For this new edition, the Nice International Fair had chosen to immerse visitors in the world of the 1980s. Retro video games, vintage motorcycles, vintage clothing and karaoke: on the floor dedicated to this decade, nostalgia was definitely present. But despite this deliberate immersion in the popular culture of the time, attendance remained rather modest, leaving a mixed impression with several exhibitors.
Among the most notable stands was one dedicated to retro video games. Arcade machines and old consoles allowed visitors to rediscover the classics that marked an entire generation.
Gregory Garcia, retrogame creator, explains that his passion has its roots in the arcade halls of the time:
“Thanks to the game rooms where I played often. What I loved most was the general atmosphere, and today I try to recreate it through my work.” For him, if retro games are experiencing a resurgence of interest, it is notably for their simplicity and playfulness. “There is the nostalgia, the fun and quick games, unlike those of today.”
Among the titles that continue to attract players, certain classics remain unmissable like Pac-Man or Street Fighter. Even the younger ones are not left out: “yes, many young people come to try these games.” If he had to introduce just one emblematic game from this era, two titles come to mind immediately: Donkey Kong or Track & Field.
Regarding the evolution of video games, the coexistence between old and new titles seems natural to him. “I’m 100% for it. Old games are adapted so they can be played on consoles, computers and other platforms.”
A DeLorean that takes visitors on a journey through time
Another striking attraction at the fair: the presence of a famous car that became cult thanks to cinema: the DeLorean DMC-12, made mythical by the Back to the Future trilogy, was displayed in a version directly inspired by the film.
Its owner, Sébastien, has owned the vehicle since 2015. The transformation to recreate the famous time machine began in 2019 before being completed in 2022.
The passion for the film’s universe developed gradually: “at first, it was for that too. I started by buying the film’s accessories, especially the boots worn by Marty.”
Faced with this iconic car, visitors’ reactions are often immediate: “it’s mainly nostalgia, linked to the success of the films which is intergenerational.”
A mixed atmosphere
Despite these attractive stands, overall attendance seemed limited. Several exhibitors mentioned a lack of communication around the event and lower attendance than expected.
Some even speak of a fair that was “a bit sad”, an impression accentuated by the absence of music that could have energized the general atmosphere.
Nevertheless, friendliness remained present around certain stands, notably thanks to retro games, karaoke and inflatable structures for children. The visitors present, of all ages, were thus able to share a moment marked by nostalgia.
Ultimately, this edition of the Nice International Fair leaves a mixed impression: an 1980s theme that was respected and several attractive stands, but attendance too timid to fully recreate the expected excitement. The Nice Fair remains open this Sunday all day and until tomorrow at 6 p.m.
NicePremium is a free, independent local news outlet.
Help us keep going by supporting our work from €5 per month.
