Heretic Machine
04-16-2007, 02:39 AM
Next Generation (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5234&Itemid=2) brings down a ray of hope for the surviving arcade fiends of old. It seems that the number of arcades in the U.S. is on the rise, after a long period of decline during the rise in popularity of home consoles.
Following a substantial price hike in shopping mall floor space and increased competition from games consoles, the number of US arcades plummeted to as low as 2,500 in recent years, down three quarters from 10,000 sites during the industry’s 1980s peak. However, a revival has seen that figure rise to 3,500.
"Quite a resurgence," according to Michael Rudowicz, president of the American Amusement Machine Association. "The Y generation communicates by word of mouse. It's cool to get out to play with your peers," he said.
We can only hope that the arcade industry builds on this growth, and continues the momentum.
Following a substantial price hike in shopping mall floor space and increased competition from games consoles, the number of US arcades plummeted to as low as 2,500 in recent years, down three quarters from 10,000 sites during the industry’s 1980s peak. However, a revival has seen that figure rise to 3,500.
"Quite a resurgence," according to Michael Rudowicz, president of the American Amusement Machine Association. "The Y generation communicates by word of mouse. It's cool to get out to play with your peers," he said.
We can only hope that the arcade industry builds on this growth, and continues the momentum.