What about something a bit left field - a pinball machine based on the history of 8-bit computers (Sinclair ZX81, Apple II, Commodore 64, TRS-80, Microbee and so on). These were all big just before I got into pinball.
I guess the gameplay could involve completing tasks to collect the different featured 8-bits, with a final goal of a computer fair multiball level. Along the way a ramp shot could help ward off the evil IBM who will eventually destroy 8-bit computing unless stopped.
And one reward would have to be playing a Space Invaders clone on the DMD or whatever screen you decided to use.