In North America, gamers are now generally divided into two distinct generations: those that grew up in the midst of the vibrant video arcade culture of the ’70s and ’80s; and those born since.
The latter group’s experience with arcades is primarily through redemption-machine-filled restaurants like Dave & Busters and maybe a few neglected cabinets at their local movie theater or bowling alley. But in Japan, this divide does not exist. Arcades there have continued to grow and evolve since their introduction. Multiple floors fill not just with hardcore gamers, but with families and casual players looking for the kind of face-to-face social gaming experience hard to find on this side of the Pacific.
Brad Crawford is a member of the first generation. “I remembered growing up with [arcades], and going [to Japan] and seeing what they had become was just mind-boggling,” said Crawford, who became enamored with Japan’s arcade culture while spending three years living there starting in 2005. The experience inspired Crawford to create 100 Yen: The Japanese Arcade Experience, a recently funded indie documentary (currently in post-production) that tries to capture a thoroughly modernized Japanese arcade experience completely unknown to most in the West.
via Wired
Image: 100 Yen
