Play and learn about retro video games in Nauticus’ new exhibit

You don’t need quarters or tokens to play video games on Norfolk’s waterfront. Instead of going to an arcade, Nauticus has set up “Game Changers,” a traveling exhibit that explores the art and science of video games.

Nauticus’ 6,500 square-foot exhibit gallery has been transformed into a huge arcade filled with over 120 of the most influential video games. Some of the most notable highlights are the nostalgic games such as Pac-Man, Tetris, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders and Super Mario Bros.

Visitors can explore the journey of video games and see firsthand how the industry has been shaped over the years with the evolution of graphics, storylines, character development, audio and other game play technology. Sixteen playable games include Angry Birds, Guitar Hero, Sonic, Pac-Man and others. Also, game enthusiasts can step inside a game and create their own video game character using Kinect technology.

A visitor at Nauticus tested her skills at the Pixel Pioneer station at the "Game Changers" exhibit. Lee Belote/freelance

Linda Leeker and her grandson Drew Chambers enjoyed playing a kinect boxing game at one of the exhibit’s game stations. Leeker said she had never played a video game before.

“I didn’t grow up with Pac-Man or any of these games,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed playing these games today and have found it interesting how they all evolved.”

Even though Chambers grew up with X-box and mobile games, he admitted his grandmother was better at the boxing game than he was.

The Nauticus "Game Changers" exhibit features 16 playable video games for guests. Lee Belote/freelance

One of the most popular game stations educated visitors on the pixel pioneers and referenced Pac-Man as the first recognizable onscreen video game hero and pop icon. Game aficionados enjoyed the interactive exhibit that allowed you to manipulate pixels on a large wall and then sit down and play a challenging round of Pac-Man.

Hannah Durfee spent some time playing with pixels at the Pixel Pioneer station. The Virginia Beach resident said she started playing video games at six-years-old. She started on early consoles like Gameboy, Nintendo and Playstation.

“It’s cool to see the evolution of video games in this exhibit,” said Durfee. “It’s also neat to see how the public perception of these games have changed.”

Bryce Molony, a Virginia Beach resident, said he thought it was interesting how video games have now been adapted to movies and television shows. He cited the “Last of Us” television series as an example.

Pictured is the futuristic look of a Computer Space arcade game from 1971. The early version of video games created the perfect setting for players to fully immerse themselves in a game. Lee Belote/freelance (The Virginian-Pilot)

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The multigenerational exhibit was filled with families, glowing graphics, joysticks, game consoles and a variety of sound effects. Audiences were engaged in learning the past, present and future of games while testing their skills at the interactive game stations. The exhibit runs through April 30 and is included with Nauticus admission.

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If you go

What: Game Changers

Where: Nauticus

When: Now through April 30

Info: Game Changers is included with Nauticus admission. Go to nauticus.org for info.

Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net