Who am I, what do I do and what do I want?
My name is Mark Starkey, and I am a video gamer of 26 years, experienced in working in the industry and a keen enthusiast of video game arcades. In 2011, I purchased a number of arcade machines from the closure of Londons biggest arcade, the legendary 'Funland' located within the Trocadero at Piccadilly Circus, and opened up The Heart of Gaming (affectionately known to its audience as 'HoG') in North Acton, London. It has been growing for years, and its now time to move the HoG to a better location with more facilities!
The purpose of this campaign is to raise the funds to enable us to move into and renovate the new property to meet and exceed the gamers expectations. We have found an ideal location, but work is needed. Your donations and contributions and support will be used to accomplish this, so that the equipment can be moved in.
Why Back My Project?
The success of this project would be absolutely groundbreaking. Firstly, you will be helping to provide a heritage archive, a working museum and destination point for gamers of the past, present and future. We would be succeeding, as players, where the corporations ultimately failed us. In this, you would be showing the world what true underdogs are capable of. You will also ensure that the current players and generations to come will be able to experience the joy of an arcade in real life rather than through videos of the past.
What We Need & What You Get
The target amount is for £90,000. We already have 90% of the gaming equipment needed for the venue. Your money will be spent largely on the following expenses-
Venue rent deposit and initial upfront rent payment period.
Additional new generation consoles, software and peripherals
Installation of a lan set up and pc gaming area and casting booth.
Purchasing of additional media equipment such as display screens and projectors
The purchase of furnishings for player comfort such as chairs, sofas and beanbags and shelves.
A conference/ private hire room facility
Installation of all utilities- Toilets, electrical lines, ethernet wiring, water, fire safety and internet.
Full internal rennovation- flooring, cubicles, walls, shelves, platforms and a stage.
A safety budget for initial outgoings.
New equipment such as pool tables, air hockey, an intercom system and vending machines.
Installation of counters, fittings for shop and cafe/ bar area.
Implementation of a high quality website.
Additional arcade machines and renovation of existing ones.
What will we provide in exchange for donations?
We have created a number of perks for you to enjoy in exchange for backing our project, and hope that you will enjoy them and find a package that suits you. These perks include-
Nostalgia in the way of 'Funland' metal gaming tokens, the seeds of yesterdays arcade making way for the future growth of another!
Fashion in the way of t-shirts and hoodies. Feel comfortable, and show others you are part of the HoG community!
Recognition in the form of your name being engraved on a plaque to be displayed as long as the heart keeps beating!
Game time, in the way of purchasing various membership offers, with varying perks!
Recognition, by having your name featured on a plaque to be permanently displayed in HoG for as long as the heart keeps beating.
And more benefits, such an invitations to our VIP and press launch party, and private hiring also!
And if we don't reach our goal?
The HoG will happen regardless.
If we fail badly- This simply means that we will have to take on investors, and its fair to say some have approached me seeking involvement on a financial level. Very and quite simply, I don't want this. I prefer the democracy that HoG operates as with its customer base, and would rather it remained as such. Nonetheless, it is an option should the donations not be satisfactory.
Remember, the crowning beauty of HoG is that it is community based, and powered by players.
If fall short- Should we do well enough but still fall short, then the HoG will do what it has always done, and that is to make use of what is available, and grow slowly but surely. Some ideas will be momentarily on hold, but will be achieved later down the progressive line.
Either way, the funds that people invest are going to the project. We are in a position to strike a massive notch into the history of destination gaming. Thought to be dead due to emulation and the rise of home consoles, we haven proven beyond doubt that the decline in arcades is down to the inability of the Old School operators to move with the times. Survive and adapt. This is what the HoG does. This is what you will be part of. Together we will all make history, as we welcome a new version of the 'Arcade' in the 21st century.
The Impact
Since the HoG was started, a number of smaller businesses across the UK have implemented gaming areas, as we have proven that people will travel for the right gaming set ups, but noone has bought the scene out in London like the Heart of Gaming, NOONE. We have caught the eyes of celebrities, from Bill Bailey to Dick and Dom. We have hosted 'first look' and location tests for new games. We have even played host to multiple educational visits from schools, colleges and universities. We even had a mural painted by two ladies following the death of Nintendo President Satori Iwata that not only went viral, by Nintendo of Japan personally sent a copy to his family. We have recovered from flooding, from robbery, and nothing has been able to hold us down. The HoG just continues to grow all the time, and with your help, it'll grow even bigger and better. With 4 years experience, the foundation is solid and growing. The eyes of the world are on US. Newspapers and media list us as 'the one to watch'. You're about to find out why.
Obstacles that we'll overcome
There were some issues in the old building that we encountered on our journey, but we're older an wiser now, and steps have been taken to ensure previous obstacles will be a thing of the past. Experience is key to dealing with issues. Take a look at some of the improvements we've been able to recognise through experience.
High powered internet and wi-fi. This was a pain with no remedy before, making streaming events very frustrating. Our new unit does not have such issues.
Climate control. Before we were in a warehouse that trapped heat in the summer and cold in the winter. Now we're in a shopping center, these issues are gone.
Amazing travel links. The previous HoG had no night buses and was uncomfortable to reach due to no lighting in the alley way that involved players walking past a cemetery in pitch black. The new location is a minutes walk in a heavily populated and well lit area from the Central Line tube. This now runs 24 hours at the weekend. The Hammersmith and Circle Lines are also local. There are multiple night buses and two bus stations. There is an overground line stop too, and a car parking facility in a neighbouring shopping center. This issue is DEFINITELY sorted.
Local amenities. The old HoG had nothing but Asda and Tesco, meaning that meal time meant a long walk. Shepherds Bush has plenty of local meal options and shops mere seconds away from the HoG entrance. Were 10 seconds walk from Vue cinema!
Other Ways You Can Help
If you find yourself lacking in funds, no problem! We have received many donations of unwanted/ unused gaming equipment, we always find a use for it and it only serves to keep our library growing!
Use the Indiegogo share tools! Also, 'sharing is caring' maybe sound cliche, but it can make a huge difference and only takes a moment! Share our project and updates with friends!
Twitter- @theHOGuk
Youtube- theHOGuk
Facebook- facebook.com/TheHeartOfGaming/
Thanks for viewing this indiegogo crowd funding project. We hope you enjoyed it and found a perk to suit you. We look forward to meeting you for great gaming times ahead.
Regards, Mark
