I’ve still been pondering how arcades can evolve back to where they used to be as far as popularity. It blows my mind that arcades in Japan are even going under now. What do confused teens do on Friday night now besides the movies? It hit me as I passed a local Internet arcade. The place was packed with teens playing games like Age of Empires, Command and Conquer, and Quake 4. This is definitely not the same type of crowd you’d get at your typical classic arcade though. No, these kids are more computer savvy. I also didn’t find but a couple of females in the bunch.

These Internet arcades still don’t appeal to those that aren’t as computer savvy, or just plain prefer a joystick instead. The return of the classic arcade is bound for a return. I’ve put together my own plan for how true arcades can evolve and make a comeback.

Make cheaper coin-ops - Use LCD screens and build the cabinets smaller. Do anything it takes to make the machines more affordable to arcade owners so they can actually make a profit on them.

Make each machine play multiple games - Remember the old Neo-Geo machines where you could play up to 8 games on one machine? All arcade machines should be like this. I think it would be beneficial for a customer to be able to walk into an arcade and sit down at his own personal arcade machine for a night of gaming and be able to play what he wants.

All games should be linkable to other players in the arcade - You should have the option when you start a game of accepting challengers from other players in the arcade, or even in other arcades via the Internet. Another player from his personal machine can find you and challenge you to a game.

Internet ranking system - Like they figured out in Japan and with Golden Tee, people like to be ranked. All players should be ranked on every game.

General Admission - Arcades should follow the model of Internet arcades and have general admission. I can imagine a gym club type of membership working out where you pay a monthly fee for access to the arcade.

Prizes - Give out prizes for top performers. Hold tournaments. Make the arcade a social place for competition.

There you have it. My business plan for the classic arcade comeback. Joysticks, social interaction and no chance of somebody taking over your game with cheats or a bot. If you have the money to accomplish all of this, feel free to steal it. I am sure kids everywhere would flock to your establishment. I would too.