The show earned its reputation not just by showcasing a relatively new medium, but by taking it seriously. There wasn't any attempt to stereotype games as for kids (older adults were welcome), and it really was all about skill rather than making for good TV. The show's second host, Geoff Edwards, also showed a sincere interest in gaming even though he wasn't a devoted gamer himself. While Starcade only lasted for two proper seasons, syndication and reruns on G4TV helped spread its influence.

The timing might be right for a revival. Competitive gaming is gaining in popularity, with movies and TV shows in the works on top of ever-larger tournaments and the rise of livestreaming -- there's a much larger audience for watching games than there was in 1982. We're just wondering about the kinds of games they'll play. Arcades aren't nearly as big as they were 35 years ago, which suggests that you're more likely to see console or PC titles than anything that comes in a cabinet.