About VAPS

First, the acronym: VAPS is the Video Arcade Preservation Society.

Structure

VAPS is controlled by the VAPS Keeper. By accepting the role of Keeper, this person gains the responsibility of maintaining all VAPS data. Beyond that, the Keeper must listen to the members of VAPS and be responsive to the members' needs.

History

Prior to 1990

VAPS started as an informal list of dedicated collectors created by Rick Schieve.

1990 through 1994

VAPS was officially named in 1990 by Steve Ozdemir, who became the first official VAPS Keeper. Through much effort, Steve built VAPS into an organization with more than 200 members and 1300 games. He continues to serve in an advisory capacity.

1995 to 2005

The VAPS Keeper for the decade of the Internet's rise was Kevin Ruddy. Kevin created the web interface to VAPS, which grew the membership dramatically. To see the current size of the membership, view the membership statistics.

2006 to Present

The International Arcade Museum (IAM) and its Killer List of Vidoegames (KLOV) now serve the role of VAPS Keeper. All three organizations receive sponsorship from Greg McLemore, an avid arcade collector. We are currently working to upgrade and enhance the VAPS web site for the coming decade. Interesting in volunteering to help out VAPS? Please let us know.

Press and Awards

VAPS has received extensive media coverage both domestically and internationally. When we get a chance some year we will post some excepts from that coverage. Unfortunately, our files are not complete. If anyone has a copy of the Newsweek or Time article from 2002 or 2003 mentioning VAPS (or any other articles), please let us know.

16 February 1996
VAPS was selected as the Totally Awesome! site of the day.