Fun House/Rod, I can't think of anyone that could have contributed more beneficial information to this conversation. As a credible source, I'm glad you're part of this. I won't argue that fighting game revenue has probably decreased in recent years, you would know better than anyone, but I will argue that they are still a very important part of the arcade. In my opinion, those 5-10 people you mention are still an important part of your clientele. Specifically, a few of those 5-10 people were me and my best friends. Those games were the sole reason we regularly visited Fun House. As a result from our recurring visits, we played additional games such as Air Hockey, Time Crisis, Billiards, Galaga, Beatmania, and even that Ultracade. Even though the fighters might not have earned what many operators would hope for, the real value of those games was beyond the coin box. The value was in the halo effect it provided for nearby areas of revenue. Primarily, this was the basis for my argument. In an effort to earn additional users and revenue, many operators should consider the niche markets and take a small loss.
Regarding the Ultracade, I, as well as many I talk to, don't consider it the same experience. It's an emulation on many different levels. A player couldn't appreciate the original sideart, controls, cabinet, or even screen position. I did enjoy playing certain games like Tapper or the Mega Man PB games on there, but I can understand why this cabinet wasn't as profitable as one would hope. I lost
countless tokens in that machine, and many times, like most computer-based hardware, the OS and interface would lock up on me. Also, it's very difficult to emulate classics like Tempest and Asteroids. Without the original control scheme or vector components, the gameplay experience is entirely different. In my opinion, it's just just not the same without the vector monitor, wheel, or five button Asteroids control panel. It's worth noting that I did appreciate the fact that the cabinet was there, and I tried to play it every time I visited. Apparently, I was the only one :'(. Like you said, hopefully the new revisions are much better, but regardless of their improvements, they will never be the same. For me, it's about experiencing the authentic game cabinet the way it was meant to be played. That's why I'm willing to drop money. If I wanted to just play Asteroids, I could do that on my phone.
Additionally, I agree on your three points.
On a technical level, I understand it is very hard to compete with consoles. However, as your higher earning games show, there are plenty of unique experiences you can provide that many players can't emulate at home.
I'll have to take your word for it on the Galaga/Ms. Pac combo being the end all be all. I don't know what a real Centipede would earn on location. I don't know if anyone does. I have yet to see one
. Either way, my point still remains that, outside of the actual titles available, there is still a unique experience only available at the arcade. An experience that online gameplay or consoles can never have. For me, it was being with friends and making new ones over a mutual and fun hobby.
The casinos have hurt many entertainment outlets in Tulsa. I don't think anyone can deny that notion. I'm happy you've landed such a great location. The situations you speak of are hopefully very common because of your location. Most of the time, arcade games are an impulse buy, and I hope the Riverwalk is very good to you for years to come.
Considering your recent situation and changes, I honestly think you're doing a very good job keeping up with the times. Kudos to you for being open to our comments and ideas. Thanks for supporting Saif and his OKGamers efforts. You benefit all of us, and I appreciate it. I'm very thankful you continue to pull through and provide the experience that nobody else can. If I wasn't so proud and convinced that you're doing a great job, I wouldn't be so eager to work for you.
Saif, hopefully I answered some of your questions in my response to Rod. For the record, arcade games don't take up nearly as much electricity as one might expect. The benefit from a diverse collection outweighs the marginal cost of power, in my opinion. I know and acknowledge that Fun House is making an effort to change the way we play.
My "...'s" at the end of my post were my way of showing some sarcasm and acknowledgement for what this community IS doing. I think what you're doing is great for our community. This is why I continually voice my opinions and suggestions to you. I'm down for "breeding" more hardcore players that share our same hobby. It only starts with a few, then numbers increase exponentially. I've tried to explain that in my previous posts regarding playing new games each month and building this community. You know I'm ready and willing to help you in all the ways we have talked about. You and Rod are providing the only movement for the cause I'm truly passionate about. In thanks, I'm going to do what I can to help, too.