8Bit/Digi

A Gamers Weekend in Sacramento

As the year comes to an end, Sac Gamers Expo 2022 gave the community one last chance to congregate. This was an opportunity to either cosplay, find a retro game, learn from industry legends, or just hang out with other like-minded enthusiasts.

Sac Gamers Expo 2022 brought together gamers, industry legends, and respected commentators for an exciting weekend. Also present were local indie game developers and retro game merchants. This was the perfect event for anyone who enjoys video games.

Dealers and Artists 

Sac Gamers Expo 2022 brought together a good number of vendors and artists from the West Coast. The vendor’s hall was just a treasure chest of classic games from so many different eras. From the NES and PlayStation to more modern titles along with tabletop games, there was so much to see (and a budget to watch).

OGpokerus is a local artist and vendor that creates a variety of works inspired by classic games and anime. Among the work that will get your attention is the XL recreation of video game cartridges and mini recreations of iconic game cases. One also can’t overlook the many original fan art. 

Shining Shadows Saga (S3) is a JRPG TCG set in the realm of Limsia (a world in which magic and adventure await). The creative team behind the series was present during the weekend to meet their fans and introduce new gamers to the series. 

Gatekeepers Collectibles is a local online and convention shop that specializes in retro games and video game accessories. They also sell anime-related merchandise and plushies.  

Segura Designs combined everything you love about the dealer’s hall with the artist’s ally. Guests could either pick up that retro game they have been looking for or original artwork based on their favorite series. Also available were pins and keychains based on the same style. 

Sushi Tomodachi is what happens when you start with an original work and allow it to grow with its own lore. This series features numerous animals and creatures reimaged as sushi (each with its own backstory and lore). Guests could also find a variety of original works on different merchandises. 

The Gaming Museum

The Gaming Museum was a chance to learn the history of video games and witness its evolution. The collection included classic consoles along with rare titles and collectible merchandise. Among the highlights of the collection were several debug / developer consoles, a working Virtual Boy, and a 3DO Interactive (with a playable copy of Street Fighters II).

Cosplayers of Sac Gamers Expo

While not a major aspect of the event, there were several cosplayers present during the weekend. Those present had worked hard to bring their favorite character to life. A few even added their personal touch to it.

Panel Highlights 

Sac Gamers Expo was also an opportunity to gain some insight into one’s favorite work or the industry. The event organized a series of panels that discussed a variety of topics given by special guests and industry legends. These are some of the panels I got to check out during the weekend:

Mortal Kombat: 30th Anniversary Reunion brought together some of the creative minds behind one of the most influential fighting games. Fans got an inside look into the creation of the game along with some never before heard stories. Among the topics discussed were the creation of Johnny Cage, their thoughts on fan art, and payments with pizza.

Bringing Classic Games to Modern Audiences: The Digital Eclipse Approach was a panel that presented an inside look at the publisher responsible for introducing timeless classics to a new generation of gamers. Hosted by Stephen Frost of Digital Eclipse, the audience got an inside look at the challenges of bringing a classic game to modern consoles and the PC. At the same time, the audience got to ask their own questions. 

My Loot

No story about the Sac Gamers Expo is complete without mentioning the games I walked away with. I walked in with $150 in cash and no shopping agenda. I was on the hunt for any games that interested me or I use to own and now wanted to correct a mistake I once made.

Here is a list of everything I bought and the price tag:

• Star Ocean: Till the End of Time (PS2) for $20
• Resident Evil: Code Veronica X (PS2) for $10
• Xenosaga Episode II (PS2) for $50
• Galerians: Ash (PS2) for $30

Overall, I walked away with some great classics while having some change left over.

Did you get a chance to check out Sac Gamers Expo 2022? If so then share your story in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: Sac Gamers Expo provided me with a pass for the weekend.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.