Washington D.C. Metro area.

[amishpriest]

I will try to be at Katsucon. Current plan is to go.

To let everyone know (if they haven't heard), I accepted a job offer in Hampton Roads, VA area. It's much closer to my dream job, so I'll be leaving the Baltimore/Washington area in Feb. Believe me, I'm ultra sad to leave you all since I made great friends, love the anime cons, love being near the mountain resorts, lots of shopping malls, etc. But eh, I have to turn my career around and if I have to move to do it, that's what I'll be doing.

Congrats on the new gig! Hope the move and everything works out for you. I'm going to try to be at Katsu myself although a lot depends on how my shoulder surgery and recovery goes. Definitely will do Otakon...the last year I didn't go to that was 2005.

Also, will plan better for MAGFest next year.

[Specter Fate]

I think I've posted in this thread maybe twice since I found CAG in 2010 haha, I really should keep up with the internet better.

Anyway,
I float between Columbia, MD and Alexandria, VA and look forward to possibly chatting around with other DC area gamers in the near future :]

Hi there!

[The Mana Knight]

I think I've posted in this thread maybe twice since I found CAG in 2010 haha, I really should keep up with the internet better.

Anyway,
I float between Columbia, MD and Alexandria, VA and look forward to possibly chatting around with other DC area gamers in the near future :]

Hi there!Welcome. :D One of our members lives in the same city, while I live in a city adjacent to Columbia (I'm in the area a lot). Unfortunately, I'll only be living her for another month, but I still plan to attend meet-ups.

[The Great BM]

Speaking of meetups, would anyone be interested in going to the upcoming Art of Video Games exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/)? On the opening weekend (March 16th-18th), they're having something called Gamefest, which has a bunch of con-like events, like panels, music, and gaming. If you all think it's going to be to hectic, the exhibit is open through September.

[jr233270]

I'm going to the Smithsonian Exhibit with the girlfriend the weekend after it opens. So excited when I saw that it was going to be in DC!

[The Great BM]

Side question: does anyone know of any LAN gaming centers in the area? The only one I'm aware of is Gamepad (http://www.gamepadva.com/), but Fredericksburg is kind of a hike.

[TheLongshot]

Side question: does anyone know of any LAN gaming centers in the area? The only one I'm aware of is Gamepad (http://www.gamepadva.com/), but Fredericksburg is kind of a hike.

Not anymore. There used to be one in Springfield Mall, but I think that died with the rest of the mall.

[The Mana Knight]

Not anymore. There used to be one in Springfield Mall, but I think that died with the rest of the mall.

Haha, I went to that mall once and it was very dead. Not as dead as Laurel and Owings Mills Mall in ways, but pretty bad.

[Specter Fate]

Not anymore. There used to be one in Springfield Mall, but I think that died with the rest of the mall.

Other than Pentagon City, is there a mall in that area that isn't dead? Landmark immediately springs to mind and if I remember correctly, Crystal City wasn't much better. (Though it has been about five years since I set foot into Crystal City.. so my memory may be a bit hazy.)

[KaitouDark]

Other than Pentagon City, is there a mall in that area that isn't dead? Landmark immediately springs to mind and if I remember correctly, Crystal City wasn't much better. (Though it has been about five years since I set foot into Crystal City.. so my memory may be a bit hazy.)

Potomac Mills is pretty packed

[Indifference]

So @ManaKnight have you finalized when your going away thing is?
@TheGreat BM I am definitely trying to go on the opening weekend and attend everything.

The Gamefest schedule can be found here (http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/gamefest/gamefest_schedule.pdf).

[amishpriest]

Speaking of meetups, would anyone be interested in going to the upcoming Art of Video Games exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/)? On the opening weekend (March 16th-18th), they're having something called Gamefest, which has a bunch of con-like events, like panels, music, and gaming. If you all think it's going to be to hectic, the exhibit is open through September.

I should be in for Friday and Saturday at least...sounds pretty cool :). I've had this on my radar ever since it was announced.

[nightmare452]

Speaking of meetups, would anyone be interested in going to the upcoming Art of Video Games exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/)? On the opening weekend (March 16th-18th), they're having something called Gamefest, which has a bunch of con-like events, like panels, music, and gaming. If you all think it's going to be to hectic, the exhibit is open through September.

I will definitely be attending this. Hope to see some of ya there.

