Keeping the Classics Alive: Aberdeen’s Retro Gaming Scene Thrives
- March 24 2025
For over half a decade, Aberdeen has quietly become a haven for retro gaming enthusiasts, keeping the golden age of arcade and console classics alive through fierce competition and community spirit. From Pac-Man to Donkey Kong, Mario Kart to Pong, a dedicated group of gamers has ensured that the magic of 20th-century gaming lives on.
Scottish Esports spoke to Ross Willett, one of the original organisers behind the city’s retro gaming tournaments, about how it all started and how the scene continues despite challenges.
“I was in a few gaming groups on Facebook when someone asked if there were any competitive gaming events in Aberdeen,” Ross recalls. “I mentioned that a few groups existed, but none focused on retro games. That got me thinking—it was something I’d always been interested in. So, we started talking, and that conversation led to the first tournaments.”
Original Hardware, Authentic Experience
In an already niche scene, finding players for competitive retro gaming is no easy task. But what sets Aberdeen’s retro tournaments apart is their commitment to original hardware—from classic arcade cabinets to Super Nintendo consoles. No emulators. No shortcuts. Just the pure experience, exactly how it was meant to be played.
“I just like keeping things as they are,” Ross says. “The guy I started this with, Gaz Cormack, suggested using emulators, but I wanted it to be traditional. Just keep it old school.”
This dedication brings in gamers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned arcade goer or just want to relive childhood classics, there’s a game for everyone.
A Library of Legends
The tournaments cover a wide range of genres, from fighting games like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat II to racing classics like Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart 64. But they don’t limit themselves to the most famous titles.
“We’ll play anything if it’s retro,” Ross says.
Yet, maintaining interest is a challenge. While some franchises retain a devoted following, others fade into obscurity.
“There’s always a new game grabbing attention. With franchises, people often skip the earlier titles. As time goes on, these classics are only getting older, and finding people who still want to play them is becoming harder.”
More Than Just Competition
Despite fluctuating engagement, Scottish Retro Esports remains the only active purely retro gaming competitions frequently run in Scotland. More than just tournaments, it’s a welcoming community for anyone who appreciates gaming history.
“I just want people to come along and have fun,” Ross says. “It’s about getting people out of the house, making new friends, and playing the classics.”
Alongside weekly competition nights, the group also runs annual championships—longer-format tournaments focusing on flagship titles like Mario Kart and Mega Drive classics.
“Once a year, we meet up and play Mario Kart 64. Same with the Mega Drive—we’ll run a tournament across multiple games. If it lasts three or four hours and brings in more players, I call it a championship.”
Get Involved
For those in Aberdeen and beyond, Scottish Retro Esports offers a rare chance to experience gaming’s golden age in a competitive setting. Whether you want to test your skills, relive childhood memories, or just meet like-minded gamers, the door is open.
