Seventeen years ago, an arcade-industry enthusiast using the name “PointyThing” launched a dedicated site at a time when arcades received little attention outside trade magazines. Large gaming websites and general-interest publications largely overlooked the sector, while blogs were beginning to offer a new way for enthusiasts to share news and ideas.
Adam, now writing as Arcadehero, discovered the site and began submitting tips in January 2007. He joined the writing team in April that year, with his first article covering Gone Fishin’ from Tsunami. In May 2010, PointyThing handed him ownership, and he has continued running the site ever since.
The project has created lasting friendships, industry connections and opportunities to discuss arcade games and the business behind them. It has also provided a place to share personal views without claiming complete knowledge or unquestionable opinions. The ongoing goal is to reach new audiences through written coverage and YouTube while helping keep the arcade spirit alive.
A New Logo and Motto
After seven years with the previous design, a new logo and slogan felt appropriate. The former line, “The Saviors of Coin-op”, has been replaced by “The Defenders of Amusement”. The new wording continues the mission of supporting arcades while also nodding to Williams’ classic game Defender.
The change also reflects how arcade venues operate today. Although tokens are still used at the writer’s location, card systems have become common enough that customers are sometimes surprised to find a venue still accepting coins. A move to cards may happen there in the future as well.
Small adjustments to the logo and branding may follow, but the current version is intended to represent the site for now. For readers interested in the wider arcade scene, the RETROCADE Arcade Blog continues that tradition of covering arcade news and gaming culture.
Which Arcade Game Is Your Favourite?
Rather than focusing only on business and industry developments, the anniversary also offers an invitation to talk about personal favourites. Arcade fans have strong loyalties across manufacturers, genres and eras, so which game is your regular go-to, and what makes it special?
At present, the writer’s choice is Enter The Gungeon: House of the Gundead. After hardware and software problems were resolved, the game had been performing well and delivering an enjoyable experience. Another video may follow in the future. Several games seen at IAAPA were also enjoyable, although they need more time in an arcade setting rather than on a tradeshow floor before a fair assessment can be made.
For readers considering their own setup, RETROCADE’s arcade-machine buying guide can help compare options, from full-size upright arcades to space-saving bartop cabinets. Existing machines can also benefit from suitable arcade parts and maintenance.
Thank You for the Support
Seventeen years of arcade coverage has been made possible by the readers, contributors and friends who continue to support the project. The work goes on: documenting games, discussing the business and encouraging more people to discover amusement arcades.
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