Endangered Species: Video Game Arcades

Over the last decade, it has become evident that video game arcades are headed towards extinction. The flashing message of “please insert another 25 cents” is a piece of history, just like that part of gamers’ brains which were permanently fizzled by the seizure-inducing lights. In addition to the heavy burden of old machinery and high electrical bills, arcades face steep competition with the rise of Xbox and other popular ‘at home’ gaming systems. Now, gamers prefer their comfy couches, plasma screen TV’s, and bottomless corn chips in the comfort of their very own living rooms.

Although gaming in the privacy of your home in your Master Chief PJs is undoubtedly cushy and convenient, fiercely playing at the arcade has an aura of social buzz that is remarkably distinguishable from the current at-home-style gaming. Arcades—dating back to the penny arcades of the 1930s (you knew the comic got its name from somewhere)–revolutionized games as an entertainment, creating a place to play and interact with your friends. Competing and conversing was immediate and face-to-face, as opposed to the online experience via Xfire (soon to be through GotGame Live). Alas, along with many vast technological changes, social changes automatically follow suit. As a result, arcades across the nation are forced to pull the plug.

Taking a trip down the memory lane of smokey rooms filled with 80s music, Chinese finger trap prizes, and countless rounds of Pole Position just isn’t enough for most matured gamers. Retiring Gameland owner Carl Thompson comments on his finale: “Teenagers haven’t come in a long while. The people we get now come out looking to remember something from their past. They look around, they play a bit, then they leave.” Similarly, all Playdium locations - aside from the Canadian suburb, Mississauga location - have been shut down. So what does the future hold for the entire arcade species? It looks like Game Over, with empty pockets and no one to spot one last quarter.