Arcade games are tough to preserve
With the death of the arcade machine drawing ever nearer, many of the most iconic titles in the history of gaming are at risk of being lost forever. It’s not just a matter of finding an old copy of Street Fighter 2 or Tekken 2 on eBay, either; Arcade Games present unique Preservation challenges that have yet to be adequately addressed.
A recent study by the Video Game History Foundation found that 87% of classic games released before 2010 are critically endangered, and arcade games face some of the most significant preservation challenges. Emulation is often seen as the only option for preserving arcade games, but they typically fall short in recreating the authentic experience offered by the actual machines.
Arcade machines themselves are quite delicate; they deteriorate quite quickly due to constant use. Arcade units are also quite expensive – costing thousands of dollars – which means they’re inaccessible for most consumers. Not only that, but many arcade titles are no longer commercially available, meaning it’s often impossible to buy a used arcade cabinet.
Unique control schemes and physical interactions
Many arcade games are unique in terms of control schemes and physical interactions, and emulation fails to capture these experiences. Light gun games, for example, are difficult to replicate through emulation, missing out on key elements like the weight of the gun. Games with unique control setups, such as the Silent Scope series, are virtually impossible to replicate outside of arcades.
Even console ports of arcade games have trouble recreating the original experience, as we often see different control schemes being used. Take the House of the Dead remake for example; while it’s an exceptional rail shooter on its own right, the loss of arcade cabinets means the loss of the original experience.
Expensive to maintain
Arcade games are also expensive to maintain; even if you can find the machines, you’ll need to pay for expensive parts and repairs. This is why so many arcade units are left to rot; they’re too expensive to maintain, especially when there isn’t a consistent market for these machines.
The loss of arcade cabinets means the loss of the original experience, as seen with the House of the Dead remake. While the remake is a fantastic shooter in its own right, there’s just something special about the original arcade game. The unique controller setup and weight of the light gun contribute to this, as does the cabinet’s unique art design.
Preservation efforts are crucial
Preservation efforts are needed to ensure that arcade games are around for future generations. Arcade games offer unique experiences that cannot be replicated through emulation or console ports, and the physical components of the machines contribute to the immersive feel of the games.
The good news is that there are some fantastic preservation efforts being made, especially in Japan. While arcade preservation is a bit of a niche endeavor, it’s a crucial one; arcade machines are currently dying out and taking the history of video games with them.
If you want to learn more about the video game preservation movement, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to video game preservation. You can also take a look at some of the most valuable arcade games out there if you’re looking to invest.