[The Mana Knight]

So @ManaKnight have you finalized when your going away thing is?
@TheGreat BM I am definitely trying to go on the opening weekend and attend everything.

The Gamefest schedule can be found here (http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/gamefest/gamefest_schedule.pdf).I have it setup for this Sunday. The only reason I did not fully confirm it/set in stone because I considered just keeping it as a small get together during Katsucon time since some going would be there anyway. But eh, if people can make it on Sunday (I had to do Sunday for GenDV138), I'll be available and it works. Sunday of the following weekend won't work because of Superbowl, then next is my move.

[GenDV138]

I will definitely be attending this. Hope to see some of ya there.

I'll be there Friday and maybe Sunday for Gamefest at Art of Video Games

[Specter Fate]

Work permitting I'll be going to Gamefest for at least Saturday.. looks pretty cool.

[Bloomy]

The Sears Grand on Route 40 in Ellicott City was one of the stores included in the Sears / Kmart closings, and they've started their inventory clearance. Video games and accessories are both currently 20% off. Pity that doesn't include XBL / PSN cards, since they still have plenty. I know they're classed as gift cards, but it doesn't hurt to keep the fingers crossed.

The Toys R Us in Ellicott City is also closing sometime in February. Video games are currently 30% off and accessories are 50% off. Gaming accessories are pretty picked clean, what's left is in an aisle outside the R zone. Movies were 40% off. Most of the rest of the store appeared to be 30% off.

[The Mana Knight]

The Sears Grand on Route 40 in Ellicott City was one of the stores included in the Sears / Kmart closings, and they've started their inventory clearance. Video games and accessories are both currently 20% off. Pity that doesn't include XBL / PSN cards, since they still have plenty. I know they're classed as gift cards, but it doesn't hurt to keep the fingers crossed.

The Toys R Us in Ellicott City is also closing sometime in February. Video games are currently 30% off and accessories are 50% off. Gaming accessories are pretty picked clean, what's left is in an aisle outside the R zone. Movies were 40% off. Most of the rest of the store appeared to be 30% off.I think you mean Toy's R Us Catonsville.

[bradr]

The Sears Grand on Route 40 in Ellicott City was one of the stores included in the Sears / Kmart closings, and they've started their inventory clearance. Video games and accessories are both currently 20% off. Pity that doesn't include XBL / PSN cards, since they still have plenty. I know they're classed as gift cards, but it doesn't hurt to keep the fingers crossed.

The Toys R Us in Ellicott City is also closing sometime in February. Video games are currently 30% off and accessories are 50% off. Gaming accessories are pretty picked clean, what's left is in an aisle outside the R zone. Movies were 40% off. Most of the rest of the store appeared to be 30% off.

Do you know if videogame systems are also 20% off at the Sears Grand?

Thanks!

[The Mana Knight]

I know how last year we didn't get it worked out, but I'd like to try again on a King's Dominion CAG meetup. I'll be living 1 hour and 30 minutes from the park. I should be able to get discount tickets through work. I have not decided when in the Summer yet, but I was thinking June or early July (hopefully we can try a weekday).

Oh well, just a thought.

[Grave_Addiction]

Are any of you guys going to the Cockeysville GameStop tomorrow night for the Kingdom of Amalur midnight release? The Big Huge Games devs will be on hand.

[Indifference]

I didn't know about it until after it occurred. Cockeysville is a hike anyway.

[chefgamer]

Speaking of meetups, would anyone be interested in going to the upcoming Art of Video Games exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/)? On the opening weekend (March 16th-18th), they're having something called Gamefest, which has a bunch of con-like events, like panels, music, and gaming. If you all think it's going to be to hectic, the exhibit is open through September.
Dont know about that weekend but I will make it before the end of it. Live in charlottesville va and that will be a fun trip for the family

[Grave_Addiction]

Speaking of meetups, would anyone be interested in going to the upcoming Art of Video Games exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/games/)? On the opening weekend (March 16th-18th), they're having something called Gamefest, which has a bunch of con-like events, like panels, music, and gaming. If you all think it's going to be to hectic, the exhibit is open through September.

Yep, I'm going for sure. It'd be cool to meet some of you peeps there.

[GenDV138]

Looks like I may have to try to go on Saturday also, Hideo Kojima will be at GameFest for a conversation at noon March 17.

