Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Kris Carlson who currently is displayed on card number 4097, from the Superstars of 2022 Collection. Since starting his YouTube channel in 2018, he has continued collecting and started doing console/handheld mods, arcade/pinball restoration, and attending every convention that he can. His channel GameDadShow focuses on all thing’s tech and gaming, new and old, original and restored. When he is not spending time with his family, he is training, making videos, and spending time with loved ones.
What are your opinions about today’s generation of video games? How do you compare them to older, classic games?
I would say that games today are made intentionally harder because they don’t have the brutal aspect of games from back in the day that were designed to be quarter munchers. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely enjoy games today; mainly because the stories are so much more immersive.
When did you begin your YouTube channel and what inspired you to do so?
I started the channel in 2018 after friends and family suggested I do so since I was always talking about games and tech anyways.
What is your favorite YouTube episode you have done so far, and what makes it special?
Honestly, my favorite videos are the Xbox Series X and PS5 Unboxing/Re-boxing vids that I did. Not because they did great or anything like that, but because of the filming technique I used in the beginning of them. I had always wanted to trying making it so that was talking with myself, and it was a lot of fun to bring that together.
Do you remember your first video game / arcade you played and what do you remember about it?
The very first game I remember playing was Fester’s Quest on the NES. I remember my brother getting it and the NES Action Set for his birthday one year and we played the game for hours.
Did you ever think when you were younger you would be on a video game trading card?
The thought never even crossed my mind, but it’s definitely a cool feeling now that’s it happened!
What is your favorite portable gaming device and why?
I would definitely say the Switch. There are so many great AAA and indie titles, and its portability is unmatched, for now.
Who is your favorite video game character and what makes that character special?
I’ve never really thought about it before, but maybe Link? Sense of adventure?
Do you find boss battles to be the best part of a video game?
Not at all. Sure, beating the boss is fun, but I would much rather enjoy the journey of getting there.
Do you prefer arcade or console gaming and why?
I prefer console gaming for the variety associated with each system.
What games today do you play and what are your favorite genres of games?
I main play story-based games and I typically play in the action/adventure genre with a sprinkling of RPG.
Which console company is your favorite and why? Nintendo, Sony, Sega, or Microsoft or other?
Well now that’s a loaded question. I like Sony for their controllers/VR, Sega for their blast processing…., Microsoft for their variety in titles, and Nintendo for its first party titles…If I HAD to pick, I guess I would say Nintendo though because it’s what I play the most.
How does video game music influence games past and present?
The only way it really influences me is through nostalgia. I was never big into just listening to video game music. But when I hear those old notes, it definitely stirs up fun memories.
If someone wanted to start a YouTube channel, what advice would you give them today?
Be consistent and make content for yourself, not for other people. There are billions of people on the planet and if you are true to who you are and what you enjoy, that passion will be genuinely portrayed in your videos and there will be someone that feels the same way. Also, don’t spend a ton of money, a cell phone is more than capable of filming great content.
What is your favorite NES game of all time and why?
Probably Mega Man 3 since that is what I have the most memories of playing. My best friend and I beat that game dozens of times and it never got old.
Do you believe some video games are too violent and lead to violence in America today?
I believe there are graphic and violent games, but I don’t believe they make a person violent. There’s a dramatic difference between doing something violent in a game and doing something violent in real life.
Are video games good for relieving stress?
I would absolutely say yes, but that is also depends on the game and how a particular person handles stress.
If you could describe Walter Day in one word, what would that word be and why?
Referee. That’s purely because of the pin stripes though, ha-ha. Honestly, arcades are the thing the most comes to mind when I think about Walter.
What is your favorite multiplayer game?
Probably Destiny 2
If you can design your own game, what would it be about and who would be the main character?
It would be a dungeon crawler RPG and the main character would be a crusader of sorts.
Where do you see video gaming in the next 10 years?
I see gaming having a strong divide in the next 10 years with story-based games going more the VR/AR route and fps/competitive gaming sticking with console/pc. I love the idea of VR becoming a main stay, but I’m not sure if 10 years is enough time for that to happen, if it does at all.
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This is one of an ongoing series of articles based on the Walter Day Collection of e-sports/video gaming trading cards – check out more information at thewalterdaycollection.com.
