The retro revival is real: arcade culture is reshaping the UK scene

Video games have never gone out of fashion, and recent years have seen a massive revival in retro titles from yesteryear. Many of these classic games have made their way onto the small screens of our mobile devices as the platform becomes an ever more legitimate form of entertainment for gamers. But we’re also seeing a rising trend in actual arcades opening across the UK, providing gamers of all ages with the thrills and spills that retro games have to offer.

Even new video games are coming out that look to emulate the feel and style of old-school titles, such is the classic allure of arcade games from the 80s and 90s. Let’s take a look at how arcade culture is reshaping the UK scene.

The Old-School Console Boom

For some, the halcyon days of gaming were when Super Nintendos, Game Boys, MegaDrives (or Genesis for our US readers) dominated the scene. And for some, they never went away, but many find that their old equipment needs a bit of TLC.

Luckily for them, there are plenty of enthusiasts out there, with a blossoming market for vintage console repair and restoration, to get you up and playing again in no time at all. And the prices for old consoles are skyrocketing — a SNES might set you back the best part of £300 these days.

There is also a rising trend in emulators, some which come with literally thousands of classic titles, and which plug into your TV and provide hours of retro entertainment to share with friends and family. Old-school games are also reappearing on newer consoles — the Nintendo Switch, for example, boasts such classics as Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong, Tetris, Legend of Zelda, and many more.

The Rise of Arcades

Not only are retro games making a comeback in our homes, but consumers are now demanding the original 1980s experience, with major enterprises such as Arcade Club in Bury opening in 2015 — it has since become the largest retro video gaming arcade in Europe, drawing in thousands of players to enjoy the old-school action.

Most major towns and cities worldwide now have excellent gaming venues, such as TimeZone Games in Auckland, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in Sydney, and a whole host of different options in London, such as Four Quarters in Peckham which features a wealth of amazing machines, Mario Kart competitions, as well as DJs and live music at the weekends.

Many use these venues as a warmup for a night out on the town, or for a pleasure filled evening in and of itself, and they attract a range of gamers, many of whom were much too young to remember when arcades were major businesses the first time round.

Casino Arcades Are Still a Thing

In addition to traditional video game arcades, there’s been a growing trend in casino arcades—venues dedicated to a wide selection of slot games, interactive poker, roulette, and more. These games aren’t just found in land-based establishments anymore; they’ve also made their way into the digital realm, just a click away for players.

Many online casinos around the globe, such as SkyCity, now feature online arcades with titles like Mines, a bomb-centric strategy game; Balls Galore Lightning Drop, which includes arcade-style power-ups during its exciting gameplay; the game show-inspired Wheel of Winners Link&Win; and the classic game of Dice.

Casino arcade games allow players to influence outcomes using skill, speed, and strategy—much like traditional arcade games. On top of that, they deliver a nostalgic experience through retro graphics, music, and gameplay.

Most Popular Retro Games

So, which are the most popular retro games out there? We all know them, we all couldn’t wait a spare moment to play them… Let’s take a look!

Donkey Kong

More of a piece of history than a game, 1981’s Donkey Kong marked the debut of two of the most iconic characters in the gaming world: the titular Donkey Kong and Mario, then known simply as Jumpman. It looks and sounds great, and was tough to beat, making it a sure fire classic.

Pac-Man

Released in 1980, you can’t mention arcade gaming without mentioning Pac-Man. Simple, endlessly playable, and great fun, this classic game continues to thrill arcade fans.

Space Invaders

Pretty much the earliest shooting game, Space Invaders (1978) created a frenzy when it was released. Its simple premise—defending the Earth from descending alien invaders—captured the imaginations of a generation and changed the world of gaming forever.

So, retro gaming is alive and well across the globe. From arcade-inspired casino games to custom-built video gaming Meccas, gamers are spoiled for choice when it comes to the old-school.