Arcade Systems
🏭 Multiple📅 1970
Arcades were the heartbeat of gaming culture from the 70s through the 90s. In the US and Europe, they were located in malls, boardwalks, and pizza places. Players mastered fighters like Street Fighter II and shooters like Raiden. The 'quarter economy' defined the social dynamics of play, where skill meant saving coins. Innovations like sit-down cabinets, surround sound, and linked racing simulators pushed technical boundaries.
📊 Market Data
Units Sold
Best Selling Game
Lifespan
⚙️ Technical Specifications
1970-1980s
8-bit (Z80, 6502), vector or low-res raster
Early 1990s
16-bit (68000) with sprite scaling (CPS-1, Neo Geo)
Late 1990s
3D polygons (Model 2, Naomi), optical media
🎮 Usage Characteristics
🔤 Local Terms
Fruit Machine¥1 per CreditModded VersionBoss ButtonArcading
✨ Unique Practices
- •Propping cabinets with cigarette packs
- •Handmade Metal Slug hostage maps
- •Exchanging Captain Commando speedrun tricks
