Everyday Gamer

As I write this blog I can’t help but to notice how much more work I need to do for my move to Bellevue, Washington next week. Stressful, yes, but the rewards will come when I can attend PAX 2008 and other video game-related events without, well, having to leave home! Being a gamer for 20 years my hometown of Sacramento, CA and my current home in Missouri doesn’t leave much for a gamer to do.

So what will my new home state have to offer gaming-wise? I decided to do some research beyond the obvious to find out. First off we all know that Microsoft and Nintendo call northwest Washington home – that alone can have an impact but how much? Enough to place Seattle as the Top Gaming City of 2006! Hell, Nintendo even made an exclusive Seattle Mariners Nintendo DS unit!! Also there are other game companies that call the “Evergreen State” home: Bungie Studios, PopCap Games (Bejeweled), Amaze Entertainment, FX Labs, and RealArcade Games and more.

Now that I know what other game companies are around, what about game shopping? Granted there are GameStops & EB’s everywhere but what about those special family-owned game stores of yesterday? Seattle’s got ‘em – several in fact. The one I’m looking forward to visiting is Pink Godzilla Games, home to retro, import games and more. Besides a pretty active website, they even have their own trading card game called Dev-kit based off clichés and whatnot in game development.

One of the most publicized gaming events that take place in Washington is the Penny Arcade Expo that occurs annually. For years I’ve wanted to attend but the price of hotel, car, airfare and lack of vacation time has always seemed to get in the way. Next year expect to see EDG presence at PAX 2008 as I will be there representing us and will be writing all about it here! Another large event is the Casual Games Conference, an industry conference that brings together causal gaming companies (think of it as a mecca for the makers of those Xbox Live Arcade games you’ve been playing).

So the advent of having things to do after I move makes the moving process a bit bearable. If anyone lives or has lived in Bellevue or Seattle areas, your input is welcome as I’m sure I only hit the tip of the iceberg.