The Chaotic Reality of Running a Video Game Convention

[@PixelGameSquad]

Dude we loved putting on the show AND putting this video together with you. So glad we made all this happen! Hope yall enjoyed the editing on this one....it was a TASK! We love yall so much!

[@FreeEmulatorVideos]

The editing was awesome Riff! Must've taken a SUPER LONG time to do it. What a great video though--might be the best one I've seen from Phoenix Resale! I was hoping to see some behind the scenes videos from you guys' new convention, and this video did not disappoint!!

[@FreeEmulatorVideos]

Also, so cool to see your parents and kids there helping out. Great memories for the entire family I'm sure!

[@TripleAwave]

TEARS!! Amazing job boys!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!

[@DanielNostalgicBitz]

he whole time watching this video i was smiling it sucks i couldn't be there this year but next year i will be there and also i just want to say that i am so very happy for the pixelgamesquad crew like i said the whole video i was smiling i could feel the excitement the passion all the emotions you guys did it ! plus more cant wait for next year and if there's anything i could do to help yall out il be more than happy to volunteer ! you guys are such an inspiration and real genuine souls ❤‍🔥

[@_Hex1er]

Enjoyed this!

[@Porphyro83]

I nearly spit out my coffee at the "Aspiring KZbinr" tag for Rick. I can't get enough of the play mocking between all you guys.

[@Henry-lq6rt]

im glad im not the only one who noticed that lol

[@MetalJesusRocks]

Truly excellent documentary on the making of a convention. I go to a lot of shows and really found this fascinating. Thanks for making it!

[@retro4everything]

Seriously fascinating. Shows how much work and effort goes into making these shows

[@ctrldkaos]

This is probably your best work, Caleb. I think documentaries might be your calling.

[@TachibanaTengoku]

Whoever edited it did a great job

[@LeadMe2TheBliss]

@@TachibanaTengoku Riff is Caleb's main editor so it was most likely Riff.

[@danielvicil9534]

Couldn't have said it better myself. Great job, awesome documentary!

[@Christian-vy9fs]

Yup I think because it had a lot less of him in it 😅

[@HoonAgain]

@@Christian-vy9fs haha agreed. Less of him saying “folks” every 30 seconds lol. It’s definitely his better work. His docu series interview content is super good.

[@zootty]

All things aside, whether you like all these guys or not, you cannot deny they put in the work and dedication necessary to get here. Chris has always seemed like a class act. Riff and Ricky banter, the jabs at Retro Rick.. this has been my entertainment for a few years now. Seeing Riff go from a KZbinr, to an editor, to having a podcast with his best friends, and then to a convention owner. All of these guys have found their passion and have put in the time. Much respect to all of them. Looking forward to attending next year. Great work, Caleb. These long-form videos are some of your best.

[@gabbothegiver]

That's why, in my humble opinion, stupid Riffo is the editing 🐐, what a great video, and thanks Caleb for filming this.

[@Woodmanclassics]

As a vendor, attendee and friend, It really was the best convention! Great video!

[@OnlyDadsOG]

I hope to one day own a mario statue Travis. Great job and video showing how it's done. And sick fucking T-Shirts boss!

[@malicewonderland872]

This was an absolutely amazing documentary of the Expo. Loved every moment of it from cadence to production to commentary. Stunning peice, Phoenix and Riff. Very well done.

[@richardwoodley3477]

This is something where if it was another 45 minutes long I would pay to see in a Movie Theater. This was absolutely fantastic all the way through.

[@paulwilliams5500]

What amazing parents Riff has. It’s so cool to see such a supportive family.

[@Doumisco017]

Not so often that a KZbin video of almost an hour flies by. But this was just amazing. Great effort to setup the event. And great video to show it all. Best vid from the channel

[@geoi6448]

Ricky always comes off so genuine lol

[@BensyBens]

Kinda insane to see aaron and ricky started from scratch in KZbin and now owning socal gaming. That’s crazy especially after aaron deleted retro liberty. Happy to see it!

[@PixelGameSquad]

Appreciate you ❤

[@PrestigeWW13rothers]

I took my son and brother in law for a day while we were already out in SoCal. Had so much fun!! Great event will try and go every year!

