The History of Arcade Video Games

Introduction

The history of arcade video games began with the release of Computer Space in 1971, created by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. This was followed by the success of Pong, released by Atari in 1972. This was followed by a surge in the number of arcade game makers, including companies like Midway, Bally, Williams, Sega, and Taito. The introduction of microprocessors led to a new wave of arcade video games, starting with Taito’s Space Invaders in 1978, which marked the beginning of the golden age of arcade video games.

An arcade game is a type of video game that is typically played on a coin-operated machine or console in a public venue, such as an amusement arcade, shopping mall, or entertainment center. Arcade games are usually designed to be played for a short period of time, and players often compete to achieve high scores or complete levels.

Arcade games often feature simple yet addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy sound effects. They can range from classic games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong to more modern games like dance games and shooting games.

Some common characteristics of arcade games include:

• Coin-operated or token-based gameplay.
• Short play sessions.
• High-score tracking.
• Simple controls.
• Challenging gameplay.
• Colorful and engaging graphics and sound effects.

Arcade games have been a popular form of entertainment for decades, and many classic arcade games have become iconic and influential in the world of gaming.

Early arcade games

In the early 20th century, abstract mechanical sports games were developed in England, with games like Yacht Racer and The Cricket Match simulating British sports. Driving games also originated in British arcades in the 1930s. The first light guns appeared in the 1930s, with Seeburg Ray-O-Lite, and games using this technology were mechanical, firing beams of light at targets wired with sensors.

The 1930s to 1960s saw the rise of pinball machines, which were initially considered games of luck and were banned in many cities. However, with the invention of user-controlled flipper mechanisms in 1947, pinball machines became more popular and were eventually allowed in many cities. The 1960s and 1970s saw the development of electro-mechanical games (EM games), which used elaborate electronics and mechanical action to create a simulated environment for the player.

Games like Periscope, a submarine simulator and light gun shooter, and Speedway, a racing game with a pseudo-3D first-person perspective, became popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These games were considered a “novelty renaissance” and established a trend of missile-launching gameplay. The late 1960s and early 1970s also saw the introduction of new types of driving games, such as Indy 500 and Speedway, which used circular racetracks and rival cars painted on individual rotating discs.

Arrival of arcade video games

The arrival of arcade video games marked the beginning of a new era in the gaming industry. It all started with the development of Spacewar! in 1962 by students and staff at MIT, which inspired the creation of the first commercial arcade game, Computer Space, in 1971. This was followed by the release of Pong in 1972, a highly successful game that earned over $40 per day per machine. The success of Pong led to a wave of new companies entering the arcade game market, including Bally Manufacturing, Midway Manufacturing, and Williams Electronics, as well as Japanese companies Taito and Sega.

However, the industry was not without its challenges. The release of Death Race in 1976 sparked controversy over violence in video games, and the industry faced stigma similar to that of pinball machines. Despite these challenges, the introduction of microprocessor technology in 1974 marked a significant milestone in the development of arcade games, allowing for more complex and programmable games.

By the end of 1974, over 15 companies were developing arcade games, and the industry continued to grow until 1977. Some notable games from this era include Galaxy Game, which was demonstrated at Stanford University in 1971, and Gun Fight, which introduced microprocessor technology to arcade games. The “paddle game” trend, which included games like Pong, came to an end around 1975, and the industry entered a period of stagnation until 1977.

Key events and releases from this era include:

• 1962: Spacewar! is developed by students and staff at MIT
• 1971: Computer Space, the first commercial arcade game, is released
• 1972: Pong is released and becomes highly successful
• 1974: Microprocessor technology is introduced to arcade games with Midway’s Gun Fight
• 1976: Death Race is released and sparks controversy over violence in video games
• 1977: The arcade video game industry enters a period of stagnation after the “paddle game” trend comes to an end.

The golden age of arcade games

The golden age of arcade video games was a time of significant growth and development in the industry, lasting from the late 1970s to the early 1980s. This period saw the release of iconic games such as Space Invaders, Galaxian, and Asteroids, which helped establish arcade video games as a major part of popular culture. The introduction of new computing technology enabled the creation of more complex and visually appealing games, with many titles transitioning from black-and-white to color.

Some notable genres that emerged during this time include space-themed shooter games, maze chase games, driving and racing games, and character action games. Games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Q*bert became incredibly popular, with some characters even crossing over into other forms of media like songs, cartoons, and movies. The 1982 film Tron, closely tied to an arcade game of the same name, is a notable example of this crossover.

The exact time period of the golden age of arcade games is somewhat debated, but most sources agree that it lasted from around the late 1970s to the early 1980s. Some notable dates include 1978, when Space Invaders was released, and 1979, when vector display technology rose to prominence with the release of Asteroids. The period is generally considered to have ended in 1983, when the coin-operated video game business and arcades began to decline.

The end of the golden age of arcade games

The video game arcade industry experienced a significant decline in the mid-1980s, marking the end of its “golden age.” This decline began in 1983 and was caused by a combination of factors, including the oversaturation of arcades with clones of popular titles, The Rise of Home Video Game Consoles, and a moral panic surrounding the influence of arcades and video games on children.

