Spaces where you play games

Arcades

Went out on to Weston super mare and took the opportunity to look into the arcades, the kinds of games they had available and the overall atmosphere in comparison to playing games at home. Upon entering all of the arcades I visited the atmosphere was bright, crowded – as in lots of people and even by just looking I spotted at least 5-10 arcade games that had a multiplayer capability which involves direct interaction between players, even more so with the games that needs teamwork to progress. Eg Time Crisis, House of the dead : when playing multiplayer.

Compared to playing at home it does feel like I’m mingling more with other people; for instance, while I was playing Time Crisis 3 a woman behind me kept yelling for what I part of a boss I should have been shooting. I can’t really say much for arcades back then but the audience that they attract nowadays is very varied, children and older aged audiences were playing the games; as opposed to a community of online players there are very few hardcore gamers seen around arcades, so therefore should be little hierarchy over certain games; one of the most intimidating things for some gamers is when coming into contact with the hard core gamers, being put down by them/ harassed. The environment just seemed like a happier place than playing at home or online; most of the people I saw were families or groups of friends. Arcades are an interesting gaming space as it has the enjoyment of gaming but also interaction and bonding with people who are out with you.