Trading Card Spotlight - Sean Tagg
Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Sean “Taggsta” Tagg, who currently is displayed on card number 2030, from the Superstars of 2015 Collection. Sean has been a big part of the Walter Day Collection trading card history. Along with his own card displayed in the article, Sean has created many other cards with his artwork. Cards such as 2402, 2403 and 2407, just to name a few. The amazing part is the art was all created on the Nintendo 3DS. Sean has also a knack for restoring 1980's Arcade machines.
Are you still involved with gaming today, and what role do you play?
I am one part of the Arcade Perfect Podcast with my co-host Daz Borg. We cover one arcade game per episode and go into detail about the game, trivia and the home ports that were released. We invite guests on to the show who are big fans of the feature game which builds new friendships and gives people a chance to talk about their favorite game.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
The first video game I played was the arcade version of Space Invaders. I remember it having 3 buttons – left, right and fire. The screen glowed and the sound of shooting a UFO was very loud. I was very young when Space Invaders was released so I had to stand on a milk crate to be tall enough play it.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
Today’s generation of games can be much larger and require much more time to play and complete whereas classic games generally can be picked up and just played. I don’t have time these days to play large game that require a lot of hours so classic gaming suits me.
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
The Nintendo Switch is a great handheld
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
I am mainly playing Donkey Kong so I can compete in the Australian Kong Off events. I like platform and racing games the most.
Which console company is your favorite and why? Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft?
SEGA is my favorite game company as most of their games in the 80’s had awesome cabinets that moved and the experience of playing on/in them was something very special as a kid.
If you could own one arcade game or pinball game, what would it be and why?
I own a Sega OutRun stand up arcade machine and a Donkey Kong Jr upright. OutRun was one of my favorite arcade games from my childhood so it is my grail cabinet to own. Yu Suzuki, the creator of the game has also signed the machine which is an amazing touch.
Are video games aimed mainly at children, adolescents or adults?
I think it’s across every age these days. Henry and Josh, my kids, love video games just as much as I did at their age.
Do you believe some video games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
Ratings are there to make sure games suit peoples ages. I think there should be no restriction on violent games, but the ratings should be followed, or parents should be able to make judgement on what can / can’t be played. As for it being a leading factor in American violence, I won’t go into that as I live in Australia.
Do you prefer playing video games alone, against friends or online against the world and why?
I have done all in different times of my life but right now being a parent, I play single player trying to work up global leaderboards or I might play locally with my kids.
Which company makes the best games and why?
I don’t have a preference on this one as I love any company that makes a good game.
Do you learn anything from playing video games?
I don’t think I have learnt anything personally that can be useful in everyday life from playing video games but restoring arcade games allows you learn and use many life skills including Art, Woodwork, electronics and mechanical skills. I love this side of the hobby.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
Donkey Kong is a great arcade game that allows me to zone out and just enjoy the moment. So yes, I think the right game can. The wrong game can stress you out too though.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card?
No. I loved collecting trading cards as a kid and appearing on one of Walters Cards was very special to me.
Have you ever received any media coverage for your appearance on the trading card? If so, where?
I have seen some great articles written online with Walter holding one of the cards that I did the art for. Seeing my art being collected by others around the world is a nice feeling.
When did you first meet Walter day and where was it at?
I have never met Walter Day but we messaged almost weekly during a project we worked on producing artwork for the ‘Founding Fathers of Video Games’ trading card collection.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Enabler. Walter enables people to be engaged in the history of video games through his cards.
Do you like it when Hollywood makes a movie from the video game?
Generally, I am not a big fan of movie game tie ins. I didn’t mind Pixels although it got a lot of hate. I like video game documentaries though the most like King of Kong and The Long and Twisted Tale of Nibbler.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
Bub from Bubble Bobble. I like the character design, cute, simple and very Japanese.
What springs to mind when you hear the term ‘video games’?
Fun, competition, friendships, travelling.
Of these five elements video games, which is the most important to you and why? Gameplay, Atmosphere, Music, Story, Art or style.
Art as a kid but now gameplay/competition.
Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?
No, not these days. I play classic games that don’t usually contain Boss battles.
What is your favorite single player game and favorite multiplayer game?
Donkey Kong these days. I don’t really play multiplayer.
Do you prefer PC or console gaming and why?
Console gaming as its quick and easy to pick up and play.
If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
It would be about an Italian plumber who has to travel his way through four different stages to save his lady from a large ape. I think it would be very popular ????
Where do you see Video gaming in the next 20 years?
Hologram / projection gaming – kind of VR without a headset.