Gamers and pinball aficionados of all ages filed into the Seattle Center

October 29, 2012 12:00 am
Gamers and pinball aficionados of all ages filed into the Seattle Center

Gamers and pinball aficionados of all ages filed into the Seattle Center on June 9-11 for the 2012 Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show, where over 300 classic pinball and arcade games were on display–all set to free play. No quarters required!Photos by Dave LakePublished on June 11, 2012

Mary Rourke, Wyeth Johnson, and Bill and Melissa Cerise-Bullock said they most enjoy playing the electro-mechanical games manufactured between 1930 and 1978.

Mary Rourke, Wyeth Johnson, and Bill and Melissa Cerise-Bullock said they most enjoy playing the electro-mechanical games manufactured between 1930 and 1978.

Karl Lind of Portland plays the 1976 game Faces, made by a Spanish pinball company called Sonic.

Karl Lind of Portland plays the 1976 game Faces, made by a Spanish pinball company called Sonic.

Julianna Roach and Shane Hassman play Funhouse.

Julianna Roach and Shane Hassman play Funhouse.

Doug Watson signs copies of some of the pinball artwork he's designed over the years.

Doug Watson signs copies of some of the pinball artwork he’s designed over the years.

In a tub filled with vintage NES games, Brett Gallup found a copy of Ghosts 'N' Goblins, a favorite from his youth, which he snapped up for $5.

In a tub filled with vintage NES games, Brett Gallup found a copy of Ghosts ‘N’ Goblins, a favorite from his youth, which he snapped up for $5.

The Reed family--Kameron, Jenni, Brianna, Jason, and Marsha--had been in Seattle a grand total of one day before taking in the show, having just relocated to Woodinville from San Antonio, Texas.

The Reed family–Kameron, Jenni, Brianna, Jason, and Marsha–had been in Seattle a grand total of one day before taking in the show, having just relocated to Woodinville from San Antonio, Texas.

Here's a look at the underside of a 1991 Williams game called Hurricane, which undergoes an onsite fix.

Here’s a look at the underside of a 1991 Williams game called Hurricane, which undergoes an onsite fix.

Here are a few postings from the community bulletin board at the show.

Here are a few postings from the community bulletin board at the show.

Sharing one of his favorite activities from his youth, Tom Ichelson plays pinball with his grandson, Joseph Parent. They're playing Harlem Globetrotters on Tour, a Bally game from 1979.

Sharing one of his favorite activities from his youth, Tom Ichelson plays pinball with his grandson, Joseph Parent. They’re playing Harlem Globetrotters on Tour, a Bally game from 1979.

Gamers and pinball aficionados of all ages filed into the Seattle Center

Sharing one of his favorite activities from his youth, Tom Ichelson plays pinball with his grandson, Joseph Parent. They’re playing Harlem Globetrotters on Tour, a Bally game from 1979.

Russell O'Heney, a programmer for Seattle-based game company Fun Bits, plays Wild Western, a 1982 shooter from Taito.

Russell O’Heney, a programmer for Seattle-based game company Fun Bits, plays Wild Western, a 1982 shooter from Taito.

Pinball designer John Popadiuk was one of Saturday's speakers. Afterward, he signed stuff for fans.

Pinball designer John Popadiuk was one of Saturday’s speakers. Afterward, he signed stuff for fans.

Several vendors sold various parts and pieces from pinball machines, which, as you'd imagine, are quite colorful.

Several vendors sold various parts and pieces from pinball machines, which, as you’d imagine, are quite colorful.

Mason Totten and Blake Priestley of Marysville came to check out their favorite old-school arcade games, like Tempest.

Mason Totten and Blake Priestley of Marysville came to check out their favorite old-school arcade games, like Tempest.

Mary Rourke and Wyeth Johnson got matching Bally pinball tattoos for their first wedding anniversary.

Mary Rourke and Wyeth Johnson got matching Bally pinball tattoos for their first wedding anniversary.

This 1948 machine from Bally, which originally offered players five balls for five cents, was for admiring only, not for playing.

This 1948 machine from Bally, which originally offered players five balls for five cents, was for admiring only, not for playing.

Andre Needham from Redmond plays a sit-down pinball machine, which he said was particularly fun because the slant of the table makes game play slower.

Andre Needham from Redmond plays a sit-down pinball machine, which he said was particularly fun because the slant of the table makes game play slower.

Eric Johnson plays Defender, a game he says was always very difficult. His favorite old-school game, however, is Moon Patrol, which was featured at the show.

Eric Johnson plays Defender, a game he says was always very difficult. His favorite old-school game, however, is Moon Patrol, which was featured at the show.

Allen and Nancy Scates from Bonney Lake donated four of their 14 pinball machines to the show for the weekend, including The Addams Family, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and Cactus Jack's.

Allen and Nancy Scates from Bonney Lake donated four of their 14 pinball machines to the show for the weekend, including The Addams Family, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and Cactus Jack’s.