Retro gaming takes over Phog Lounge

Video gamers will now have the chance to play classic and vintage games at a local music venue.

Phog Lounge is running a retro arcade event every other Tuesday inviting all video game lovers to participate. Tom Lucier, owner of Phog Lounge, said he uses video games as a way to change the venue.

“You’re always looking for some kind of entertainment, something for people to do, rather than just sit and have drinks,” said Lucier.

Lucier said he thought of things that were keeping people away from the bar and wanted to make those things available at the venue.

“Then they hopefully come out to socialize and do the thing they’d do at home,” said Lucier.

Retro gaming has become more popular with many retro gaming expos being held around the world. Jason Testawich, who helps Lucier with the event, said he thinks it’s the

connection to childhood that people find enjoyable.

“The old stuff is pretty cool,” said Testawich. “We all grew up on it, it’s nice to have that connection to the past.”

Testawich said the sights and sounds of games are what bring him to the event.

Some gamers however have a different opinion of retro games.

“I prefer playing newer games as they are more immersive than the older games,” said Michael Hajik, a gamer studying political science at the University of Western Ontario.

Hajik, 20, said he understands why retro gaming is coming back into popular culture, but it isn’t for him.

“I think it’s a result of the shift in gameplay in games these days,” said Hajik. “Retro games tend to be far more simpler or more complex than today’s games and more challenging.”

Whether you’re a player of the older or newer games, Testawich said the chance to play with other gamers is the main draw of the gaming nights.

“Being out in public is always fun, playing against other people that you wouldn’t usually play against,” said Testawich. “You might as well come out and share with everyone.”