The industry’s attempts to innovate and provide new experiences for players were not enough to counteract these factors, and the market became flooded with too many similar games. The rise of home consoles allowed players to enjoy games in the comfort of their own homes, reducing the need to visit arcades. Additionally, concerns about the impact of video games on children led to a backlash against arcades, with many cities and towns implementing bans or restrictions.

The 1983 video game crash, which had a significant impact on the North American video game industry, further exacerbated the decline of the arcade industry. As a result, the US arcade industry declined from $8.9 billion in 1982 to $4.5 billion in 1984. However, the industry would later experience a resurgence in the early 1990s, particularly with the success of fighting games, which would help to revitalize the market and bring new life to the world of arcade games.

The arcade industry’s market recovery

The arcade industry experienced a significant recovery from 1985 to 1990, following a decline in the early 1980s. Several factors contributed to this recovery, including the introduction of software conversion kit systems, popular martial arts action games, advanced motion simulator games, and the resurgence of sports video games.

Some notable games that helped revive the arcades include Karate Champ, Yie Ar Kung-Fu, Kung-Fu Master, Renegade, Hang-On, Space Harrier, and Out Run. The success of these games, along with the introduction of new technologies such as Sega’s “Super Scaler” arcade system boards, helped to increase annual US arcade video game revenue to $5,500,000,000 by 1988.

However, the rise of home consoles, particularly the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), began to draw players away from arcades. Despite this, the worldwide arcade market continued to grow, with the Japanese arcade market experiencing significant growth while home video game sales declined.

The late 1980s also saw the emergence of new technologies, including motion simulator arcade cabinets and 3D polygon graphics. The Neo Geo line, launched by SNK in 1990, attempted to bridge the gap between arcades and home consoles, allowing players to transfer save game information between the arcade and home versions.

Additionally, quiz-style and trivia-based arcade games briefly gained popularity during this period, with manufacturers creating games for placement in adult venues and family-oriented entertainment. Although interest in these games waned around 1986, they influenced the creation of trivia games on consoles and computers, such as the You Don’t Know Jack series and Trivia HQ.

The resurgence of arcade games and the 3D revolution

The period between 1991 and 1999 is often referred to as the “resurgence” or “renaissance” of the arcade industry. This was largely due to the introduction of Street Fighter II by Capcom in 1991, which revolutionized the fighting game genre and created a new template for one-on-one fighting games. The success of Street Fighter II led to a “boom” in the arcade industry, with other manufacturers creating similar fighting games such as Mortal Kombat, Virtua Fighter, and Tekken.

The early 1990s also saw the introduction of 3D graphics in arcade games, with the “3D Revolution” being driven by a technological arms race between Sega and Namco. This led to the development of more realistic games, including racing games such as Daytona USA and fighting games such as Virtua Fighter. The use of 3D polygon graphics and texture mapping became increasingly popular, with games such as Ridge Racer and Tekken pushing the boundaries of what was possible in arcade games.

The mid-1990s saw the introduction of fifth-generation home consoles, such as the Sega Saturn, PlayStation, and Nintendo 64, which offered true 3D graphics and improved sound. This led to a decline in arcade gaming, as home consoles became more capable of reproducing the arcade experience. However, arcade games continued to innovate, with the introduction of virtual reality (VR) and rhythm games such as Dance Dance Revolution.

Despite the decline of arcade gaming in the late 1990s, the period between 1991 and 1999 is still remembered as a golden age for the industry. The introduction of new technologies and game genres helped to revitalize the arcade scene, and many classic games from this period continue to be popular today.

Some key statistics from this period include:

• Arcade games generated $7 billion in revenue in 1993, compared to $6 billion for home video games and $5 billion for film box office sales.
• Street Fighter II sold over 200,000 cabinets worldwide and is widely considered one of the most influential games of all time.
• The 3D Revolution led to the development of more realistic games, with the use of 3D polygon graphics and texture mapping becoming increasingly popular.
• The introduction of fifth-generation home consoles led to a decline in arcade gaming, but arcade games continued to innovate with the introduction of virtual reality (VR) and rhythm games.

Regional Divergences and Trends

The arcade industry experienced significant changes between 2000 and 2019, with regional divergences in trends and popularity. While the United States saw a decline in arcades, with many adapting to niche markets and adding non-arcade games to remain profitable, Eastern Asian countries like Japan and China continued to thrive. In Japan, arcades remained a major part of the gaming industry, with unique experiences and innovative games contributing to their popularity.

The Japanese arcade market was characterized by multi-floor complexes, online connectivity, and a strong focus on community and competition. Despite a decline in recent years, arcades continue to be an important part of gaming culture in Japan and other parts of Asia. In contrast, the US market saw a slight resurgence, with the rise of virtual reality arcades and the reintroduction of classic arcade games in commercial settings.

Overall, the evolution of arcades reflects changing gaming habits and regional preferences, with different markets adapting to new technologies and trends in unique ways.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this nostalgic trip through the history of arcade games. From the humble beginnings of early arcade games to the iconic classics of the golden age, it’s clear that the legacy of arcade gaming continues to shape the modern gaming industry. We’re grateful to have shared this fascinating story with you, and we look forward to exploring more exciting topics in the world of gaming with you in the future. Thanks for joining us on this adventure, and we’ll see you at the next level.