Title: A Steampunk Arcade Table for the Victorian Gaming Enthusiast
Happy New Year and welcome to another Artful Bodger video. In today’s video, I’m thrilled to introduce you to my new project for 2024. It’s a steampunk arcade table that combines the nostalgia of vintage gaming with the charm of Victorian aesthetics. Join me on this exciting journey as I share my plans and ideas for this one-of-a-kind creation.
The inspiration for this project arose from a previous endeavor where I built an arcade table using the RetroPie emulation package. It allowed us to relive the magic of 1980s arcade games like Pac Man and Donkey Kong. The arcade table proved to be a social centerpiece, providing a space for friends and family to gather, play games, and even place their drinks. Its compact design made it convenient to store when not in use.
However, it was merely a prototype, and I’ve always harbored the ambition to build an even better version. This is where the steampunk element comes into play. Drawing inspiration from iconic works like “The Time Machine,” “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” and “Doctor Who,” I envisioned a vintage-themed arcade table that would transport players to a Victorian-era gaming experience.
To achieve this, I decided to use a Vectrex as the centerpiece of the arcade table. The Vectrex, a unique home game computer from the 1980s, features its own cathode ray tube (CRT). Unlike conventional displays, the Vectrex’s CRT allows the computer to control the electron beam directly, resulting in perfectly straight lines instead of pixels. This aligns perfectly with the Victorian theme, as the invention of the cathode ray tube predates the turn of the century.
In my imagination, this steampunk arcade table could have existed in some alternate reality where Victorian-era technology merged with gaming. It’s a delightful concept that adds an extra layer of excitement to the project.
One of the key elements I’ve identified for the table is a trunk that captures the essence of the period. While the trunk can be purchased new, its design resembles something from the Victorian era. By removing the hinges, I can repurpose the trunk’s lid to cover the screen and controls when the table is not in use. This not only adds functionality but also enhances the authenticity of the overall design.
To further reinforce the steampunk aesthetic, I plan to build my own joysticks using brand new analog joysticks. These will be complemented by brass or ceramic light pulls, which will visually blend into the Victorian theme.
The Vectrex’s controllers have four buttons each, and I want to ensure they are usable from the table’s surface. To accomplish this, I’ve sourced Victorian-style doorbell pushes that are perfect for the job. Although they have small silver-colored nuts, these will be hidden once they are fitted, leaving only the brass and ceramic visible—another nod to the time period.
The visual charm of the arcade table will be enhanced further by the addition of a porthole covering the top surface. The screen will be viewable through this porthole, adding a touch of authenticity to the overall design. While there is a concern about the protrusion of the catch, I am confident that we can find a solution to this potential issue.
In terms of materials, I have identified a company that can cut MDF boards into walnut-like surfaces, allowing me to achieve the desired look for the game surface. Additionally, I have also found a brass door push plate that will serve as a mounting plate for the joysticks and buttons. Its Victorian design perfectly complements the overall aesthetic I am aiming for.
The final and crucial component of this project is the software that will run on the Vectrex. Fortunately, there are dedicated projects like Pytrex and Player Two that enable the emulation of old school vector-based arcade games on the Vectrex. Pytrex allows us to play games like Star Wars, Asteroids, and Battlezone, while Player Two offers a cartridge filled with games designed specifically for two players. Even the game names themselves have been given a Victorian twist, keeping the theme intact.
I hope you’re as excited as I am about this steampunk arcade table project. By combining the evergreen appeal of retro gaming with the charm of the Victorian era, I’m confident that we will create a truly unique and immersive experience. Make sure to subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay updated with the progress of this project. If you enjoyed this video, please give it a thumbs up and consider supporting me by buying me a coffee. Your support and encouragement will go a long way in ensuring the completion of this exciting project.
Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video. Take care!