To a certain strata of die-hard old-timers who fondly remember the arcade days of yore, when dimly-lit bars darkened by the constant swirl of smoke housed all the latest and greatest flashing amusements, and drunken arguments were settled by the quarter, the name “Twin Galaxies” exudes a kind of faded authority, a promise of a universal video game scoreboard that was never quite fulfilled, at least in its original conception.
But now, under new management led by industry veteran Jace Hall, the organization has shifted its score dispute process from a single referee to the hordes of arcade enthusiasts, jettisoning suspect records held by the likes of hot-sauce slinging “King of Kong” Billy Mitchell in the process. With that behind them, Twin Galaxies now seeks to establish itself as not only the ur-scoreboard for the dusty cabinets at your local barcade, but the destination for all of competitive gaming, from “Angry Birds” on up.
But now, under new management led by industry veteran Jace Hall, the organization has shifted its score dispute process from a single referee to the hordes of arcade enthusiasts, jettisoning suspect records held by the likes of hot-sauce slinging “King of Kong” Billy Mitchell in the process. With that behind them, Twin Galaxies now seeks to establish itself as not only the ur-scoreboard for the dusty cabinets at your local barcade, but the destination for all of competitive gaming, from “Angry Birds” on up.
- 7/24/2018
- by Steven T. Wright
- Variety Film + TV
Last week, Twin Galaxies and the Guinness Book of World Records announced Billy Mitchell had been stripped of his high score titles after an investigation confirmed he had been using illegal emulation software to gain his high scores. Now, Mitchell has released a statement regarding the controversy, and has claimed he has evidence that his records are legit:
I'm curious as to who these "witnesses" are and what level of proof Mitchell has towards the legitimacy of his records. I also find it curious he referred to Twin Galaxies as the "new regime," as I'm assuming that means someone took over the business from Walter Day, who seemed all in on Mitchell's side in the documentary. Do you think Mitchell is telling the truth and that his evidence is relevant enough to get his records back, or do you think this is another VHS tape in the trunk incident like in King of Kong?...
I'm curious as to who these "witnesses" are and what level of proof Mitchell has towards the legitimacy of his records. I also find it curious he referred to Twin Galaxies as the "new regime," as I'm assuming that means someone took over the business from Walter Day, who seemed all in on Mitchell's side in the documentary. Do you think Mitchell is telling the truth and that his evidence is relevant enough to get his records back, or do you think this is another VHS tape in the trunk incident like in King of Kong?...
- 4/16/2018
- by Mick Joest
- GeekTyrant
Seth Gordon’s 2007 documentary, “The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters,” received a bonus life this month thanks to the stripping of “antagonist” Billy Mitchell’s “Donkey Kong” world records by independent video game achievements organization Twin Galaxies.
Steve Wiebe, who was the “protagonist” in the documentary, told Variety that being back in the news after 11 years has been “surreal.” He had heard gamers questioning the authenticity of Mitchell’s scores for years both in person at Kong Off events and online through the “Donkey Kong” forum, although there was never anything concrete until James Young recently revealed video evidence. And with Twin Galaxies finding Mitchell had cheated, Wiebe finally beat Mitchell.
“The more I thought about it from the ‘King of Kong’ days, it all seemed to make sense now,” Wiebe said. “All the things that were happening at the time… like why he didn’t come out and play me,...
Steve Wiebe, who was the “protagonist” in the documentary, told Variety that being back in the news after 11 years has been “surreal.” He had heard gamers questioning the authenticity of Mitchell’s scores for years both in person at Kong Off events and online through the “Donkey Kong” forum, although there was never anything concrete until James Young recently revealed video evidence. And with Twin Galaxies finding Mitchell had cheated, Wiebe finally beat Mitchell.
“The more I thought about it from the ‘King of Kong’ days, it all seemed to make sense now,” Wiebe said. “All the things that were happening at the time… like why he didn’t come out and play me,...
- 4/13/2018
- by John Gaudiosi
- Variety Film + TV
One of the best gaming documentaries of all time is being developed into a musical. The King Of Kong: A Fistful Of Quarters the musical is being developed by the original director Seth Gordon whose most recent film, Baywatch, is now in theaters.
Very little is known about the adaptation, save the fact that it will feature an original song from Twin Galaxies iconic scorekeeper Walter Day called ‘Museum of Your Heart’. I'm also sure, like the doc, it will explore the rivalry between Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell who were competing for the world record for Donkey Kong.
