It has been years since I threatened to go for a world record on the arcade game Defender. It has been a dream since I had found out that people kept track of these things back in the late 80s.
THE HARDEST ARCADE GAME?
According to Wikipedia, "Defender is often described as one of the most difficult games in the industry. " Do some research and see what you think. Here's a place to read about it, historically. The History of Defender: The Joys of Difficult Games
THE HARDEST ARCADE GAME?
According to Wikipedia, "Defender is often described as one of the most difficult games in the industry. " Do some research and see what you think. Here's a place to read about it, historically. The History of Defender: The Joys of Difficult Games
HISTORY OF DEFENDER MARATHONS
It turns out that marathon Defender records were happening and being tracked by a group called Twin Galaxies in the early '80s and Defender records dropped off the cliff in 1984 never to be seen again.
No one has put any serious marathon Defender records up on Twin Galaxies in DECADES! That has to change. If I can't get an official score up there (you need a ref or other parameters), I want to beat the ones that are there anyway. It's my Everest.
It turns out that marathon Defender records were happening and being tracked by a group called Twin Galaxies in the early '80s and Defender records dropped off the cliff in 1984 never to be seen again.
No one has put any serious marathon Defender records up on Twin Galaxies in DECADES! That has to change. If I can't get an official score up there (you need a ref or other parameters), I want to beat the ones that are there anyway. It's my Everest.
REALLY. I AM SERIOUS.To show that I am serious, I have already taken some record-setting steps. Earlier this year (August 2013) I went up to Star Worlds Arcade and set three Video Game Scoreboard world records, with a referee present. Fastest to a million. Highest score on one ship. Highest score in an hour. Only... they're not marathons.
WHAT IS THE SCORE TO BEAT?
The current marathon world record is over 79 million points and the estimate of time that will take is 79 hours, or three and a third days. WHAT??!? THAT'S CRAZY! I haven't ever been able to stay awake more than 50 hours.
Will Defender give me the drive to stay awake for that long? I believe it will.
The current marathon world record is over 79 million points and the estimate of time that will take is 79 hours, or three and a third days. WHAT??!? THAT'S CRAZY! I haven't ever been able to stay awake more than 50 hours.
Will Defender give me the drive to stay awake for that long? I believe it will.
HOW AM I GONNA DO IT?
In order to pull this off, I have enlisted the aid of some of the most experienced arcade marathoners in the world and they are coaching me on what I need to know, mentally and physically. And spiritually.
In order to pull this off, I have enlisted the aid of some of the most experienced arcade marathoners in the world and they are coaching me on what I need to know, mentally and physically. And spiritually.
I belong to a Defender Facebook group where we challenge and support each other.
And, I have a coach/ referee that will be with me the entire time.
In other words, this isn't being done in a vacuum.
I have the game chops, so I am going to be fine in the "play" department. Once you reach a certain level of play, it is all about stamina.
That leaves a few other areas that need some nailing down.
WHAT CONCERNS / NEEDS DO I HAVE
The machine itself. Defender cabinets are notoriously flaky. This machine was built 33 years old in 1980(!) and while I have replaced a few parts in it due to wear and tear, there are other things that could be done to make it more "rock solid." The price tag is not in on that but with the person that can do it living in Denton, TX, it isn't going to be free. But it will make the run more guaranteed to not be stopped by hardware failure.
The machine itself. Defender cabinets are notoriously flaky. This machine was built 33 years old in 1980(!) and while I have replaced a few parts in it due to wear and tear, there are other things that could be done to make it more "rock solid." The price tag is not in on that but with the person that can do it living in Denton, TX, it isn't going to be free. But it will make the run more guaranteed to not be stopped by hardware failure.
The webcast. In order to do this with high production values, I want to get three 1080p cameras. One for the game screen, one for my face to prove it's me, and another for either my hands or for visitors. I plan to have guests / friends show up during the stream for the delight (hopefully) of the viewers.
We're talking a lot of play. And a lot of boredom. Seriously, there's only so much that will keep people around so maybe some entertainment will help.
HOW CAN YOU HELP, YOU ASK?
What I want to know is this... is there anyone that would see value from having their name on screen during this marathon attempt? It is during the weekend of the Kong-Off 3, so interest in online streams of classic gaming should be higher than usual.
What I want to know is this... is there anyone that would see value from having their name on screen during this marathon attempt? It is during the weekend of the Kong-Off 3, so interest in online streams of classic gaming should be higher than usual.
If YOU know of someone that might be interested, please let me know!
I need help paying for machine solidification and either web cams or hiring a guy to do the stream altogether. Bid is pending. The trouble is... the longer I go, the more it'll cost.It is my goal to have any sponsors' names on screen as well as being announced during the webcast itself. This is the least I could do. I will do more for the right amount!
WHEN AND WHERE?
The date for the webcast is Nov 16th, 2013 starting at 2pm.
The Facebook event is here, so you can keep up to date!
The date for the webcast is Nov 16th, 2013 starting at 2pm.
The Facebook event is here, so you can keep up to date!
SPONSORS - ON YOUR MARKS... GO!!!
If you want to sponsor this world record attempt, please email me billyjoecain at the gmail dot commerz. We'll figure out a package for you no matter the size of the sponsorship.
If you want to sponsor this world record attempt, please email me billyjoecain at the gmail dot commerz. We'll figure out a package for you no matter the size of the sponsorship.
We have received a bid for the streaming solution (one guy for 3 days with great cameras and he handles all of the details), but the price was TOO high. We have cameras volunteered right now but they're low res. As soon as they are installed, I will believe it and I will report online.
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