“There’s nothing like connecting through some classic games.” Cambridge Gaming Community returns after a two-year hiatus
A local group is bringing retro gaming to the next generation, in all its nostalgic glory, hoping to bring the community together and break down social barriers.
Cambridge Gaming Community (CGC) is a gamer’s way of giving back to their community through the power of video games.
“We just want to be part of the community,” said Laszlo Alt, founder of CGC. “I grew up as a gamer and wanted to bring something that helped me as a kid to others.”
Alt says he grew up as a shy, introverted kid. One thing that helped him come out of his shell was video games. One of his main goals is to show parents and children that video games can be fun and social and that a lot of positivity can come from just playing.
Originally started in 2016, CCG started at Monigram Coffee Roasters in Galt. When people came in to get some coffee, they would stop to have a few rounds of Mario Kart or Smash Bros. to play, says Alt.
With only a few screens and a few old consoles, the group slowly began to build a reputation in the community as a space for video game enthusiasts and newcomers.
CGC quickly grew out of the space Monigram provided and moved to other larger venues such as Evo Kitchen, the former Press Play games and the Idea Exchange.
The gaming community that Alt had built got over 50 people to each event. Prize-winning tournaments were set up and organized, and then the world came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With CGC being shut down for over two years, it felt like this could be game over.
Recently, CGC started a comeback, with events currently scheduled for July 27 at the Idea Exchange. Alt is excited to get people in front of screens with controllers in their hands.
“For some, this was their only social event each month,” Alt said. “This event actually brings them out of their bubble or their shell.”
CGC runs 100 percent on volunteer support and is free for everyone to come out and play. They can be given the space to run the events as they help attract business to the venue, Alt says.
They get their funding from Operandi Technology Solutions, where Alt is a co-founder. He says they wanted to find a way to give back to the community and connecting through gaming was something that appealed to them.
As the world of competitive gaming continues to grow, CGC plans to hold some of the tournaments planned before the pandemic.
“It can take about six months for these tournaments to take place; it can be a lot with planning and organizing,” says Alt.
The events will see Sega, N64, Atari and many other classic video game consoles in all their 8-bit glory.
“We’re just really excited to be hosting these game nights again and bringing the community out again after two tough years,” said Alt. “There’s nothing like connecting through some classic games.”
