What are Arcade Games?

In this article, we will be discussing arcade video games, their history, background, and future. This article will also explain the significance of Arcade games in the industry.

What are arcade video games?

Arcade games are video games that have intuitive controls, levels that increase with the difficulty level, and several lives or re-tries.

A Brief History:

The arcade games started back in the 1970s when the first arcade game Computer Space was invented by Bushnell and Dabney. Then, after its success Pong was introduced in 1972, then the famous Pacman in 1980. Nintendo and Sega started to introduce more and more arcade video games in the market followed by a huge success and thousands of these games were being sold on machines, especially in Japan.

Introduction of 3D graphics to arcade video games:

The 3D revolution – transition from 2D to 3D graphics was led by Saga and Namco. There was an ongoing rivalry between the two to provide the best in the competition.

Top 10 Most profitable arcade Games

Even though arcade games were (and are still) played one quarter at a time, huge profits were generated over time. Here is a list of the most profitable arcade games:

Pac-Man: This arcade game, designed by Namco, sold a whopping 400,000 machines worldwide and generated $7.6 billion dollars.

Space Invaders: Made by Taito, Space Invaders sold 360,000 units and generated $6.6 billion dollars worldwide.

Street Fighter II: Street Fighter II sold 200,000 units and garnered $3.5 billion dollars.

Ms. Pac-Man: Ms. Pac-Man sold 125,000 units worldwide and generated $2.4 billion dollars.

NBA Jam: Released by Midway, it generated $1.7 billion dollars after selling 20,000 units.

Defender: Developed by Williams, Defender made $1.7 billion dollars after selling 60,000 units.

Asteroids: This arcade game generated $1.3 billion dollars after selling 100,000 units.

Mortal Kombat II: This arcade game generated $787 million dollars after selling 27,000 units.

Mortal Kombat: Another Arcade game by midway, made $748 million dollars after selling 2400 machines.

Donkey Kong: Released by Nintendo, Donkey Kong made $686 million dollars after selling 132,000 units.

Arcade- Video Games – The Current Era:

Modern arcades are primarily filled with new games that are fundamentally distinct from the classic arcade games that everyone is familiar with. Arcade games are still not dead many tech giants are still introducing them on their platforms.

VR Arcades: 

The Modern VR Arcade is a new and emerging industry. Arcades are resurging thanks to newly developed technology like virtual reality headsets, metaverse experiences, and NFTs. We may refer to it as a sort of evolution of the conventional arcade. With the introduction of the metaverse, people will be willing to visit VR arcades for this unique experience. VR gaming market is expected to reach 45B $ and arcade VR video games are going to play a major part in it.

Apple – Netflix- Arcade Games:

Apple, a tech giant in the industry has recently introduced a monthly subscription for Apple Arcade games for about 5$ a month on its iOS App Store, also available on Mac OS. The number of subscriptions on apple arcade is increasing which is estimated to reach about 70 million users and is about to generate 1.2B $ in revenue in the upcoming years.

Netflix, a streaming platform has also stepped into the market by providing “Netflix Games” in its app. It only requires a Netflix subscription, and there are no ads or additional fees. This is a positive step that highlights the significance of the Arcade Gaming market and fights for an Anti- Competitive behavior in the Arcade gaming industry.

Final Verdict:

Arcade games have been around for many years, they had increasing popularity in the Machines typically placed in Malls, and play areas. But for now, the market is expected to make a comeback by introducing services such as the VR Arcade games, Facebook games, Apple Arcade, and gaming services introduced by Netflix. The Arcade video games see a bright future where developers and companies are working hard to regain the status – the market has had for over years.