[@YoMikeSZN]

Its so nice to see the goal that they set get CRUSHED and doubled. These guys deserve all the love and praise they got from this event.

[@ovahdos]

Those last words at the end of the video were giving so much chills that once i read "it was the best convention i've ever been to" i started tearing up Much love to the PGS for proving how strong of a team we always knew they were. Definitely a monumental event for all of the west coast and conventions across the US. This was incredible to watch, and so friggin heartwarming. No one else i'd rather see thriving more than these guys. Caleb did an amazing job capturing so many amazing moments that show how these truly are some of the most compassion and caring people in the scene, who want nothing more than to make everyone in their area the happeiest they possibly can. They deserve all the endless praise and love. Big ups guys

[@Toddis]

That "DARE to keep cops off donuts" shirt had me rollin 🤣

[@MyRetroLife]

Man this is so good. Great job guys. There is a huge amount of FAVOR over this entire journey. Really hope I can make it out next year!

[@thai33oz]

I knew there were a lot of moving parts to hosting a convention, but hats off to you for breaking down almost every aspect of it. The video gave us an emotional connection with the team and had me cheering for them the entire way. It's the warm fuzzy feeling that you get when you see people succeeding and doing well. Thank you for the amazing video.

[@ChuckVanPelt]

Great video, fellas! Brings back some memories of when we started PRGE at the Oregon Convention Center. Only $10K for electricity? Consider yourselves lucky. PRGE regularly paid over $30K for electricity each year. Don't get me stated on the catering bill. All of those tables the vendors use? $50K. Printing for signage, badges, and programs? Another $50K+. Security, internet, door ushers, freeplay arcade costs, speaker stipends...it's crazy. We even had to pay to have ATMs on the show floor. All for the love of games!

[@FreeEmulatorVideos]

What an awesome video--one of your best for sure! Riff editing this was TOP notch too! Also, way to go PGS and everyone else involved in running this convention!! It seemed like everyone loved it (except those two vendors at the end--sheesh... I am glad you guys were around to deescalate that situation).

[@BingSway]

This video was so good, thanks for taking us behind the scenes to show just how much work goes into these events. I really liked how you showed the work that comes after the event and the last minute issues that come up.

[@MusicSkypirate]

What a wonderful video. My heart goes out to not only the PixelGameSquad lot, Caleb and everyone else involved at the event. Been watching many of you for what must be years now and so proud to see you all growing and simply being awesome.

[@MortsGarage]

This recap was outstanding- congrats to all involved!!

[@frankm4158]

Wow! Moving story from a very intimate angle! I Enjoyed all 51 mins of it! Good job Caleb! And Riff/pixels too of course

[@716bigboyshop]

Caleb , this was by far one of your best videos you’ve ever put out! Congrats to you on a job well done!

Editor Riff for the win. I see you working. Shout out the other guys too.

[@mrjotz]

24:00 "Aspiring KZbinr" 😆😆😆😆

[@ourshit5725]

That was DIABOLICAL 🤣

[@notTHATcb]

Dude... Well done with this one. This is one we've all been waiting for. So dope.

[@MemoryHunts]

"Aspiring KZbinr" for Rick 🤣

[@retro4everything]

😅😅

[@kaappoo]

Caleb I've been watching your stuff for at least three years & this my man is the peak of your channel. Awesome video & top notch editing! 10/10 content! ❤️ Big shout-out to Riff, Kris, Rick & everyone else who makes SoCal possible! ❤️

[@bigblue1287]

Great job with the tour. What a great looking convention. I've been watching all of your channels for years. Riff deserves it and his business partners 🙌🏼💙

[@eveyluvvs]

Running live events give me so much joy, so I LOVED this bts sooo much LOL And this event looks so fun!

[@MrAndrewolsson]

This was one of the best videos I have ever watched. Thank you for doing this.

[@FITsthetics]

I absolutely loved this video. The documentary style, the interviews, the ups and the downs. What a story you have told and what a journey you've taken to get here guys. I wasn't able to come but you sure made me feel like I was there. Congratulations!