Link to register for the free event (Registration begins tomorrow Wednesday February 22 at 1 pm):

http://kojimagamefest.eventbrite.com/

If you're registering, I would try to get the max amount of tickets to reserve seats for other CAGs going.

Got the following e-mail:

We have just confirmed a new addition to the lineup for GameFest, which I am VERY excited about - a conversation with Hideo Kojima at noon on Saturday, March 17. Hideo Kojima is best known for the Metal Gear series of games, and is considered one of the most innovative designers of his generation.

We have two very special opportunities for you with this program. First, we invite you to submit your questions for Kojima by emailing them to AmericanArtGames@si.edu by Thursday, February 23. We will select the best questions to use during the program.

Second, we're giving you the chance to register for this event before the public. Registration will open tomorrow, Wednesday February 22 at 1 p.m., EST. The event is free, but you must register in advance. If you are unable to get tickets or cannot make it to D.C., don't worry, the program will be webcast online.

The Art of Video Games exhibition opens in less than a month! For more information on the exhibition and GameFest, please visit our website. I look forward to seeing you in March!


-- Georgina
Exhibition Coordinator

[cficare]

Anyone get any extra tix to the Hideo thing? PM me if I could get one off ya.

[The Great BM]

Looks like I may have to try to go on Saturday also, Hideo Kojima will be at GameFest for a conversation at noon March 17.

Link to register for the free event (Registration begins tomorrow Wednesday February 22 at 1 pm):

http://kojimagamefest.eventbrite.com/

If you're registering, I would try to get the max amount of tickets to reserve seats for other CAGs going.

Got the following e-mail:

Crap, I saw this too late. I'd be grateful if anyone had an extra ticket.

[arionfrost]

Please please please please pretty please... if anyone has any extra tix to the hideo kojima event, I would be so happy to get 2 from you. Otherwise, looks like the standby line for me then... Of course I didn't find out about this until today. sucks....

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SR0O6k-Nfxc/TxaD-YsVimI/AAAAAAAAAVU/hTQXe2QZkQs/s1600/sad+cat.jpg

[gpgorbosjr]

Is the meetup posted on the first page old or current? I'm in NJ but thinking about going because I went to school in DC and have a cousin down there so I've been putting off a visit for a while.

[MCalvert1]

Is the meetup posted on the first page old or current? I'm in NJ but thinking about going because I went to school in DC and have a cousin down there so I've been putting off a visit for a while.

Sorry, it was from 2008. Some people are going to the opening weekend at "The Art of Video Games Exhibit" at the Smithsonian March 16-18 and to the Video Games Live concert April 7th at the Strathmore Theater.

MjC

[enemyofusall]

I will also be at The Art of Video Games Exhibit and I might have an extra Kojima ticket. Just have to see how things pan out in a few days but if do, someone here can definitely have it.

[MCalvert1]

To whom it may concern (Donnie, maybe?):

I'm no longer available for the Video Games Live show at the Strathmore. So if you're trying to get everyone on the same page to get adjacent tickets, don't wait for me.

But I should be able to make Gamefest at the Smithsonian on saturday in a little over a week.

MjC

[GenDV138]

I work Saturdays now so I probably won't go to VGL either. Will be at Gamefest Friday-Saturday and maybe Sunday.

[GenDV138]

For anyone interested, Indie Game: The Movie is coming to DC's E Street Cinema on April 25. Got my ticket, tickets may go quickly so don't sleep on it too long.

http://igtmwashingtondc.eventbrite.com/

Indie Game: The Movie - The Tour Presented by Adobe®
Presented in association with Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH, DC Tech Meetup, iStrategyLabs, & The Art of Video Games
at Smithsonian American Art Museum

Washington, DC
E Street Cinema, 555 11th Street Northwest
Wednesday, April 25th, 2012
7pm (Doors Open 30 mins Prior)

[jmiller80]

Tickets.bought
Thanks for the heads up, Donnie.

[Indifference]

Ticket purchased.

[The Great BM]

For anyone interested, Indie Game: The Movie is coming to DC's E Street Cinema on April 25. Got my ticket, tickets may go quickly so don't sleep on it too long.

Got mine as well.

Also, I know it wasn't going to be many of you, but were there still people going to PAX East?

[jmiller80]

I'll be at PAX East.

[nightmare452]

Got mine as well.

Also, I know it wasn't going to be many of you, but were there still people going to PAX East?

