Can Arcades Become A Thing Again?

Video Games

Jul 1

It’s a question that a lot of people are asking- can arcades still exist? Can they become a thing again?

The arcade gaming scene began early in the late 1930s, starting with primary coin-operated pinball machines. As the decades moved along, the games became better and more fun.

The golden age of arcade games was from about 1978 to 1986. During this period, games got even better, playable by a more comprehensive age range of players; as a result, many food chains started coin-operated arcade machines in their restaurants. Gaming technology also improved, and games became playable in many ways.

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Arcade games entered their post-golden age in 1987 and continue to this day. For a period, people were losing interest in arcade games; however, they became popular again in the 90s with the introduction of competitive fighting games like Street Fighter 2. There was then another slip in arcade game popularity.

Today, the current popularity of arcade games is often due to the different methods of control- things like dance pads, plastic guns, or musical instruments. The modern evolution of gaming arcades has resulted in things like the LAN cafes of Asia and the modern arcade bar phenomenon. Japan is an example of this craze, with widely popular arcade bars appearing in many major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Although they suffered significant closures and setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the arcade industry in the country remains vibrant.

Arcade bars are making a comeback for many reasons. Arcade bars are versatile. They often function as music venues and host regular events like private parties and gaming tournaments. Also, more people are gaming than ever, and the retro craze is in full swing; indeed, video game nostalgia is a psychologically-recognized concept. Many people recall when they had to blow the dust off of gaming cartridges to ensure they worked and when they had the older computer systems necessary to run their favourite games. They also fondly recall gaming with their friends and wider social networks, allowing them to stay connected to each other in the days before the internet was widely used and smartphones were not yet a thing. This nostalgia is compounded by the fact that, unlike music and literature, games have not been as well-preserved over time and have been relegated to the efforts of a few dedicated individuals. Fortunately, the re-emergence of arcades and their modernization has ensured that these efforts have not been in vain,

Ultimately, it’s a balance between old technology and modern business. No one is getting rich from this stuff, but arcades are affordable and fun. Whether you’re going solo or out with a group, pocket change is all you need to have a good time. Who will argue with a fun solution to a problem involving booze and quarters?

Author’s note: This is an issue close to my heart. Being autistic, my social skills aren’t the best. But when I log on to play Lord of the Rings Online, or when my family had Zoom calls specifically to play Quiplash, these were social interactions I could manage and optimize to have the most fun- something that can be really powerful for people on the spectrum. Also, my first date with my boyfriend was at a basement café full of classic arcade games. (Shout out to House of TARG in Ottawa, CA, and their awesome perogies!) We went back for the first time a few months ago, and it was just as much fun as it had been the first time. Places like arcades and gaming cafes have proved to be valuable things in people’s lives, and they should not be taken for granted.

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