About

Classic Game Room (abbreviated as CGR) is a video game reviewing show that was founded, produced, and directed by Mark Bussler, who reviews both classic and modern games, accessories, and miscellaneous objects. The show is known for it's non-conventional reviews, witty commentary, and lighthearted nature, with the focus on finding the "fun" in games. Throughout the years, the show has broadcast on multiple video-hosting websites.

Origin

Classic game room began in 1999, under the name "The Game Room."^[1] Co-created by Mark Bussler and Dave Crosson, it would become the very first video game review show on the internet. The show ran on a $50 dollar budget, and while the show proved an early success, financial which would later lead to their cancellation on October 23, 2000 due to slow episode production and their revenue failing to cover the show's cost.^[2] The show was later revived on February 20, 2008 under the name "Classic Game Room HD (Heavy Duty)" with Mark being the only host. Sometime after 2010, the "HD" moniker was removed, becoming Classic Game Room.

Reception

Classic Game Room has been critically praised numerous times for its range and diversity of reviews. Contributing to this praise is Mark Bussler's charismatic and witty personality, and the deadpan style of humor in most reviews. Special praise is given to the fact that Mark "Likes to find the fun in games because not every game has the same audience," a simple practice that is considered ignored in mainstream journalism. Alongside the show, the fanbase has also received praise for it's calm and collected nature, as well as it's near-universal support for Classic Game Room, which Mark referenced in his review of Twisted Metal: Head On for the PlayStation Portable.^[3] Despite the praise, he is often criticized for his lack of focus or tendency to change the subject. This was most notably a major complaint in his review of the Nintendo Wii U. ^[4]

Related Subjects

Classic Game Room Undertow

Classic Game Room Undertow (stylized CGRundertow) is a subsidiary video game reviewing show that was hosted by Derek Buck from 2010 to 2015. CGRundertow videos, akin to CGR, involve new host Derek Buck, reviewing various video games and miscellaneous objects. On occasion, Mark and Derek would appear as minor cameos in each other's reviews, adding to the comedic effect of the show.

Viral Dog

Mark's pet dog, Stella (A.K.A. Viral Dog), is a German Shepard/Chow chow mix and is one CGR's main mascots that made her first debut in September 21, 2007 in a video called "Stella the Wonderdog! Most Cute Puppy in the Land!" Alhough she occasionally makes cameo appearances in the standard CGR reviews, she has had several videos dedicated to her (most of which include Mark giving her exaggerated praise) while using reverb.

Leaving Youtube

On December 12th, 2013, Mark released a video saying that there will be changes to the Classic Game Room website, and that he will be posting his reviews on there using Dailymotion's video sharing from now on.^[5] He has also commented that "the show will go on (despite changes to a certain website)" implying that his reason for leaving is due to YouTube's Content ID policy. Despite this, he still posts videos on you tube regularly, most of which subtly criticizes YouTube's changes to their copyright policies.

The Return to YouTube

On May 8, 2014, Mark announced that his show would be returning to YouTube on May 10, and reviews that were first posted on Dailymotion would be added to the CGR YouTube channel.^[6] Alongside the new reviews being added to YouTube, they would also be released on Dailymotion. The reasons for the return are unknown.

Cancellation of CGRundertow and Classic Game Room Mark 3

Once again facing financial difficulties, combined with the personal wishes for new endeavors, Derek Buck and Mark Bussler both announced that CGRundertow would air its final review before the end of 2015.^[7][8] Classic Game Room, according to Bussler, "…Would not be [his] main focus." In order to produce a larger budget for CGR, Bussler began a Patreon (as recommended by various fans) where the show would be run off donations. To promote the phase, Bussler announced that CGR would enter a new phase in 2016, and is now called "Classic Game Room Mark 3" (a reference to the 1980's Sega SG-1000 Mark-III video game console, and to identify as the third incarnation of the show).

Search Interest

References