[@Flip_side_games]

I've been a long time supporter of your channel and love all your vids, but man!!!! This was my favorite video that you've ever done. I would love to see more stuff like this! Great job bro!

[@PixelGameSquad]

Thanks!! ❤

[@playteles123]

This video is amazing. You were able to capture and share the emotions of the gang and community so well. Great job and congrats to the guys on hosting such an amazing event and giving back to the community..

[@dgriggs4412]

Really special one this is…truly incredible behind the scenes content with a wonderfully organized arc across the video. All while providing what seems to be a refreshingly honest take of events and capturing the love, frustrations, and endless effort that went into making this convention happen.

[@Sherky59]

Seeing RetroRick @23:50 is awesome! He’s definitely one of major staple to this entire community of retro games. Proud of you guys! Hopefully next year I can make it from Minnesota.

[@elchristianpodcast]

So Fun to watch! I'm so glad you were open and transparent about everything, from numbers, attitudes, problems, to all the good times and how worthy it was.

[@phonegamer86]

A great video to watch, great quality, entertaining, couldn't pause it!!!! Keep up the great work.

[@RetroGameCon]

Everything here checks out, especially the registration, line, and wi-fi problems. You can plan, have meetings, and sketch stuff out as much as you want, but there's always stuff that breaks or needs to be figured out last-minute. Great video!

[@kenamaro9023]

Been watching most of everyone's channels for so long. Its a full circle moment. So happy and proud for every1.

[@kboogie241]

This was an awesome video. I watched it to the end and wanted more. People who sling mud are only upset because they haven’t stepped out towards their dreams! This is four men who stepped out and are doing great things for the community. Keep going and Caleb thanks for this awesome video! Continued success to you!

[@Astroplay]

I wish I could’ve gone. Hopefully next year. Thank you Caleb for filming this. It was absolutely a Joy to watch! I felt like I was there with y’all. One of your best videos. Very amazing and heartwarming. You guys are all the Best!

[@PotatoEevee]

This is amazing video, an amazing documentation of amazing people, made by amazing people, showing amazing people doing amazing stuff with and for amazing people. Thank you to everyone involved! Much love to you

[@cakehoarder]

Great video brotha, was nice seeing you again this year!

[@petermysels9158]

Pumped! Been waiting for this video for months. Shout out to Caleb and PGS - very impressed 🤘🏼

[@miketriplett4816]

This expo was amazing. Can’t wait for next year. Already putting some money away to get vip tickets and stay at a hotel this time and not have to drive 2 hours everyday. Had an amazing weekend and can’t wait to enjoy next years. Thank you everyone for all the hard work to put this weekend on for everyone.

[@CKOanime]

Bro you got me in tears of joy. You got friends, family...everyone! just helping eachother out and having a good time. I'm so proud of you guys. Thanks for continuing on what you do. Keep it up!

[@rootedinretro1995]

Caleb, awesome job on these videos. You’ve really been doing an amazing job with your questions and content for these behind the scenes business deep dives. I know you got a killer editor but your work is really shining through. God Bless!

[@BlakRanger]

FANTASTIC job organizing, capturing and putting this documentary together! Just like the expo, this wasn't long enough! It was so great being a part of the volunteer team and finally meeting you and everyone while we were there. Everyone deserves to know that you weren't just filming, but you worked just as hard breaking down those tables at the end and provided pizza for all who stayed💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 Thanks for being AWESOME!

[@hellotoddmiller]

Amazing work by all. This was such a fun and interesting watch. So many people who go to cons just think it's mainly getting vendors in & setup & that's it. This video showed so much of what goes into getting these together. To see it from the perspective of a group that's never gone through it before (minus Kris) was fascinating & so insightful. God bless you guys. I am so thankful this group is around for us to watch.

[@Malacefire]

absolutely love videos like this, that shows all that work and expenses that go into an event like that. fun to watch some of the things that unfold and ideas they came up with etc. Great job on the video ^^

[@Seaark]

CRAZY to see the video game chasers becoming host for expo instead of low ballin at a flea market RICKKKYYYYYY

[@robertmurray4826]

Editor riff grew on me soo much I first see him on this channel working for mr crabs hated his style at first but he dialled it back added new ideas smashed that now his done this super W

[@CJsGamingchannel]

It was an incredible experience meeting everyone and having a good time out there at SoCal Gakinh Expo! A job well done to everyone involved! Thanks for adding me in Caleb 😊 @23:33!

