Nineteen years is a significant milestone for any specialist publication. This anniversary is an opportunity to revisit the people, subjects and principles that have helped keep independent arcade coverage moving, while looking ahead to the work still to come.
Why arcade coverage still matters
The publication began with an anonymous founder known as “Arcadeheaven”, whose close involvement with the arcade business was evident even though his identity remained private. Ownership passed to Adam in 2010, and the site continued with support from writers, contributors and advertisers.
Its purpose has remained straightforward: report on the arcade industry, with video games at the centre, pinball close behind and other forms of location-based entertainment included where relevant. Redemption remains a major part of the business, but it already receives substantial attention. Arcade video games, by contrast, are often overlooked outside the mainstream spotlight.
Large crossover releases such as Mario Kart, Tomb Raider and Resident Evil 2 can briefly draw wider media interest. Those stories sometimes prompt questions about who arcade games are made for, despite the considerable investment behind the many other titles developed for public venues.
Mainstream games media has limited advertising exposure to this part of the industry, and many journalists are unfamiliar with how arcade businesses operate. That makes specialist reporting particularly valuable. There is strong interest in rhythm games, too, with Maimai DX and Taiko no Tatsujin receiving official releases in Western markets and helping the genre regain momentum.
Independent coverage cannot replace every mainstream outlet, but it can document releases, venues and industry developments that might otherwise receive little attention. That work depends on the trust of manufacturers, operators, developers and fans who share information across the sector.
For Australian readers following the wider market, the RETROCADE Arcade Blog offers another place to explore arcade news and gaming history.
The contributors behind the coverage
The anniversary also provides a chance to recognise the writers who shaped the publication over the years, including Nick Thorpe, who recently passed away. Many contributors have moved on to other projects, but their work remains part of the site’s history.
Nick Thorpe — HeavyElectricity
Nick wrote for the site from 2008 to 2012 before joining Retro Gamer. Based in the UK, he was able to visit Sega Amusements and see games in development, including Sega Rally 3 and GRID. He also reported from UK industry events such as ATEI and EAG. He is remembered with great respect and affection.
Nick Thorpe (left) with Patrick Michael (Sega), and Peter Harrison (Codemasters)
Ted90909
Ted remains one of the most important active contributors. His enthusiasm for arcade preservation has supported projects involving the Michael Jackson AS-1 game and the statue of Sonic from SegaWorld London. He has regularly sourced information about venues and new games, was the first to identify Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot, co-writes weekly coverage and reports from EAG.
Twisted Supreme
When Adam discovered the site in early 2007, Twisted Supreme was its most prolific writer. He followed football and football video games, and his coverage of ATEI 2007 introduced Adam to specialist arcade trade shows beyond E3. His final post appeared in 2009.
SaraAB87
Sara focused on large-scale arcade simulators, documenting the history of machines such as Sega R360 and Galaxian 3. Her research included former installations near her home in Canada, including the Skylon Tower arcade, known for preserving classic titles.
Metafox and other contributors
Metafox, known through Atari forums, contributed early stories including the discovery of the prototype The Act: An Interactive Comedy. He later left the internet and went offline. Other contributors have included Kevin Williams of The Stinger Report, who remains a useful source, along with several occasional writers. Jack Frost has also joined the contributor group, although he had not published a story at the time of the anniversary.
Keeping the human voice
The publication also maintains a preference for human-written work rather than generative AI. The concern is not simply speed: automated systems can introduce factual errors, while outsourcing unnecessary creative work may weaken the thinking and curiosity needed for good reporting.
“You’ve got to expect some static. After all, computers are just machines; they can’t think.”
“Some programs will be thinking soon.” — Alan Bradley
“Won’t that be grand? Computers and the programs will start thinking and the people will stop!”
The editorial view is that arcade coverage is stronger when it carries a recognisable human perspective. That principle applies whether the subject is a new machine, a forgotten venue or a restoration project. Readers interested in maintaining their own cabinets can also explore arcade repairs and restoration services.
A growing hall of fame
One of the major projects launched during the anniversary year was a Hall of Fame recognising both arcade game creators and individual games. The collection is still developing, with many further entries planned when time allows.
IAAPA 2025 coverage continues
IAAPA 2025 has occupied much of the publication’s recent attention, and additional reporting was still being prepared. Video uploads were expected to take longer, with at least three more instalments planned to cover the remaining companies and games shown at the event.
- Part 1: Raw Thrills, Wahlap, Alan-1, TouchMagix and Blue Motion Games
- Part 2: Bandai Namco, Sega Amusements and LAI Games
- Part 3: exA-Arcadia, AVS Companies and JET Games USA
There were also plans to publish further Newsbytes and Location Watch updates before the end of 2025, followed by the regular year-in-review feature. An IAAPA review video was also intended for the YouTube channel. A recent stream featuring Kevin Williams, Brandon Willey and Clint Novak was recorded with The LBX Collective.
After nineteen years, the value of this kind of specialist reporting is clear. It records the machines, people, venues and ideas that make the arcade industry worth following, while giving enthusiasts a place to discuss what comes next.
For readers comparing different ways to bring arcade play home, the arcade machine buying guide covers the key considerations before choosing a cabinet.
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