Video arcade world records

For the first time in 20 years, the Guinness Book of World Records will once again include video game high scores.

In addition to top game achievements, a new section will also profile a Canadian man who holds 7 world-record scores.

The Saskatoon Star Phoenix recently caught up with the elite gamer, 38 year-old Greg Sakundiak. Back in the mid-1980’s, Sakundiak set high score records in Dragon’s Lair, Tag Team Wrestling, and Twin Cobra. As a teenager he save money earned from gathering empty bottles and spent his entire allowance at a local arcade.

With the rise in popularity of consoles and the resultant impact on traditional arcades, Sakundiak realised it was time to move on:

“It was hard to accept. It was really hard… It was a wake-up call for me to do something with my life. I realized I can’t play games forever.”

Sakundiak never lost his love for arcade games though. He eventually became an electrician and purchased several arcade machines for his home. Today he manages SML Entertainment, the largest supplier for the amusement industry in western Canada.

Currently, Sakundiak is pursuing the Holy Grail of arcade game achievement, a perfect score in Pac-Man. That record is currently held by Florida’s Billy Mitchell, who is helping Sakundiak with his training. Mitchell once completed Pac-Man’s first 255 levels perfectly in 6 hours.

You can check out a thumbnail of the video game section of the 2007 Guinness Book of World Records.

Source: GamePolitics.com

Related Links: Guinness World Records