Expert: Brian Jay - 3/10/2004

Question
I am a 6th grader and I am doing a research project on why video game arcades are failing in the U.S.A.  I would like to know why you think this is happening.  Also if it isn't too much trouble what are some experts who and other refernces that know about my topic. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Martin:

Sorry bout the lateness in your reply... I dont think I actually got the first mail saying you asked me! Wouldnt you know it... Oh well, to your answer.

I had a quick spin around the search sites and couldnt really find any immeadiate "expert data" on the subject so I cant help you there, However I can give you my opinion as to why this is so.

You may have noticed that with machines like the ps2, xbox etc, (and for the last generation machines for that matter) that quite a fair amount of what made an arcade unique now occupy places in our homes.

Well, thats what I point the finger towards the downfall of our local arcades. Just look at the examples: before you could only play games like time crisis (games with a sight gun) in the arcade now at least 1 in 5 (out of my gaming group) own a sight gun for their choice of machine.

Another example: Dance Dance Revolution took of big in the arcades, people wanting to show what they could do on the "dance floor". Now, the mats and games are avalible for the home, so the un-coordinated may practise in private (I know a few believe me :) )

Nowadawys, you can even get snow/skate boards so you can play at home whereas there were once only avaliable to the arcades... (Hopefully you can see where I'm going here)

To put it simply, as the consoles and there extra devices improve, things that made the arcade unique will be made readily avaliable, and people wont want to be paying 2$ for one turn when they have the same equipment and they can play for free as many times they want.

What can arcade developers do about this? They need to take advantadge of the fact that homes are homes, and not everything can be played in a home, if you get what Im saying.

Developers need to get big with their ideas, and make the jump where their home console counterparts cannot. Can you name a machine which comes with its own basketball hoop? or with its own jetski? One day these will be in our homes, but untill now, more ideas from arcade developers like these need to come from where they get them from... and fast!

It never hurts to reduce the amount of tickets for prizes as well :) I can never get enough for what I want... but thats just me.

Anyways, thats my $2.52... and hopefully its given you a different insight. Feel free to write back for any gaming trouble you might have, or even for info like this, and hopefully I'll get the mail saying you asked.

Till next time

BJay