Arcade game

An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, typically found in public venues such as amusement arcades, restaurants, and bars.

An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, typically found in public venues such as amusement arcades, restaurants, and bars. The term includes arcade video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and other coin-operated amusements. Arcade video games emerged in the early 1970s, with Pong identified as the first commercially successful title.

Definition and types

Arcade games are coin-operated amusement machines placed in public entertainment settings. The category covers arcade video games, pinball, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers. Redemption games award tickets based on performance, and tickets can be exchanged for prizes.

History

Arcade video games appeared in the early 1970s, and Pong is widely cited as the first commercially successful arcade video game. The medium expanded rapidly during the 1970s and 1980s. Arcade video games were a major segment of the video game industry until the early 2000s.

Gameplay and design

Many arcade games are built around simple controls, short levels, and escalating difficulty. The classic design goal is often described as easy to learn, difficult to master. Arcade games are typically designed for short, repeatable play sessions and often emphasize skill.

Industry and collections

Arcade games became a major part of commercial video gaming and remain of interest to collectors and museums. The International Arcade Museum and related reference projects document coin-operated and arcade machines, describing the field as including thousands of catalogued arcade and amusement machines.