Japanese Arcades Aren’t Dead

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When’s the last time you stepped foot in an arcade? I’m betting it was a long time ago, as they are essentially extinct here in the States. The industry, however, is apparently still kicking in Japan.

…there are fewer video games than before, making room for pachinko, purikura, crane games, and so on. And some notable locations have been forced to close their doors in recent years. But there's still a vibrant community around the arcade, known as "game center" in Japanese, and enough paying customers for there to justify a giant trade show in the cavernous Makuhari Messe center devoted to new machines.
 
It's hard to imagine that there is an entire generation of serious gamers out there who have never been to or even seen an arcade. As a kid growing up in the 80s there was nothing better than spending an afternoon at the local arcade with a pocket full of quarters. I've got a gaming setup that would make 12 year old me's head explode but I still miss and have yet to replicate the feeling and excitement those classic arcades instilled in me.
 
Portland OR seems to be a hotbed of arcades left. Quarter world is opening in March and ground kontrol is expanding. Seattle's game works arcade is pathetic. They have really let it run down and is full of half broken machines.
 
arcades were nifty...sucked when you were broke like me though :) go in with three quarters and spend the next few hours bored. it was sad when they turned all shady and shifty
 
While i didnt spend much money in arcades, dollar here and there, i always loved going through one and every summer for vactation going to the big ones at the beach. The two things i really enjoyed about them: 1) future tech. I loved seeing the new machines displaying new tech, that you knew sooner or later it will eventually come to the home market. 2) people. Never know who you will meet chilling/waiting in line.
 
I went to Dave and Busters a few months ago.
 
maademperor said:
arcades were nifty...sucked when you were broke like me though :) go in with three quarters and spend the next few hours bored. it was sad when they turned all shady and shifty
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Really? Lack of money just convinced me to get better at playing the games. A few quarters will last for ages playing Marvel vs Capcom if you keep beating anyone who challenges you. ;)
 
Go to your local Dave and Busters or Chuck E Cheese. My daughter had her birthday at a lazertag center. I had no Idea they came out with a new Tekken Game.
 
I go to Japan about once a month for work. I always try to drop-in every few trips to see what new stuff is going on, and to play a few favorites.
 
We have an arcade down here in Miami, I maintain the pinball machines there :)
 
FLECOM said:
We have an arcade down here in Miami, I maintain the pinball machines there :)
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You like playing with balls right? ;) Kidding aside. it kills me to see people not swap out pinballs in machines and then they become pitted. Some people really don't take care of their machines. I've wondered what a twilight zone is up to these days price wise. Still wish i had purchased one when I had the scratch.
 
Steve said:
When’s the last time you stepped foot in an arcade? I’m betting it was a long time ago, as they are essentially extinct here in the States. The industry, however, is apparently still kicking in Japan.

…there are fewer video games than before, making room for pachinko, purikura, crane games, and so on. And some notable locations have been forced to close their doors in recent years. But there's still a vibrant community around the arcade, known as "game center" in Japanese, and enough paying customers for there to justify a giant trade show in the cavernous Makuhari Messe center devoted to new machines.
Click to expand...
Esport arenas where the hopes and dreams of yesteryear.
 
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