A museum in Moscow dedicated to old game machines has thrown a competition for the title of the best Soviet arcade player. RT dropped in to shoot down a couple of foreign vessels.

­Although competition in Soviet arcade games might sound like fun for kids, rather than for adults, the event has attracted plenty of nostalgic grownups eager to relive their Soviet video-gaming days.

Even the competition’s unusual motto, "Sell your soul for 15 kopecks!", actually has quite a long history.

Game machines appeared in the Soviet Union in 1971, when foreign-made examples were exhibited in Moscow. They proved such a hit that the Soviet Union soon began producing its own. The cost of a game back then was 15 kopecks, which inspired the name of the museum – and the slogan for the competition.

The idea to set up a full-fledged competition came spontaneously to the museum’s owners.

Muscuvite kids-at-heart were exhilarated at the opportunity to relive their Soviet days. Apart from playing arcade games, they had a chance to drink traditional Soviet soda drinks. There were also retro music sets played by a guest DJ.

If you missed the chance to take part in the competition, do not lose heart. The event is likely to become a regular thing. The museum also organizes fascinating excursions, enlightening everyone interested in the history of Soviet video games.

“15 kopecks” is located at Malaya Ordynka Street 23, close to the Polyanka Metro station. It is open Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For updates, head to the Museum’s official site (available in English).

Read more in Anna Yudina’s blog