Trading Card Spotlight David Kaelin
Our next Trading Card Spotlight features David Kaelin, who is displayed on card number 448, from the Superstars of 2013. David is the CEO/President of Game Over Videogames & organizer of Classic Game Fest. Game Over Video Games was started in 2005 and continues today as a leading Retro game shop. The mission was simple, to create a huge place to find and get the best retro game and system experience in the United States. David also helps run one of the biggest retro game conventions in Texas called “Classic Game Fest”. This year it falls on July 28th and 29th. His dedication to the industry helps keep the classic gaming world alive and well and fund for all generations.
Do you believe some Video Games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
No way! There is no game, movie, or TV show that forces anyone to kill another person or commit mass violence. People that do that already have that pre-disposition to be that way in my opinion. Saying it’s the fault of music, movies, or videogames is simply passing the blame to something besides the parents, friends, and family life that most often are the real cause of such issues.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Humble – he’s been in this gaming industry for his entire life and a major “face” of retro gaming for years, but when you meet him in person, he is just the nicest man you’ll ever meet. Super professional, friendly, and down to Earth. Love that guy!
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
I remember playing lots of Pac-Man and Ms. Pac Man in Pizza Hut restaurants as a kid – LOVED having that to look forward to as we waited for the food. Also, for home consoles, my first games played were Combat and Yars’ Revenge on the Atari 2600…both were favorites of mine as a kid due to fun, competitive nature of playing and competing against my family and friends!
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
Honestly, these days I don’t get much time to play due to work constraints and family obligations. But I love the look of the newer games, but for those times when I can actually get some time to play, I still mostly gravitate back to retro games – classic Mario and Mega Man games…. the newest thing that I play is probably Minecraft – which my kids are into as well – so that can be a fun family experience to play together with them.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a Video game Trading card?
Ha! No way! I always LOVED video games…but I was NEVER the best player on any one game…I was just a fan who loved playing them and had the great timing to be growing up alongside the gaming industry in general.
Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the Trading Card? If so, where?
Just from Walter Day himself during his events. I love that guy – he always makes everyone feel great and we love being around him and his positive energy!
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Humble – he’s been in this gaming industry for his entire life and a major “face” of retro gaming for years, but when you meet him in person, he is just the nicest man you’ll ever meet. Super professional, friendly, and down to Earth. Love that guy!
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
My favorite over time was the GBAsp – such power from such a small handheld. I don’t have a Switch yet, but those look very cool and may be my next handheld purchase soon…
Do you prefer PC or Console gaming and why?
Console gaming – it’s most of what I played as a kid, and the ability to KNOW all games will work was always nice. I remember friends that were devoted PC gamers who were always having to pay to fix or upgrade boards, cards, speakers, etc. on their computers…I just love to play the games and like the simple interface and operation of consoles.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
These days, my game times is mostly spent with my kids playing classic Mario games and Minecraft.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
Ms.PacMan – classic and spent so much time on them as a kid!
Which console company is your favorite and why? Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft?
Tough question! I love them all in a way…. I guess I’ve been most loyal to Nintendo over the years, but PS1 and PS2 are some of my favorite all around consoles and both have amazing game libraries!
How does video game music influence games past and present?
Music is a HUGE part of the overall enjoyment of videogames! Without that, some of favorite games just wouldn’t be the same.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
Yes! All of the above!
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
At home with friends/family.... much more fun and memorable!
Which company makes the best games and why?
I always loved Nintendo games – they seem to have the most overall creativity in the industry and have had that for years!
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
There’s always another chance to redo something that you mess up…. just never give up on finding success!
When did you first meet Walter day and where was it at?
Wow, not really sure…. I think we met at a CGE event in Vegas a LONG time ago, but I’ve seen him briefly several times since at various gaming conventions and events around the country. We were honored to have him at our big annual retro gaming event here in Texas – Classic Game Fest – last summer.
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
Fun, interactive, electronic entertainment of all kinds.
Of these five elements video games, which is the most important to you and why? Gameplay, Atmosphere, Music, Story, Art style
GamePlay – if you can’t stand the controls/gameplay, it really doesn’t matter what the story, art, sound, etc. is …. that game is just not going to hold your interest long enough to enjoy those things.
Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?
Depends on the game…. sometimes they are amazing…. sometimes – frustrating as hell!
What is your favorite single player game and favorite multiplayer game?
Ms. PacMan/SuperMario & MegaMan classic games for single player…. probably Mario Kart for multiplayer.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
Yes, I still continue to run the “Game Over Videogames” chain of indie/retro video game stores, and every summer we put on the biggest retro gaming event in Texas – Classic Game Fest.
Where do you see Video gaming in the next 20 years?
Lots of VR/AR for sure! Hopefully the retro games and physical content in general won’t totally disappear too as we make major shifts to digital content delivery and purchasing.
http://www.gameovervideogames.com