Before the time when everyone had access to gaming PCs and consoles, there were arcades. These gaming hubs were the ideal hangout spots for kids and teens alike, who found comfort in the long line of colorful machines and endless fun. As technology evolved, so did the video game industry, which was increasingly invested in providing its products to family households. With everything available to the common person nowadays, you would think that arcades have been left behind. Turns out, they, too, have evolved with the times.
Although it is difficult to find any location that only sports an arcade, many other entertainment ventures often incorporate an arcade area into their business to provide variety. Dave and Busters is a good example of this transformation, combining their good food with the excitement of video games. Bowling alleys, hotels, and even movie theatres have arcade machines for the same reasons.
The games found in these areas are also very different from what they were years ago. Many of the machines have taken inspiration from the more popular genres that can be found today. Shooting and racing games are more prominent in arcades, due to them being the easiest to replicate in an arcade format. You can usually find the more classic types of games there as well, providing fun for the people who grew up with arcades. There are also plenty of games that don’t require the use of controllers, like basketball machines and Skee-Ball.
In the end, what made arcades fun in the first place was sharing the experience with others. Classic arcade locations are a thing of the past, but businesses know that we still enjoy arcades and the fun that comes with them.
