I’ll start by apologizing because it took me so much to write about the event from last year! Only the most recent announcement regarding the 2024 dates, which reminded me that I did n’t share this write up, completely passed me by. But this put that right!

Free Play Florida is a three-day occasion that celebrates the story, craft, opposition, and development of digital games of all kinds. The southeast’s enthralling enthusiasts are driving it. The event features lots of arcades, foosball games, consoles, and many things to learn, play, and notice.

FPF’s vision speech

What appeals specifically about the function, is that Free Play Florida is a 501c3 accredited institution, Byte Amusement Group, Inc. and anyone involved in putting this present on, gives their time for free. In other words, it does n’t have a commercial arm; all the profits from ticket sales go directly toward improving the experience.

Free Play Florida 2023!

2023’s event was hosted at a new place, the RP Funding Center at Lakeland, providing even more room to complete, meaning everything was bigger, better and more pleasant for customers. I was asked to participate in the event as a tourist and perform the opening jobs.

But here’s something of a photo tour/diary showing you what went over:

Here’s a good place to start. The thousands of vintage plaza units that are available for free of course form the backbone of the event.
Williams ‘ Smash TV received a lot of play. How many outsiders climbed into the cab to play with persons they’d never met before was fascinating to watch.
This was certainly a spotlight. All four versions of Midway’s traditional Mortal Kombat collection
This time, companies and players from all over the world were represented.
And of course, some more mysterious titles. There are plenty of coffeehouses on the ground to!
I genuinely enjoyed this government – a Let’s Go Bowling multicab. It plays Centipede, Missile Command &amp, Millipede. I had never played Missile Command on a horizontal display before.
A twin-screen Taito Darius was a show of this.
This Beta Race by Midway was undoubtedly a contender for the title of most gorgeous cupboard of the classic era and was spectacular in person.

One of the things Free Play does well is to represent all periods of entrance games. Local buyers who had gathered to share their passion of Japanese candy arcades units did not make an exception this season. This was the location to visit and enjoy many of these exclusive units:

A string of Konami Windy units
Beautiful products, including a quite uncommon Irem Madonna and Sega Astro City taxis!
More Astro City closets
Egret 29 and Egret II Taito
A pair of Namco Blanc units, hooked up for two person head to head entertainment
Let’s not ignore bowling of course. A stunningly tailored collection of vintage pins and artwork was on display and accessible to enjoy along with all the newest Stern titles.
There were many Paramedics that were accessible as well.
Playing Throwback Jai-Alai Heroes was a lot of fun.

Free Play Florida offers excellent social opportunities. I had the opportunity to catch up with some well-known individuals who were organizing the occasion:

Here’s my brother Marcel, a neighborhood collectors who makes his cabinets available for public viewing each year and works hard.
Brandon is one of the most diligent members of FPF, according to Brandon on the straight. He ensures that the show’s logistics are accurate and that he does n’t get too much sleep!

The gameshow I was asked to host was perhaps the show’s show this time. In a digital gameshow style, this was a series of small games that the public could play with the ultimate goal of winning a Multicade arcades cabinet. The Temple of Mayhem was a huge victory, despite the fact that I was far outside my comfort zone!

The group behind The Temple of Mayhem. L-R: Matt, Ryan, Jenn, Brandon and myself
The real issues were based on well-known arcade games. Fortunately, no one was injured in the process!
After two time of lunacy, the person holding the sign was the future success! I’m pictured around in my Pac-Man coat with co-host Jenn Does

The gameshow’s suggestions was quite encouraging; anticipate something bigger and better for this year’s occasion!

I was given the opportunity to present signed files of my book in addition to hosting the gameshow and a board or two. I ran out in a few days; I wish I had taken more!
It still amazes me that someone would request that I mark their Missile Command case. Happy to oblige!

Over the course of the weekend, Free Play’s education side was evident. There is a lot to see and know, and of course you can get hands-on with everything. I did n’t get a decent picture, but the history of pinball is told in an extensive installation. And this was a new one on me – a wonderful part of Americana:

An authentic Mold-A-Matic system. As you wait, this incredible system practically molds a variety of great cheap souvenirs. How’s one in motion

Freeplay Florida 2023 walkthrough

In description? Free Play Florida is highly recommended – whether you’re a Floridian native, or fancy a break from abroad, the present caters for all tastes – with videos, pinballs and square history, aftershow parties, talks, vendors and gameshows!

Check out the 2024 times and purchase tickets here; we look forward to seeing you in November!

I appreciate you reading this year!

Tony