my dad and my uncle run an operator shindig called Ferris Music Service up here in Maine. They do arcade games, pool tables, jukeboxs, golden tee's, darts, fooz, and redemption.
Now, it is clearly evident that the industry is dying, but it is not dead yet. And I firmly believe that the Arcade gaming industry itself will always live in one form or another. Take for instance, dancing games. Is the general public more likely to plunk down 60+ dollars for a DDR game + a dance mat so they can use the novelty at home, or are the more oft to spend a dollar one the huge, actual machine, with the flashing lights, and booming base?
Another point, redemption games, with the beautiful tickets sprawling out at you, and hopes of soon being able to finally get the 10,000 ticket prize that cost 4o bucks in quarters, but would only cost 10 bucks in wal mart?
There has been, and always will be, an experience like no other, the uniqueness, and creativity, in arcades, whether they be a gold, dance, or racing game, that one simply cannot enjoy at home. I do believe that the standard JAMMA PCB, as it has come to be known, is obsolete, and so is the simple act of converting a game by simply installing a new cartridge and marquee (sadly) yes, it is true that operators are really having to shell out big bucks to buy the newest and most innovative pieces to stay afloat, and the pressure on the companies has sadly forced names like konami, capcom, data east, nintendo, and others out of the arcade gaming industry. But there is still hope. With some newer, smaller companies coming out with innovative , fun, and quick coin games, with stern still pumping out strong and popular pinballs, and with names like namco, sega, and Vortex, and Raw Thrills, the arcade industry, in my strong opinion, is a far distance away from dying.
So remember, if your out there, and see any games just wanting a quarter to feed its family, you be glad, be proud, and donate to the last great gaming haven that is the arcade.