By KATRINA BRANDON
BRINGING nostalgic fun to Morwell, Game Fest took place at Latrobe Regional Gallery, hosted by Latrobe Libraries on July 1.
Featuring the new winter exhibition upstairs, up to 35 people attended Game Fest, where people of all ages could play arcade games, from the current exhibition Area Arcade: Round One, Nintendo Wii’s Mario Kart, Minecraft, the Nintendo Switch and board games. There was a bit of everything for everyone.
Tagging along to the event, Latrobe local Robert Madigan brought his son, and said it was a chance to be social together while playing games from his past.
Mr Madigan told the Express that at home, he also has his own arcade, but the experience of the exhibition as well as Game Fest, brought energetic vibes from traditional arcades.
Traralgon local Kara North also shared that the event was fantastic to share with her daughter, mentioning that it was great to be able to share a positive, collaborative experience, which also brought back fond memories for her.
The event organiser told the Express that this is the first time the gallery and libraries have teamed up together in this capacity.
“It’s been a really great way to incorporate all the different aspects of getting people to stay local for events,” they said.
“Normally, we do Game Fest at the libraries at all three locations in Morwell, Moe and Traralgon. Today’s the first time we’re doing it in the gallery, and it just happens that we’ve got this arcade exhibition. It’s been really great.”
They said that attendance is normally really good for Game Fest, but this one surpassed previous records.
“This is interesting for the parents as well,” they said.
“The parents probably remember playing Street Fighter, so when they come and have a go and introduce their kids to the retro games that they grew up with, as well as watching their kids play normal, modern games, it really brings the whole family together.”
