| Arcade games, historically, emerged as early as the | | | | these centers are so different, they are no longer |
| late 1920's where you could find theme parks which | | | | what they used to be. |
| combined mechanical form of gaming machines and a | | | | Playing arcade games is now even easier. With most |
| great fun atmosphere. This was the beginning of | | | | dedicated venues closed due to advances in the |
| modern gaming. The first video game machines | | | | gaming console technology and the internet, you do not |
| appeared in the and were mainly coin-operated. To | | | | need to uproot yourself and find a physical venue. If |
| play the game, you sloted in your coin or token and | | | | you are into gaming consoles, all you need is to buy or |
| when that run out the game ended. You then had to | | | | rent your game and enjoy it in the comfort of your |
| purchase further tokens if so desired. Now, most video | | | | own home. On the other hand, if you wish to play free |
| game machines use solid state electronics to operate. | | | | arcade games with a bit of social interaction, you can |
| Scores and bonuses are all electronically controlled. | | | | choose from many internet gaming platforms where |
| Atari, which started in 1972, was now dominating the | | | | you can play as well as chat or interact with other |
| market with popular arcade games such as Pong | | | | game lovers in the forums. |
| (electronic version Ping Pong), Pacman, Space | | | | In spite of the many milestones arcade games have |
| Invaders, Battlezone, Donkey Kong and the Galaxian. | | | | come, the basic essence of the "arcade" is still present |
| Video arcade games started appearing everywhere | | | | in most modern games. Most arcade games offer the |
| including shopping centers, public houses such as bars, | | | | game lover different levels of play, starting with the |
| supermarkets, college dormitories, bowling alleys and | | | | easiest. Once that level has been mastered or |
| dedicated amusement parks. However, with video | | | | maximum points have been scored, you are allowed |
| arcade games located in seedy places like casinos | | | | to move to the next level. Each higher level is |
| and gambling houses, their reputation waned. The sales | | | | progressively more difficult. You stay in the game if |
| of arcade games further took a hit with the advent of | | | | you stay "alive" or your "virtual" tokens get finished. |
| home video game consoles in the early nineties. | | | | Obviously, physical tokens are not needed for online |
| People rather preferred to buy or rent out the exact | | | | arcade games but the general theme is always |
| games they used to play in these amusement parks | | | | present. Newer games such as Street Fighter I and |
| and enjoy it from the comfort of their own homes. | | | | King Fighters offer a two player game mode which |
| With this decline in fortunes, dedicated arcade games | | | | futher enhances the gamers experience. |
| businesses started to suffer and many had to close | | | | Arcade games have survived, mainly because they |
| down or diversify. Diversification involved offering other | | | | are so addictive and they offer a good recreation time |
| attractions such as rides with arcade games being | | | | for kid, teens and adults alike and they are likely to be |
| only a small part of the business and at least offering | | | | with us for a long time to come. |
| arcade lovers to still indulge in their passion. Most of | | | | |