Of all the shows to appear on Broadway, I truly believe this is the first I would make the trip to NYC to go and see. When talking to IGN about the project, Gordon said:
“Yeah, some scripts have been written – we’re actually working on a musical right now, which is pretty great.
Very little is known about the adaptation, save the fact that it will feature an original song from Twin Galaxies iconic scorekeeper Walter Day called ‘Museum of Your Heart’. I'm also sure, like the doc, it will explore the rivalry between Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell who were competing for the world record for Donkey Kong.
Of all the shows to appear on Broadway, I truly believe this is the first I would make the trip to NYC to go and see. When talking to IGN about the project, Gordon said:
“Yeah, some scripts have been written – we’re actually working on a musical right now, which is pretty great.
- 5/30/2017
- by Mick Joest
- GeekTyrant
Featuring: Jay Bartlett, Billy Mitchell, Walter Day, Patrick Scott Patterson, Warren Davis, Tommy Tallaric | Written by Robert McCallum, Jordan Christopher Morris | Directed by Robert McCallum
Confession time. Between working a full time job and keeping Nerdly going, I don’t have a lot of downtime. Working all day and well into the night also means I also often struggle to unwind at bedtime. But a few years ago I found a solution for that, YouTube. Whereas a lot of people will read a book in bed for going to sleep, I watch videos. In particular the myriad of retro gamers on YouTube making videos about their collections, their game hunts and their general all-round love for old-school gaming. I’ve even made some videos of that nature myself.
Over the years there has been an explosion of well-produced YouTube “shows” that rival Us reality television in terms of editing, production and quality.
Confession time. Between working a full time job and keeping Nerdly going, I don’t have a lot of downtime. Working all day and well into the night also means I also often struggle to unwind at bedtime. But a few years ago I found a solution for that, YouTube. Whereas a lot of people will read a book in bed for going to sleep, I watch videos. In particular the myriad of retro gamers on YouTube making videos about their collections, their game hunts and their general all-round love for old-school gaming. I’ve even made some videos of that nature myself.
Over the years there has been an explosion of well-produced YouTube “shows” that rival Us reality television in terms of editing, production and quality.
- 10/7/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Nintendo Quest is a new documentary launching today that shows what happens when two fans go on the hunt to track down and purchase all 678 games for the Nes console. If you're a gamer or collector, this may be worth checking out. Come inside to learn more.
This should be an interesting documentary not only for gamers, but retrogaming collectors. While I used to collect a lot of retro stuff, I gave it up a while back. Even so, I still feel a certain passion for it, and this sounds like the type of documentary that's right up my alley.
Nintendo Quest from Vision Films on Vimeo.
Vision Films is set to release adventure-filled documentary Nintendo Quest with an exclusive worldwide premiere on Vimeo On Demand on October 1st. It will then be released on all other major digital platforms and DVD in North America on December 1st 2015.
The documentary follows two gaming enthusiasts,...
This should be an interesting documentary not only for gamers, but retrogaming collectors. While I used to collect a lot of retro stuff, I gave it up a while back. Even so, I still feel a certain passion for it, and this sounds like the type of documentary that's right up my alley.
Nintendo Quest from Vision Films on Vimeo.
Vision Films is set to release adventure-filled documentary Nintendo Quest with an exclusive worldwide premiere on Vimeo On Demand on October 1st. It will then be released on all other major digital platforms and DVD in North America on December 1st 2015.
The documentary follows two gaming enthusiasts,...
- 10/1/2015
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Jordan Maison)
- Cinelinx
Nintendo Quest follows two gaming enthusiasts, director Robert McCallum and life-long friend Jay Bartlett, as they hit the open road in hope of buying all 678 official retail licensed Nintendo games in just 30 days, with no online purchases.
One man. 30 days, 678 games. No online purchases. It’s the premise that launched a film over 10,000 miles in the making and showcases the adventure of video game rock star, Jay Bartlett, a fanatic collector in pursuit of his dream to own a complete official North American Nes library. Along the way, filmmaker Rob McCallum examines the enduring legacy of the Nes and Nintendo while talking to the enthusiastic community of retro gamers and game collectors.
Nintendo Quest features exclusive interviews with well-known names in the game industry including ‘greatest arcade player of all time’ Billy Mitchell, ‘Twin Galaxies’ founder Walter Day, and gaming personality Patrick Scott Patterson, as well as legendary game designers Warren Davis and Tommy Tallarico.
