> I've come up with a set of rules that describe our reactions to technologies:
> 1. Anything that is in the world when you’re born is normal and ordinary and is just a natural part of the way the world works.
> 2. Anything that's invented between when you’re fifteen and thirty-five is new and exciting and revolutionary and you can probably get a career in it.
> 3. Anything invented after you're thirty-five is against the natural order of things.
They still exist, but they're incredibly niche nowadays. Arcades are split up into two categories: small stores that cater to niches, like classic American games or imported modern Japanese games [1][2], or huge chains that specialize in 'family entertainment' [3] that include bowling and food.
The arcade isn't dead yet - there's still plenty of enthusiasm for rhythm and fighting games, which I believe is actually growing. At least among my friend group, it's much more rewarding to face off in person than to be trashtalked by some anonymous gamer on an online console gaming service. Also, when the arcade closes, there's nothing better than just sitting around and chatting for a few hours. Arcades make a fantastic "third place" [4].
Wow, I've completely forgotten about ArcadeUFO. Completely fell off my radar which is strange since you guys have more legacy than institutions like WNF and, in some sense, Next Level. I even still see mentions of 8otB here and there. You had a F-Zero AX machine at one point, correct?
I definitely agree arcades make a fantastic third place. Planning trips to e.g., Arcade Infinity (RIP) or a Round 1 is one thing, but having a place outside of school and home I can routinely drop in and feel welcome even when I have no particular business to do there was why I kept going to local mall Tilt arcades (and Borders bookstores while I'm at it). Even as more machines go online in Japan[0] or scenes establish other events for their game[1], I still think they're a worthwhile addition to a community.
In Bury, England there is something called The Arcade Club[1] which is a two-storey factory converted into an arcade. One level is all retro games and the next is PC, Xbox, PS4, Wii-U and VR. It’s incredible.
There are several in my little tourist town on the New Hampshire coast - on the street that runs along the beach, among the souvenir shops, pizza places and so on. They're a place where kids too young to go to the bars hang out in the evening or if it starts to rain during their day at the beach.
A nice one no one seems to know about is near Seattle in Monroe WA. Called "let's play Cafe". I used to take my son there to teach him video game history.