I wanted to go, but couldn't plan anything other than "pay for hotel myself and go alone." Its not as much fun without company or anyone to talk to, and too expensive to go by myself. Next year I'll just save and pay for my brother to join me, ends up being more expensive, but it would be more fun I guess.


EDIT: Bought tickets to the Indie Game: The Movie. Good stuff for the wife to see. See ya guys there, I'll probably be early and eat around there if anyone wants to join me.

[GenDV138]

EDIT: Bought tickets to the Indie Game: The Movie. Good stuff for the wife to see. See ya guys there, I'll probably be early and eat around there if anyone wants to join me.

I'll be down to join you Erick, I'll probably get to DC early afternoon to walk around the American Art Museum again and avoid the metro rush hour

[The Great BM]

I'll be down to join you Erick, I'll probably get to DC early afternoon to walk around the American Art Museum again and avoid the metro rush hour

What time are you guys showing up? I'm going to metro over after work and could be there around 6.

[GenDV138]

What time are you guys showing up? I'm going to metro over after work and could be there around 6.

I think a few of us including nightmare and ind1fference are going to get some food near Gallery Place around 5. Doors open at 6:30, I think we should be done around 6 hopefully. If you have any of our numbers, you can contact us when you get there to find each other.

[WV Matsui]

Any CAGs at the Salesforce conference at the Washington Convention Center today?

[The Great BM]

Don't know when or where our next meetup will be, but there's currently a Living Social deal going on for the D&B over at White Flint: $40 power card for $20 or a $60 power card for $30

http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/1709/deals/304832-40-power-card-to-spend-on-games

The rub is that it has to be used entirely in one visit, and it's gotta be before August of this year.

[Indifference]

Don't know when or where our next meetup will be, but there's currently a Living Social deal going on for the D&B over at White Flint: $40 power card for $20 or a $60 power card for $30

http://www.livingsocial.com/cities/1709/deals/304832-40-power-card-to-spend-on-games

The rub is that it has to be used entirely in one visit, and it's gotta be before August of this year.
I assume it's too late for this deal.

[Indifference]

http://www.nationalpinballmuseum.org/museum/index.html

EMAIL: inquiries@nationalpinballmuseum.org
PHONE: 443.438.1241
FAX: 202.540.9245
Musuem Address
National Pinball Museum
608 Water Street
Baltimore, MD 21202


When are we going?

[MCalvert1]

http://www.nationalpinballmuseum.org/museum/index.html

EMAIL: inquiries@nationalpinballmuseum.org
PHONE: 443.438.1241
FAX: 202.540.9245
Musuem Address
National Pinball Museum
608 Water Street
Baltimore, MD 21202


When are we going?

Let's also make a short trek to Geppi's Entertainment Museum on the same day. It should be a brisk walk.

Head west on Water St toward S Frederick St
About 3 mins

go 0.2 mi
total 0.2 mi

Turn left onto South St
About 1 min

go 236 ft
total 0.2 mi

Turn right onto E Lombard St
About 10 mins

go 0.5 mi
total 0.7 mi

Turn left onto S Howard St
About 3 mins

go 0.2 mi
total 0.8 mi

Turn right onto W Camden St
Destination will be on the left
About 1 min

go 200 ft
total 0.9 mi

Geppi's Entertainment Museum
301 West Camden Street, Baltimore, MD 21201‎ - (410) 625-7060‎

http://www.geppismuseum.com/Home/7/1/52/500



MjC

[GenDV138]

http://www.nationalpinballmuseum.org/museum/index.html

EMAIL: inquiries@nationalpinballmuseum.org
PHONE: 443.438.1241
FAX: 202.540.9245
Musuem Address
National Pinball Museum
608 Water Street
Baltimore, MD 21202


When are we going?

I should be pretty open last weekend of May and most of June. I'm off Sundays and work Saturdays but should be able to get the day off if we do Saturday.

[vodkablast]

Marylanders! Are there any local video game stores left? I almost cried when Mega Media Exchange closed. Also, the Pinball Museum is really cool and you can get an hour of play time for $5 if you go before 3pm.

[MCalvert1]

Marylanders! Are there any local video game stores left? I almost cried when Mega Media Exchange closed. Also, the Pinball Museum is really cool and you can get an hour of play time for $5 if you go before 3pm.

Planet Replay/Mega Media Exchange was pretty awesome for some thing (NES dogbone ftw!) but their prices on used games were sometimes pretty bad. They'll be missed though for sure.

