Thoughts about releasing games into the wild
Hi Guys,
I work at the University of Minnesota and while visiting our student union I noticed a lack of quality classic arcade games. (They had a 10-in-1 multicade, but I don't think that counts.)
This summer I took on three project machines, but only have room in my game room for one. So instead of trying to sell them, I thought maybe I'd loan the other two out to the University. I sent an email to the Union and got a call back from their manager who sounded interested. He said he'd have to check the contract with their current vendor, but said that if I insured them and maintained them, they would house them. He also said we'd split the returns, but I'm not sure what is a fair percentage.
My question: What are some thoughts about returning games to the wild?
First a couple facts:
1. The two games are a Playchoice/VS Unisystem single monitor machine and a Punch-Out/Super Punch-Out machine. (I have a wide variety of games and marquees for the PC10 and VS system and I have both PO and SPO I'd be willing to swap in.)
2. The union does not server alcohol and does not allow smoking.
3. I am not as skilled a restorer as some on the board, so my version of restoring is patching, painting, new trim and art. (I don't nickel plate my power supplies... *ahem* chris... although if I knew how, that might be different.) So I really don't have a lot invested in the machines and nothing that couldn't be re-repaired if damaged.
What sorts of issues should I expect with public machines?
Damaged controls? Jammed coin mechs? Vandalism?
What sort of insurance is reasonable?
Money isn't much good if the parts/art can't be found.
I was also thinking of setting up an online voting system for the kids to vote on which game to load next. Maybe swap them out monthly?
I maybe naive, but I thought the college kids might get a kick out of seeing the old machines (and I could visit them on my lunch break).
Other thoughts?
Thanks
Pete
http://playchoice.riemen.net
Hi Guys,
I work at the University of Minnesota and while visiting our student union I noticed a lack of quality classic arcade games. (They had a 10-in-1 multicade, but I don't think that counts.)
This summer I took on three project machines, but only have room in my game room for one. So instead of trying to sell them, I thought maybe I'd loan the other two out to the University. I sent an email to the Union and got a call back from their manager who sounded interested. He said he'd have to check the contract with their current vendor, but said that if I insured them and maintained them, they would house them. He also said we'd split the returns, but I'm not sure what is a fair percentage.
My question: What are some thoughts about returning games to the wild?
First a couple facts:
1. The two games are a Playchoice/VS Unisystem single monitor machine and a Punch-Out/Super Punch-Out machine. (I have a wide variety of games and marquees for the PC10 and VS system and I have both PO and SPO I'd be willing to swap in.)
2. The union does not server alcohol and does not allow smoking.
3. I am not as skilled a restorer as some on the board, so my version of restoring is patching, painting, new trim and art. (I don't nickel plate my power supplies... *ahem* chris... although if I knew how, that might be different.) So I really don't have a lot invested in the machines and nothing that couldn't be re-repaired if damaged.
What sorts of issues should I expect with public machines?
Damaged controls? Jammed coin mechs? Vandalism?
What sort of insurance is reasonable?
Money isn't much good if the parts/art can't be found.
I was also thinking of setting up an online voting system for the kids to vote on which game to load next. Maybe swap them out monthly?
I maybe naive, but I thought the college kids might get a kick out of seeing the old machines (and I could visit them on my lunch break).
Other thoughts?
Thanks
Pete
http://playchoice.riemen.net
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