Classic Game Fest: A Retro Gaming Phenomenon Powered by Ticketbud

In the world of retro gaming, where nostalgia meets the thrill of competition, one event has risen to become a must-attend for fans of classic video games: Classic Game Fest. What started as a small, in-store gathering has grown into a three-day extravaganza that draws thousands from around the globe. At the heart of this success story is David Kaelin, the founder of Game Over Video Games, a Texas-based retro gaming store chain with 14 locations. Through hard work, passion, and the right partnerships, David has turned Classic Game Fest into one of the largest events in the nation for retro gaming.

From Humble Beginnings to Major Event

David’s journey into the world of retro gaming began in 2005 when he opened the first Game Over Video Games store. As a lifelong fan of video games from the 80s, he saw an opportunity to share his love for classics like Atari, Super Nintendo, and Sega Genesis with others. Over the years, Game Over Video Games has grown into one of the largest retro gaming stores, with locations in Texas and Washington.

Classic Game Fest started as an offshoot of the store’s regular events, like tournaments and live video game music performances. Initially, it was a small, free event held at the store, attracting about 50 people. But each year, the event grew in size and scope. Soon, the store nor the parking lot could contain the excitement, and David began renting larger spaces to accommodate the increasing crowds.

By 2024, Classic Game Fest had expanded to a massive 100,000-square-foot venue, drawing between 10,000 and 15,000 attendees annually. The festival has become a mecca for retro gaming enthusiasts, offering everything from gaming tournaments to artist showcases, special guests, and much more.

The Role of Ticketbud in Classic Game Fest’s Success

As Classic Game Fest grew, so did the need for a reliable and efficient ticketing system. In 2010, when the event moved to a larger venue, David began selling tickets to manage the influx of attendees. Over the years, he tried several ticketing providers but found a perfect fit with Ticketbud.

“I like that Ticketbud is based in Austin,” David says. “I’m comfortable with the setup and like supporting other Austin businesses.”

Ticketbud’s features have been instrumental in making Classic Game Fest a seamless experience for both organizers and attendees. The app’s universal compatibility with any device allows for easy check-ins, whether using the app or the website. David also appreciates the ability to increase ticket prices as the event approaches, encouraging early purchases and helping manage attendance.

“Getting paid quickly is a big plus,” David notes. “I also download reports for accounting—monthly sales, by ticket type. Being able to print clear reports each month is great for doing business tasks.”

Another standout feature is Ticketbud’s exceptional customer service. Whenever David has had an issue, whether it’s setting up a two-day event or tweaking the ticket layout, the Ticketbud team has been quick to respond and resolve the problem. “The Ticketbud team helps out probably once or twice a year,” David says. “It’s nice to know who I’m talking to and get the help I need.”

Looking Ahead: Planning for the Future

With each year, Classic Game Fest continues to grow, and David is already planning for the next event. The support from Ticketbud and the Game Over Video Games staff has been crucial in managing the event’s scale. From promoting the festival through the stores and social media to selling tickets both online and at the door, the combination of passion and the right tools has driven the festival’s success.

For anyone looking to grow their event, David has some advice: “It helps a lot to have a ticketing company that is easy to use. As you start to grow, you need something that can help you keep track of things—reports, creating QR codes on tickets. You need something that can help you when your event is growing and to scale.”

As Classic Game Fest continues to draw retro gaming fans from all over the world, it’s clear that the right partnerships, like the one with Ticketbud, have been key to making it a premier event in the gaming community. With the next festival already in the works, there’s no telling how far this celebration of classic gaming will go.