After a bit of a hiatus because of major events (basically moving to a brand new location with all the corresponding remodeling time), we’re pleased to finally announce that we’re taking to the skies once again with the III A.R.C.A.D.E. SHMUPFEST early next year, from the 21st to the 23rd of February 2025, at the A.R.C.A.D.E. premises, this time, in Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
The SHMUPFEST celebrates the history of the most pure and fundamental genre of arcade games and even all games overall: shoot’em ups. We will play them the way they are supposed to be played: on arcade cabinets with proper arcade hardware.
While the event spans 3 days, Saturday will encompass the main activities of the event through the whole day, while Friday is more of a get-together warmup, and Sunday will be more of a chill after-party for players wanting more shmupping or just socializing more calmly. The planned tournaments are:
- Mini league on 4 shmups spanning different eras and styles.
- 1vs1 Twinkle Star Sprites tournament.
- Highscore tournament on DARIUSBURST AC EX composed of 4 member squads.
- Doubles Side Highscore tournament on Sonic Wings.
The main objective of the Shmup League is to achieve the highest score on each of the games with a single credit. Depending on the ranking of each game, the contestants get points, F1 style, and the sum determines their final ranking. The player with more points will be crowned “SHMUPFEST Ace Pilot”. You can find the list of the league games below:
Area 88 (1989) Fandom
RayForce (1994) ShmupWiki
DoDonPachi (1997) ShmupWiki
Border Down (2003) ShmupWiki
Similarly to the last edition, we’ll be holding a get-together pre-event on Friday 21st evening. It will be the time to warm up for the big day by playing the shmups prepared for the event, and to socialize as well over dinner.
There will also be a selection of other shmup games in the freeplay zone during the whole event. It will be the place for players to enjoy the games at their own pace and without any pressure, no matter the level.
This event is aimed at all kinds of players, not only pros. The core idea is to bring the opportunity to hang out with other lovers of the genre, and foster the growth of the community in an arcade-like environment, face-to-face and playing next to each other like in the old days. This is a celebration of the genre.
Finally, a novelty in this edition, we’re glad to be collaborating with several sponsors: ARCADEXPRESS, who will provide a commemorative t-shirt, as well as a 5% discount on all of their products, for all participants of the event; WALLCADE, who will provide the trophies for the tournaments, and RETRO PIXEL Print.
Registration for the main event is 35 €, which includes access to premises on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd until lunch, participation in all activities/tournaments and a commemorative t-shirt; Saturday lunch is not included, but we are currently negotiating with nearby restaurants for an affordable menu for participants that are interested. If you also want to attend the pre-event on Friday 21st, registration is 8€, which includes access to the premises and dinner.
For more information, you can contact us in any of our social networks or email. We will announce any new details about the tournaments and the activities here and on our usual communication channels, as well as via email for the participants.
You can register at shmupfest.arcade.cat. But be quick, slots are limited!
#LaNau, the event venue, is well connected by public transport. Both the “Can Boixeres” metro station (L5 line) and the “La Sardana” Tram station are a 10 minute walk away. If you come by car, exit 13 of the Barcelona Ring Road is just right next to the warehouse, with public parking close by. If you opt for the private jet, Barcelona airport is just about 11 km from #LaNau.
For all friends coming from abroad, we recommend you to look for accommodation options ahead of time. The closest options to #LaNau are:
HOTEL IBIS CORNELLA
HOTEL CAMPANILE CORNELLA
HOTEL NOVOTEL