More Than Just Quarters: Why Your Local Retro Arcade Needs Your Support

The roar of the crowd, the flicker of the CRT monitor, the satisfying click of buttons – there’s a magic to the retro arcade that simply can’t be replicated. But in a world increasingly dominated by mobile gaming and online experiences, these nostalgic havens face an uphill battle for survival.

A World Apart: Retro Arcades vs. Modern “Arcade” Casinos

Today’s “arcades” often resemble sterile, casino-like environments. Rows of brightly lit machines, dominated by claw cranes and gambling-style games, create an atmosphere more focused on profit than play. This starkly contrasts with the spirit of the classic arcade, where the focus was on skill, competition, and shared experiences.

When I was a kid, my parents owned a small community arcade which consisted of a handful of classic arcades (they weren’t too classic at the time), pool tables, and pinball machines. I spent my days after school and my summers playing games with friends. This was the late 80’s and early 90s. I was fascinated with coin-op arcades and I had imagined a future where I would spend my days repairing them. I even made my own arcade game using my Commodore 64 computer as the main board and wired it up to the monitor, joystick, and coin slot. This game made me TENS OF DOLLARS but it worked, and it was awesome 🙂

When I had children of my own, I knew I wanted to share these same experiences with them. I frequently took them to the modern “arcades” in the various shopping malls and such, only to find very few game options available which would truly qualify as a “game”. Most were chance based games, similar to gambling with very little opportunity for rewards. Spending all your tokens playing these games of chance netted a boat load of tickets which could be redeemed for a 2″ plastic toy dinosaur.

For a number of reasons, I think we went in the totally wrong direction with modern arcades:

• Skill vs. Luck: Retro arcades emphasize games of skill – platformers, fighters, shooters, and puzzles that reward dexterity and strategy. Modern “arcades” often prioritize games of chance, where the odds are stacked against the player.
• Community vs. Isolation: Classic arcades fostered a sense of community. Players would gather, share tips, and cheer each other on. Modern arcades often feel more isolating, with players engrossed in individual games, oblivious to those around them.  
• Preservation vs. Profit: Retro arcades strive to preserve gaming history, showcasing classic machines and celebrating the artistry of game design. Modern arcades often prioritize profit, prioritizing games that generate the most revenue, regardless of their artistic or historical value.

Why Support Your Local Retro Arcade?

Because retro arcades have the right idea. Sure, kids today might not be blown away by the graphics and sound of Asteroids or Centipede, but that’s not what it’s really about anyway. While they might seem like simple entertainment, classic arcade games can surprisingly impart a range of valuable life skills such as problem solving, pattern recognition, reaction timing, hand-eye coordination as well as social skills like teaching players how to deal with frustration and managing emotions that come along with winning and losing.

Arcades provide a space for healthy competition, where players learn to win and lose gracefully. Mastering challenging games requires patience, persistence, and the ability to learn from mistakes. Retro Arcades are truly social spaces where people can connect, interact, and share experiences. This is especially true of retro arcades where a community of players often exist. This community is important for children and adults alike.

Speaking of community for adults, I have to rave about my own local retro arcade – Pixel Palace in Round Rock, TX. This place has a huge selection of well maintained and cared for classic arcades and pinballs from the late 70s to early 90s. The owner does a great job of having multiple regular events to keep folks engaged and most of the machines -still- only cost a quarter to play! There is also a “den” with a couch and an NES loaded up with games to relive your classic console days. Children are welcome until 8pm and then it’s adults only. This is truly a perfect balance for a modern retro arcade!

There is a full bar, well stocked with all of your favorite libations as well, many of which are retro themed. I regularly enjoy a “Bock to the Future” beer while I’m there. There is also a full kitchen with some of the absolute best food I’ve ever eaten. I would say bar food, but the food here is seriously better than many restaurants I have eaten at.

My wife and I have so much fun going here and have met so many cool people, we make this our regular date night spot once a week!

How You Can Help Support Your Own Local Retro Arcade:

• Visit Regularly: The most impactful way to support your local retro arcade is to visit regularly and play the games.
• Attend Events: Participate in tournaments, retro gaming nights, and other events hosted by the arcade.  
• Spread the Word: Tell your friends and family about the arcade and encourage them to visit.
• Leave Positive Reviews: Share your positive experiences online and encourage others to do the same.
• Consider a Membership: If available, consider purchasing a membership to support the arcade’s ongoing operations.

By supporting your local retro arcade, you’re not just playing games; you’re preserving a piece of gaming history, supporting local businesses, and fostering a vibrant community. So, grab a quarter (or two!), step into the arcade, and experience the magic for yourself.

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