In a captivating display of nostalgia and passion, a community of video game aficionados is reliving the animated action of the past, forgoing the allure of modern gaming options. Spearheaded by an Ohio native and military veteran, this growing movement has converged on the Greater Columbus Convention Center, creating a one-of-a-kind event that celebrates the timeless appeal of classic video games.Rediscovering the Joy of Retro Gaming
Embracing the Retro Gaming Renaissance
The TORG Gaming Expo, now in its ninth year, has become a beacon for retro gaming enthusiasts across the Midwest. What started as a small gathering of passionate players has blossomed into a must-attend event, filling over 300,000 square feet of the convention center with a diverse array of experiences, vendors, and free-to-play games. The expo's growth has been nothing short of remarkable, with each iteration doubling in size and attendance since its inception in 2015.
Connecting with Like-Minded Gamers
The TORG Gaming Expo was born out of the Ohio Retro Gamer Facebook group, a community that provided a platform for fellow fans of classic video games to connect and share their love of the medium. Mike Colletti, the expo's founder and a military veteran, recognized the need to bring these passionate individuals together, creating a space where they could revel in the nostalgia and camaraderie of retro gaming.
Preserving the Legacy of Iconic Consoles
For many attendees, the TORG Gaming Expo is a chance to relive the glory days of their childhood. Mike Colletti, a self-proclaimed collector of retro gaming memorabilia, takes immense pride in his assortment of Sega Genesis titles, captivated by the allure of the iconic box art and the timeless gameplay. This sentiment is echoed by countless others who have rediscovered the joy of classic consoles and the experiences they once cherished.
Fostering a Vibrant Retro Gaming Community
The TORG Gaming Expo has become more than just a gathering of like-minded enthusiasts; it has evolved into a tight-knit community. Co-founder Rachel Oscherwitz describes the event as a "big family reunion," where familiar faces, vendors, and volunteers return year after year, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences. As the lives of the organizers have progressed, the expo has become a reflection of their personal journeys, further strengthening the bonds within this passionate community.
Accessibility and Affordability for All
Colletti and his team are keenly aware of the importance of making the TORG Gaming Expo accessible to as many people as possible. They strive to keep ticket prices affordable, ensuring that the event remains inclusive and welcoming to all who share a love for retro gaming. Every penny raised is reinvested into the following year's expo, a testament to their commitment to preserving and expanding this unique celebration of gaming history.
A Thrilling Showcase of Retro Gaming
The TORG Gaming Expo is a veritable treasure trove for retro gaming enthusiasts. Levi Garrett, the owner of Game On in Chillicothe, has brought his entire video game store to the event, showcasing over 10,000 video games in a single booth. The expo also features free-to-play games, an arcade, immersive experiences, a dedicated kid's zone, and the highly anticipated appearances of voice actors from the Halo franchise.
A Labor of Love for the Organizers
Organizing an event of this scale is no easy feat, but Colletti and Oscherwitz are driven by their unwavering passion for retro gaming. Despite the grueling work and stress involved, they find immense satisfaction in seeing the joy and excitement on the faces of attendees. For them, the TORG Gaming Expo is a labor of love, a testament to their dedication to preserving the legacy of classic video games and fostering a thriving community of like-minded enthusiasts.
