Even coming from Singapore where arcade gaming seemed to be a dying trade, forced to give way to latest generation gaming consoles, I’m not one bit surprised that the art of bashing the joystick is still seeing a continuation in some corners of the world, like Japan. In an upcoming documentary by Brad Crawford and Bryan Verot, the two explore the societal relationship between video games and the general public and why it has been able to continue to thrive.
While the Japanese economy continues to suffer, perhaps the relatively affordable nature of dropping ¥100 for the average Japanese citizen is a cornerstone of its ongoing success. When I was in Japan, I really wanted to visit the arcades, yet my friend stated that the chances you will be approached by young teen gangs are very high. Often popularized by teen dramas as delinquent hang out spots or as an escape for the salaryman lacking success at the office and home, I tend to think that the arcades, not unlike the Pachinko Palours are the very Japanese ways to seek solace in the hectic world they live in today.
I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I definitely will.
