Decades ago, video gaming used mean crowded arcades, blaring music and a sense of community. Kids flocked to games like Pac-Man and Pong, eager to get off their couches to socialize with friends. Gaming was all at once an expression of competition, coordination, art (albeit 16 bit), music, and friendship.

In this uber-digital, super-connected, internet-based, high-speed society, where packed arcades have given way to grungy couches and dorm rooms, I often wonder how kids will possibly learn to relate to each other without ever actually interacting face-to-face. I admit, I too was a Nintendo nerd growing up, but I most often shared my Contra and Bubble Bobble marathons with friends. Together we strategized, celebrated, and lamented. Most importantly, we learned how to interact with each other, as well as important lessons about sharing and good sportsmanship.

The ever-improving graphics and controls of home video game consoles and the abundance of first-person shooter games have driven gaming out of the social scene. It’s become an individual experience, rarely shared and even then only with faceless voices over the internet. The founders of the LA-based Underground Tournament League (UGTL) sought to revive the social component that high-tech home gaming consoles have displaced by creating an atmosphere to welcome those who long for the face-to-face gamer community experience of days gone by.

UGTL, now preparing for their sixth event on April 24, has garnered an overwhelming amount of support for their Street Fighter IV tournament series. They offer a gathering place for those who remember fondly (or are just discovering) the once-social nature of gaming. In addition to their double elmination tournaments featuring cash prizes, UGTL offers food, drinks, live music and art, and the new PIXELDRIP gallery for Street Fighter inspired pieces. (Artists! See this page for details if you’d like to submit your work to the PIXELDRIP gallery exhibition.)

I’ve had the opportunity to speak at length with the Business Director (Daniel Brown) and a UGTL resident artist (J. Salvador), and the excitement surrounding these events is contagious:

Gaming, art, music, and community have been together since back in the arcade days. Unfortunately, arcades have practically gone out of business. Kids miss out on that valuable community experience, and they only realize it when they attend events like UGTL tournaments. It’s addicting – they get a rush they don’t get sitting at home, and they meet their competitors and see how they play. Still, UGTL is about more than just competition. The art and music components make everyone feel at home, and even non-players end up having a great time while supporting their community. I’m especially excited about the future of our live art and gallery. It all started with a couple of live artists painting some Street Fighter scenes and characters, and it took off as an attraction of its own. Just another reminder that video games and art go hand in hand.

Though I won’t be entering the tournament, on April 24 you’ll find me at UGTL6 enjoying a beer and a taco, supporting my community, and checking out some great live art and music.

Rec Center Studio: 1161 Logan St., Los Angeles.

Event info: theugtl
See more from J. Salvador on etsy

Lizzie