| ZapCon 2023 |  | |  | | | We regret to announce that there will be no ZapCon in 2023. It is possible that the show will return in the future.
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| What is ZapCon? | | | | | | It's a weekend-long classic arcade and pinball party, with all of the games set to free play! It takes place at the convention center in Mesa, Arizona. |
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| News | | | | |
May 17, 2022
Another Zapcon in the books! Thank for not forgetting about us and making this one of our best show to date! The love and support was felt. I'd like to thank all of our vendors and volunteers and a special thank you to our game contributors, for there would be no Zapcon without you. It takes a lot of effort and trust to bring your games to the show and we truly appreciate it. We'll see you all next time!
Apr. 15, 2022
We've updated our SCHEDULE page to include event descriptions and a map, so now you'll know exactly when and where to go for that Cyber Troopers Virtual-On Oratario Tangram tournament you were dying to take part in!
Apr. 6, 2022
This Sunday (Apr. 10) will be your last chance to pre-order a Zapcon 8.2 shirt! That also means it's your last chance to get your hands on the limited color shirts, available in men's and women's cuts! Only black unisex shirts will be available at the show and in limited numbers, so if you really want a Zapcon shirt, you should definitely pre-order them on the SHIRTS page while you still can!
Apr. 4, 2022
Zapcon 8.2 is in less than a month! Come be part of the excitement by bringing games (email oliviarium@zapcon.com) or volunteering (volunteer@zapcon.com). Zapcon needs YOU!
Mar. 25, 2022
I know it's been WAY too long since a web post, but this year's games list is now live! Watch as it grows as we get nearer to showtime!
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| About ZapCon | | | | |
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Some of the fondest memories from my childhood were when I or one of my friends could talk a parent into dropping us off at the nearest arcade for a few hours. We'd do our best to stretch $5 worth of tokens as far as possible. Sometimes that meant playing a game that wasn't that great, but you were really good at. Sometimes it meant spending your in between game time taking long, slow strolls up and down the aisles soaking in the lights and sounds, watching the attract modes of games you were curious about, or watching other people play in hopes of picking up a new killer technique or of seeing a level or mode you haven't been able to get to. Sometimes it meant spending a ridiculous amount of time waiting in line to play the arcade's hot new game.
All of it was pure bliss, and none of it exists today as it did back then. The modern arcade has shifted focus to redemption games (ticket spitters), as they can no longer compete with the home console market. All but one of the old guard pinball manufacturers have disappeared. There are precious few places to play the classics and even fewer where one can get the "classic arcade" experience.
That is why we have created Zapcon. We want to relive the joy of going to the arcade, and to share that joy with younger generations who couldn't experience it first hand. We want to give collectors and restorationists a chance to show off their wares and to buy, sell, or trade with other like minded enthusiasts. Most of all we want Zapcon to become an annual event that will promote and preserve classic arcade and pinball culture for years to come.
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Wes,
Classic Game Preservation Society |
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