And thanks for the info about the pinball museum! Hopefully we'll do an early afternoon thing when we go!

MjC

[Montymonster]

Hey everyone! I'm going to be "moving" down to D.C. soon because I'm an incoming freshman at George Washington University. Anyone have any tips about the city in general, be it entertainment, food, or cheap travel (mainly to/from D.C. to either Philly or NYC)?

[The Great BM]

Hey everyone! I'm going to be "moving" down to D.C. soon because I'm an incoming freshman at George Washington University. Anyone have any tips about the city in general, be it entertainment, food, or cheap travel (mainly to/from D.C. to either Philly or NYC)?

If you're looking for geek-type events, I found this calendar (http://www.dc-geeks.com/art) to be useful for finding stuff. Otherwise, are there any other activities you're looking for?

As for travel, there's always the "chinatown buses". I've use DC2NY in the past, and they've been solid. Otherwise you've got Bolt Bus, Megabus, Vamoose, and others.

[Indifference]

Hey everyone! I'm going to be "moving" down to D.C. soon because I'm an incoming freshman at George Washington University. Anyone have any tips about the city in general, be it entertainment, food, or cheap travel (mainly to/from D.C. to either Philly or NYC)?
I don't have anything as helpful as The Great BM to offer but nevertheless welcome to the DMV :)

[thebob101]

Haven't been on this thread in ages. It seems like yesterday that we had the first DC area CAG meetup at D&B. Any of the old members still on this thread? I still see Cleaver and Jon on a regular basis. Hope all is well with everyone.

[GenDV138]

Haven't been on this thread in ages. It seems like yesterday that we had the first DC area CAG meetup at D&B. Any of the old members still on this thread? I still see Cleaver and Jon on a regular basis. Hope all is well with everyone.

doing well, nice to see you check in Glenn! Are The Vicious Martinis still around? Still occasionally play the CD you gave out at the one meetup way back.

Donnie

[MCalvert1]

doing well, nice to see you check in Glenn! Are The Vicious Martinis still around? Still occasionally play the CD you gave out at the one meetup way back.

Donnie

Yeah, same here!

MjC

[jmiller80]

Glad to see you around the forums, Glenn.

-Justin


On an unrelated note, I replaced my PC monitor. If anyone would like to take a beast of a 21" Sony Trinitron CRT of my hands (free, of course), PM me. It goes to whoever can pick it up first (near Falls Church). It is in excellent shape and works great with all the original cables and manuals. There is a limit to how much old electronics I can keep around the house, so this has to go.

[thebob101]

Nice to hear all is well with you guys. I will definitely try to make it to one of the meet ups soon. I have a ton of games and stuff to get rid of. Crazy that we are all old timers now. Seems like yesterday I just joined CAG and was a baby cheap ass.

Donnie, TVM is long dead. The other guys formed a cover band and now play crappy songs from Ne-Yo and Pink. Too bad. I am too busy being a Dad to play, but will soon.

[Indifference]

Nice to hear all is well with you guys. I will definitely try to make it to one of the meet ups soon. I have a ton of games and stuff to get rid of. Crazy that we are all old timers now. Seems like yesterday I just joined CAG and was a baby cheap ass.

Donnie, TVM is long dead. The other guys formed a cover band and now play crappy songs from Ne-Yo and Pink. Too bad. I am too busy being a Dad to play, but will soon.

Sorry to hear that. But on the bright side MCalvert, Tiny and I started a podcast. 'Tis pimped in my signature

[Montymonster]

If you're looking for geek-type events, I found this calendar (http://www.dc-geeks.com/art) to be useful for finding stuff. Otherwise, are there any other activities you're looking for?

As for travel, there's always the "chinatown buses". I've use DC2NY in the past, and they've been solid. Otherwise you've got Bolt Bus, Megabus, Vamoose, and others.

Thanks for all the information! I don't even know what other activities I'm really looking for, the entire city is basically going to be a new experience for me. Really pumped to be moving down in a couple of months.

[The Great BM]

Thanks for all the information! I don't even know what other activities I'm really looking for, the entire city is basically going to be a new experience for me. Really pumped to be moving down in a couple of months.

Oh yeah, I hear ya. For general stuff going on, DCist is pretty good at covering what's happening around town. I think the Post has an events section, as well. There are some others that aren't coming to mind, but that should get you started.