The Internet is the easiest way to
start collecting, but keep your eyes open when you're walking around
town, too. Games pop up in the strangest places, especially because
the general public doesn't realize that they have value.
Although it takes a little legwork, don't rule out the
traditional places for finding great deals: flea markets, garage
sales, and bargain bins. For example, I discovered a sealed copy of
Starflight (EA flat box) for $4 at a flea market. It was sitting
right next to some automotive equipment. In the past, I've found
that Electronics Boutique has the best bargain bins. I've picked up
many classics there for under $8, although it's extremely rare to
find a Golden Age title anymore. I also nabbed one of my favorites,
an IBM version of Telengard, for $9 in the bargain bin of a
supermarket.
If you're really serious, be sure to check your local Yellow
Pages for stores that sell used or discount software. I've found
lots of used and new titles at these stores, including a first
edition John Madden Football still factory sealed.
The Golden Age of PC Gaming isn't far behind us. Amazingly, some
of us gamers who lived through the Golden Age are still alive and
playing. But now is the time to get a piece of history. If you don't
buy that copy of Archon for $5, you'll be kicking yourself in 50
years when it sells for $5,000. More important than money, though,
today you have the opportunity to find rare pieces of art and pass
them on to your grandchildren. Once they've shut off their
holo-games and gathered around you in the living room, you can pull
out your tattered Book of Amber Runes from Ultima III and
show them how it all began.
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