everyone will sign before the tourney.

Sorry to move a couple of your posts over to this thread, Jimmy, but, they almost totally applied to this year's contest, and belonged here.  For everyone's benefit, please post anything directly related to the upcoming tourney here, so players can easily have everything they need to see in one place.  Thanks !

In summary - if anyone can think of any other contest game whose score can be rolled within an hour, let us know right here !  Again, the titles are:

Bubble Bobble, Indiana Jones ATTOD, Millipede, Mr. Do!, Ms. Pac-Man, 19XX, Panic Bomber, Pole Position, Q*bert, Star Wars, Time Pilot '84, Zoo Keeper

I actually timed those 2 games. That's how the times were derived.

Gotcha.  I was still thinking that when we talked about it on the phone a few weeks back, your estimate was much lower, but, perhaps either I misremembered, or you underestimated the scoring rate before you actually played timed games.  Thanks a lot for trying out a few of the titles, and letting us know your abilities.  But, perhaps you shouldn't give away too much info, as that may help the competition !!     Well, perhaps you aren't worried, as you will likely top out on a couple of the games you mention...  Good luck come tournament time !