What’s on in Sydney New South Wales – Insert Coin(s) Launch Party

Thursday 8th September saw Insert Coin(s) launch at The Oxford Art Factory. Masterminded by Patrick Kolan (formerly IGN.com Entertainment Editor) and Mark Gerber (Oxford Art Factory,) it promised to be a night of pop, rock, art and retro gaming.

The venue was filled with excited people on the tabletop and standing arcade game machines, you name it, they had it, Tekken, Pinball, Donkey Kong, Pacman and Shinobi, to name but a few.

I thought I may have been past my gaming days but as soon those colourful lights and bonus points started flashing up at me that was it, I was button bashing and shouting at the screen before I knew it.

One of the selling points of the night was that EA Games brought down Fifa 12 before its official release on 29th September. Giving gamers a go on Fifa12 was a good ploy to draw in the crowds because Fifa is more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Fifa 11 was the fastest-selling sports game ever and Fifa 12 will no doubt overtake it. People queued patiently to get their taster of Fifa 12 and everyone left smiling, even if they lost.
I loved seeing The Oxford Art Factory alive with colour and computerized sounds; I have never seen it ooze so much character. People crowded around watching each other play showing the sociable and interactive qualities of gaming.

To usually play arcade games, you’ll end up leaving with a very empty pocket so for just $10 dollars on the door for unlimited play it’s a win. That teamed with the night as a whole being engaging, entertaining and enjoyable makes me think that Insert Coin(s) will be a regular fixture in the calendar.

Plus, not many nights could slyly drop in a bit of Rick Astley’s ‘Never gonna give you up’ without the crowd turning nasty, but Insert Coin(s) retro DJs got away with it, no one even flinched!

By Sarah Wilke