How we could do with someone so inspirational now, some to push the arcade back to the forefront of the gaming world, I’ll be honest and say I don’t know much of this man but it’s a sad day to lose someone like this.
Date: 3-30-07 By: Ryan Cravens
| In the arcade industry, the names that are famous amongst the players are Jarvis, Suzuki, Okamoto and more. Very rarely do you hear the names of the people that sell the games and get them out to the bars and arcades. There was one person that did rise above the many salespeople and earn a cult status of sorts, and that was Bill Cravens. In the original Street Fighter by Capcom, he was painted on a wall in the background while his name was under the picture in graffiti. This lead many to ask, “Who is Bill Cravens?” He was much more than an oddity in a video game. He sold one of the first Pong machines, helped introduce the kit to arcades and marketed and sold such games as Mr. Do, Super Punch Out, Final Fight, Street Fighter and Golden Tee 3D. He is an icon of the industry that helped bring the industry back after the arcade crash of the early 80’s and the slump in the 90’s. Bill Cravens passed away in his sleep on March 29th, 2007 and I already miss the man that helped foster my love for video games and life. Thank you, Dad. |
[Thanks Shaggy]
Ryan,
I wish you and you family my most hearffelt condolenses. I am a very old friend of you Dads. He and I were faternity brothers in college and I have kept in touch with him over the years. I read you message and just wanted to let you know your dad was a legend and giant even when were were young and startiing life. You father was one of the most generous and thoughtful people I have ever known. I will miss him as well as you, your family and all of the people who had the previladge of knowing him.
Ryan.
My condolenses to your mom and all your family. Bill continued to stay in touch with me after I left the business and we talked every couple of weeks. Our talks where most often about old timers and the so called good old days that Bill was a big part of why they where called the good old day’s. Myself his friends and the entire industry will miss him and he will be long remembered.
Ryan,
Please pass on to your mother condolences from myself and Francie. We got to know your dad over the past couple of years. He was a very positive and enjoyable man. We appreciated his sense of humor and his taste in art and furnishings. I enjoyed several invigorating discussions with Bill. He was a man that loved his family very much and adored his new grandchild. We will miss him.
Ryan,
My condolenceses to your family. Bill was a dear friend and will be missed by all that came in contact with him. I am thankful that I had a chance to talk with him the day before he passed.