100 Yen: The Japanese Arcade Experience Page #4

These are the popular areas now.

When the Wii came out

I thought, this is the end of the arcades...

At least from a business stand point.

But I think they've changed

from what they once were.

Arcades are evolving

and I think they'll find their place

in today's gaming landscape.

Well... To be honest...

These small arcades like

Ebi-sen, the one I'm in now,

which are independantly owned and operated

and are filled with mostly

hardcore video games

are facing a difficult time right now

in terms of business and profit.

It is often said that console

gaming technology has increased,

they have become very

advanced gaming systems, whereas

it used to be that only arcades

would have the newest technology,

but now consoles have improved

to such a point that they

have all but replaced arcade gaming...

And there is simply less of a reason

to go to an arcade.

And then there are certain popular games

like Mahjong Fight Club

or other elaborate titles

which are more expensive to play and maintain

and thus harder for indie arcades to own.

Compared to other countries

Japan's arcades are doing well,

but if you compare it to ten years ago

then there has been an obvious decline.

Clearly crane games and

music games will eventually

be what fills the arcades, I think.

Arcades need games that

can only be experienced there

and without some kind of plan for the future

I think things like fighting games

will disappear from arcades.

While I don't know for certain

what the future holds,

obviously consoles have really evolved

and people only come to arcades

to experience something new.

While perhaps one key factor

is the social climate,

it's more about the desire and

excitement to try something new...

With the unpredictable future of technology

where something might come out

that re-invigorates arcades...

Without something of that nature,

little by little, we'll see

the arcade business decline.

While it's true that

some arcades are struggling,

and while...

Some arcades are struggling,

we aren't just giving up.

We're looking for ways

to attract new customers

and keep our current clientele

coming back for more.

Everyday we're looking at new strategies

to improve our business.

A new category of gaming,

which combined card games

and video games was born.

Any time a new popular

style of game is released,

especially with this type

of synergy of genres,

it creates an opportunity

to top our sales goals.

Our numbers...

Or rather our various revenue goals,

are obviously a large part of our business,

but I don't think that's very interesting.

Rather than focusing on numbers

we want to increase traffic

to our arcades with

fun and exciting games...

And help foster the love of

arcade culture among Japanese people.

This is the ultimate goal for Taito,

that we must pursue to

continue growing as a company.

With all of this in mind

we are putting all our efforts

into expanding gaming culture

and will do our best to continue

to push the boundaries of arcades.

Japanese, you know...

Japanese anime and manga etc...

Is really popular among foreigners.

Arcade culture on the other hand,

hasn't caught on yet.

I really feel like gaming

is a unique sub-culture...

Please, come experience it for yourself.

A rich... A rich experience

that shouldn't lose

to anime or other Japanese sub-cultures.

Wouldn't that be great?

Playing games at home by yourself,

just isn't the same.

Arcades allow you a glimpse

of something bigger.

I implore you to come and see for yourself.

Evo is definitely the tournament

that I practice the most for...

The tournament that I

want to win the most,

it's the one that creates

the biggest spectacle.

It's the most fun.

It's my favorite tournament.

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