One man. 30 days, 678 games. No online purchases. It’s the premise that launched a film over 10,000 miles in the making and showcases the adventure of video game rock star, Jay Bartlett, a fanatic collector in pursuit of his dream to own a complete official North American Nes library. Along the way, filmmaker Rob McCallum examines the enduring legacy of the Nes and Nintendo while talking to the enthusiastic community of retro gamers and game collectors.
Nintendo Quest features exclusive interviews with well-known names in the game industry including ‘greatest arcade player of all time’ Billy Mitchell, ‘Twin Galaxies’ founder Walter Day, and gaming personality Patrick Scott Patterson, as well as legendary game designers Warren Davis and Tommy Tallarico.
- 9/30/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Feature Ryan Lambie 23 Aug 2013 - 06:34
Here are a few geeky crowdfunding projects for your consideration, including a videogame documentary and a survival horror adventure...
If you were a documentary maker, and you went to a major television network, would they necessarily give you the money to make a quirky film about a largely forgotten videogame? Would a major publishing company give you the cash to make an off-the-wall horror game where you fight off monsters using mobile phone apps? The answer in both cases is: probably not.
That's the great thing about crowdfunding, and something we're reminded of every week - it gives everyone a chance to make what they'd like to make, all supported by the people who want to see it. This week's selection includes those examples listed above, plus a worthy cause involving a replica Tardis, and a stop-motion animation from a highly talented artist.
Man...
Here are a few geeky crowdfunding projects for your consideration, including a videogame documentary and a survival horror adventure...
If you were a documentary maker, and you went to a major television network, would they necessarily give you the money to make a quirky film about a largely forgotten videogame? Would a major publishing company give you the cash to make an off-the-wall horror game where you fight off monsters using mobile phone apps? The answer in both cases is: probably not.
That's the great thing about crowdfunding, and something we're reminded of every week - it gives everyone a chance to make what they'd like to make, all supported by the people who want to see it. This week's selection includes those examples listed above, plus a worthy cause involving a replica Tardis, and a stop-motion animation from a highly talented artist.
Man...
- 8/22/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Article by Dan Clark of Movie Revolt
Welcome to the first installment of Streaming for Your Pleasure where I highlight interesting and unique films now available on Netflix streaming. In each segment I will focus on one major overall category – this first time round I am looking at some intriguing documentaries that are worth checking out.
Chasing Ghosts: Beyond the Arcade
Directed By Lincoln Ruchti
Synopsis: At the unassuming Twin Galaxies arcade in Ottumwa, Iowa, early gamers fought for bragging rights at the 1982 Video Game World Championships. See how competitive gaming started, and meet arcade owner Walter Day, who still oversees scoring.
Why You Should Check It Out: There is just something about that arcade experience that I really miss. Today’s online gaming world is full of foul mouth preteen kids mocking you in almost every turn. Back in the day those kids were standing right next to you...
Welcome to the first installment of Streaming for Your Pleasure where I highlight interesting and unique films now available on Netflix streaming. In each segment I will focus on one major overall category – this first time round I am looking at some intriguing documentaries that are worth checking out.
Chasing Ghosts: Beyond the Arcade
Directed By Lincoln Ruchti
Synopsis: At the unassuming Twin Galaxies arcade in Ottumwa, Iowa, early gamers fought for bragging rights at the 1982 Video Game World Championships. See how competitive gaming started, and meet arcade owner Walter Day, who still oversees scoring.
Why You Should Check It Out: There is just something about that arcade experience that I really miss. Today’s online gaming world is full of foul mouth preteen kids mocking you in almost every turn. Back in the day those kids were standing right next to you...
- 4/9/2012
- by Guest
- Nerdly
I think I've seen The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters about 20 times, whether in the theater, on DVD, on my iPhone or just having it play in the background on long road trips. (I enjoy the other documentary Chasing Ghosts as well, but it gets dull in places.) I'm such a fan of old school arcade games, having grown up going to places like Chuck E. Cheese every week just to see if I can topple my old high scores on Popeye. Despite some inconsistencies in the King of Kong (Wiebe actually held the record for 3/4th of the movie. It was just edited in a way to make you think he didn't have the world record.) and the knowledge that a lot of the facts are...incorrect (you can read about them Here) I still love the movie. I've spoken to Steve Wiebe and Walter Day before and they're both really nice.
- 9/22/2010
- LRMonline.com
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