Coin-Op Oral History of Chicago

Doc Mack

Owner & Founder

Doc Mack is the owner of the Galloping Ghost arcade, which holds the record for largest arcade collection in the world.

Sean Davis

Director

Lucky Strike FTW in Chicago, led by Sean Davis, offers arcade games, bowling, mini golf, and more. Davis oversees operations, ensuring smooth running while providing a fun, inclusive environment for all ages.

George Spanos

Freelancer

George Spanos is a freelance game technician in Schaumburg, Illinois, specializing in arcade repairs. He started in his grandparents' game room and now works with arcades around Chicago.

Jim Zespy

Owner

Owner of the Logan arcade and he started his arcade with broken machines that he then builds back up to give them another chance to be played.

Davin Loh

Gamer

Davin Loh is a top gamer at Galloping Ghost arcade, known for setting world records, especially in "Capcom vs SNK 2." He’s a positive influence on the arcade community and has a strong friendship with Doc Mack.

Rich Huff

Repair man

Rich Huff is the owner of Midwest Pinball, specializing in repairing and cleaning pinball machines for residential customers in Chicago. He went full-time in 2008, with expertise in machines from all eras.

Andrew Breyer

Champion Player

Andy Breyer won the 1981 Asteroids world championship, earning recognition in the arcade gaming scene. A lifelong fan of classic games, he later appeared in an Atari commercial and remains passionate about retro gaming while working as an IT manager.

David Bishop

Vice President of Namco USA

David L. Bishop, VP of Namco USA, promotes making games more accessible through social experiences like Level 257. He believes games are an art form and has witnessed the shift from controversy to wider acceptance.

Chris Dammacco

Video Game Shop Owner

Chris Dammacco founded Windy Gaming in 2015, focusing on Japanese imports with personalized service and affordable prices, growing a loyal customer base.

Jason Camberis

Arcade Designer

Jason Camberis holds a Guinness World Record for the largest arcade machine, the LAMP, and now builds home arcade systems while working in various tech fields.

Jessica Kent

Founder of Down to Flip

Jessica Kent, founder of Down to Flip, promotes diversity in pinball and arcade gaming, encouraging women and younger generations to join the community.

Josh Tsui

President and Co-Founder of Robomodo

Josh Tsui, co-founder of Robomodo, has worked on games like Mortal Kombat and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD. He’s now creating a documentary on 90s video game development.

Larry Wilson

Machine Restoration Expert

Larry Wilson restores vintage electromechanical machines, including pinball cabinets and Coke machines, finding satisfaction in the repair process and connecting with other enthusiasts.

Rob Lach

Indie Game Developer

Rob Lach is an indie developer known for POP: Methodology Experiment One, an experimental game built around music and art.

Sheri Rubin

Industy Advocate for Women in Gaming

Sheri Rubin, former QA tester and founder of Design Direct Deliver, advocates for women and diversity in gaming through volunteering and leadership roles.

Terry Minnich & Jeff Lee

Jeff Lee: Artist and Game Designer

Terry Minnich: Editor and Gaming Collector

Jeff Lee, an artist behind Qbert and Exterminator, and Terry Minnich (Trickman Terry), a former EGM editor, shared their contributions to early gaming. Lee designed Qbert, while Minnich compiled tips and cheats for EGM, both shaping the gaming industry in different ways.

Todd Friedman

Arcade Technician

Todd, a technician at Galloping Ghost Arcade, shares his journey and work maintaining classic arcade games.