[@sijbrenrintjema5044]

This was such a cool ride, to be here with you guys. Even here from Europe, we love the stuff you guys do. Caleb great work man, you really showed us what is was like from start to finish.

[@oscaraxl]

Man it was an amazing convention best in years, me and my son had a blast thank you to Aaron, Ricky, Chris for making it happen, the haedwork to put all together, the amazing vendors, vibes and love, can't wait for next year.

[@jameslewis7644]

Awesome video Caleb. Thank you and the Entire So Cal Gaming Expo squad for the behind the scenes look. Love all you guys

[@G.S.Collectibles]

Great show! Respect for all the work that was put into it! As a vendor, I can't wait for the next one!

[@wallycify]

I am so genuinely happy for you guys. What an absolutely stellar performance and I can feel the passion and love through the screen. May God continue to bless you guys and I hope nothing but major continued success for you all in the future. Wicked awesome.

[@adamaukerman2808]

As someone who understands the inner workings of a convention, this brought on all the feels. I’m on my 15th year running conventions and every year we hope for joy like this when it’s all done. Congrats guys!

[@eduardoramirezjr1892]

Did a great job covering everything. As someone who worked for a Toy Vendor for con season in SoCal; i felt everything. The Wifi issues preventing epayment services. The anxiety over surprise celeb appearances and their "people". The random vendor Drama. Especially the Sunday breakdowns with shady event companies not honoring their contracts. Setup Day and breakdown are where people are tested.

[@usclvr19]

This was an amazing video! One of my favs in a long time. Congrats to everyone involved with the show

[@rickylima7129]

Funny enough, I’ve been expecting for this video without knowing who would be the one posting it. I want to thank you for 2 things, the video and for bringing PGS to my attention in the 1st place. If this is the way forward for your channel, I am happy with it! Much love from Cape Verde 🇨🇻

[@sdclams117]

Great video, thanks for posting. It is so nice to see the mind of a dreamer come to reality.

[@sdclams117]

I really appreciate the honesty that everyone shows. Really refreshing.

[@Nessevan]

What a great behind the scenes episode. So cool to see all the guys hard work paid off. Nice one!!

[@snoopy7689]

This was genuinely interesting and was a positive impact on the community depicted, awesome job to everyone involved. I literally can't fathom the amount of work that goes into an event like this.

[@Lord_Jher]

I don’t normally watch videos past 15 minutes/ but this kept me going all through till the end. Congrats to the new team & for you showing the raw stuff that goes on behind the scenes

[@GuardianPsycho]

18:02 DUDE I CAN NOT EVEN FATHOM OR ARTICULATE HOW HONORED AND INSANELY EXCITED I AM TO HE IN ONE OF YOUR VIDEOS HOLY HECK!!! Thank you so much Editor Riff @PixelGameSquad for portraying me a lot more confident than I was. Meeting the both of you was so nerve racking 💚💚💚 and unforgettable experience!

[@JPeticus]

One of the best documentary style vids I’ve seen on KZbin . You absolutely crushed this man

[@happythoughts7792]

Incredible documentary, this is so well put together! Wow! Enjoyed every second of this!!

[@rickyburgess5869]

I Love this Channel and everything you all do. Been a major fan for years. Riff and Ricky keep up the great work and the team as well!

[@Stampede215]

Wow. What a journey. You guys and gals did a fantastic job!! You all should be so proud!!! I wish I was there!! I'm pissed you guys had to break down them tables!!!! Bastards!! Congrats to everyone involved!!! Cheers to each and every one of you!!

[@MrCantCook]

bro this video is absolutely nuts. between the amazing story and your story telling, and just the purely amazing production quality it honestly got some tears man, great video.

[@JoeyJoeJoeJrShabastu]

This was a great mini-doc! I will admit I am not a big fan of Caleb’s Phoenix Resale videos, but this was very well done and it was fun seeing the controlled chaos that is putting on a big event like SoCal Gaming Expo.

