We’ve all heard the phrase: “Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Unfortunately exaggerated death reports of the arcade industry have existed in some form or another since the industry crash back in the 80s. And yet…new games and venues mysteriously keep showing up regardless. Odd how that works.
So for a new arcade ‘death’ claim, it was mentioned yesterday that a report was floating around the internet about Bandai Namco having halted their arcade developments due to poor market performance. I saw a number of people on social media afterwards lamenting about the demise of Namco in the arcades but where that was the only source of the claim, it was worth doubting. For something that would be a major shake-up in our business, none of the Japanese arcade gaming websites were reporting that news. It also goes against the news of the Battle Pod & Tekken 7 Summer updates (both of which were unveiled yesterday) and that the company plans on showing a bunch of new games to the Japanese market later this week at the JAEPO 2016 event. The latter is especially something you would not do if you were canning all developments.
I reached out to Frank Cosentino, Senior Vice President of Bandai Namco Amusements America for comment. He responded:
Either that statement [from Nikkei] is “lost in translation” or just a misprinted error.As you correctly noted, many new titles on the way
So there you go. Mr. Cosentino also confirmed that they will be at Amusement Expo 2016 in Las Vegas, NV, which starts exactly a month from today. Hopefully this news gets out, so feel free to share.
Since we’re on the subject about arcade business, I’m elated to report that at my own arcade this past weekend was a record breaker in its 7 1/2 year existence. It was the best weekend it has ever recorded for sales. Note: I don’t have any ticket games whatsoever. It’s 95% video, which by conventional wisdom I’ve heard repeated over and over ‘isn’t supposed to work.’ Arcades live!
Congratulations on continued success at the Game Grid, and thanks for all that you do for all arcades!
Thank you for setting the record straight.
Ooh my days thank god that it were just a miss print. Thought it would be strange when they said no more arcade games were coming out despite the fact that an update for Star Wars is coming out and then with the upcoming Japanese arcade show. Even if it was struggling they would just restructure their business plans just like sega did. People still like arcade games despite the obstacles arcade companies might come across such as costs, limitations and size of the machines whether arcades would be able to fit it in their own arcade.
Well done btw arcadehero on your successful arcade game grid business. I hope it continues to last and grow 🙂
I’ve only one thing to say…
“whew”
Hey i like some ticketers like harpoon lagoon but kudos to you man! And Namco… KEEP MAKING GAMES!
Great News! Thank God it’s a hoax. Arcade games is not dead. Just because it’s not as popular as it used to be, that doesn’t mean it’s dead. Obviously, it may not have a comeback soon due to the transitioning of technology, but there are still people playing and using the game. That’s enough proof that Arcade game is still a hit. For as long as there’s demand, supply should be consistent. Hoping for future games Namco! To more Tekken games to come!
Great news on both accounts. I hope you can beat it again next weekend.
They almost forget what Sam from WMMT NAC said was WMMT5 or WMMT5DX in USA also halted after conclusion of location testing on March/