[@chubbyninja1688]

I love everything about this. Good job on this mini doc

[@MightyD18]

Phoenix....!!!! This was sum GREAT behind the scenes raw footage no one really Sees(set-ups)!! Awesome Video! Appreciate all the hard work these dudes put in to make the event happen!!

[@JoeBlowYouAway]

Great behind the scenes look and great editing! You got yourself another subscriber! It was my first gaming expo I've ever attended. Took my younger boys, (5 and 7) and we all had a blast! They loved the free-play arcade and we bought about 20 games or so. Can't wait to go back next year!

[@Tora_Beats]

This Is amazing what a great job from everyone involved its also nice that Caleb got to post this that's nice of riff to give him that access

[@mikehoskins4680]

Caleb i have been a fan of your for years now. I met and spoke with you the past 2 years at the louisville retro game convention and i have to say this is some of your best work i have ever seen you put out. @PixelGameSquad you guys rock and i plan to come next year to your convention all the way from OHIO. Keep it up you guys are keeping our childhoods alive and thriving.

[@sunhuntin]

brilliant work to everyone involved. that line was beyond epic! so glad it mostly seemed like it went smoothly.

[@Cupgray53]

I went to my first video game convention about a year ago after seeing some of your videos and its a great experience

[@liersenic]

Fantastic video, that was a legit documentary. Great narration and story telling. It made me feel like I was there and got to experience it. Great work and so happy for the pixel squad!

[@Gyrodio]

I’ve become a big convention guy after covid started dying down, and since then I’ve been really interested in how they’re run, started, all the inner workings of these cons, and this doc fills that hole so perfectly

[@petergarnett3009]

Amazing footage, loved it. My first convention post pandemic, coming up in Blackpool, UK in October. Cannot wait, really got the juices flowing. Well done all involved. RIP Curtis, Gabbo da bouncer, never seen Chris looked so stressed. 👏👏👏🤜🤛

[@WillieTroxler]

This was absolutely one of the best videos I've ever watched. Thanks so much for doing this. Also what a great looking convention. I started watching your channel ever since I subscribed to your channel few weeks ago and I already love your content ❤️ Also Riff definitely deserves it and his business partners 🙌💙 I hope one day I'll meet you guys 🙏✨

[@JohnnyVasquez8]

So happy for these 4 and everyone who helped along the way. Nobody is more deserving!! 🙏🏾 Can’t wait to see what the future holds for these men!! 🔥

[@prefeitobear9209]

Great job guys! Keep the exposure going! I honestly hope that smaller expos start to happen between big expos in our coast.

[@ibelongtoacjimbo]

So pleased it was a positive convention and i'm really jealous of all that could go as its too far away from me to attend . Maybe one day hopefully. Great video Caleb and congrats to the guys they really looked to make it an amazing weekend for everyone

[@collettjc24]

Awesome job Phoenix and Pixel! Looked like an awesome show! I may have to make the journey from Canada next year to check it out! Well done everyone

[@OCDhorrorcollector]

Yes! This is the video I've been waiting for. Squad!

[@Steve_The_Weave]

BEST video i’ve ever seen. Thank you so much for sharing, such a great weekend!!!

[@MattDobschuetz]

One of your best videos ever. Great work and congrats to Riff and the boys.

[@factor7426]

Awesome video! Great work from everyone to make a memorable weekend and great job capturing it, you rock!!

[@thomasaveritt8829]

I wanted to say that I don’t normally like to watch long videos but this one was amazing. I’m a believer that when a group of friends work together they can create their own community and that’s what I see with @pixelgamesquad , @retrorock, @phoneizresale, and everyone else. Thank you for sharing this with us!!!!

[@lordxibalba825]

Fantastic documentary style editing, an absolute masterpiece.

[@JMMainard]

Your documentaries and interviews are becoming my favorite types of content from you. Awesome stuff

[@VideoGameVotary]

Unbelievable work @phoenixresale and @pixelgamesquad! As I told both of you, you guys are creative genius! You guys inspire this entire community and truly are great people. You guys are really rock stars! Don’t ever change!