A key event at this year’s Edinburgh Interactive Festival considers the impact of arcade games on the commercial sector
Dave Cook checks out some of
the most innovative and popular arcade titles in the history of gaming
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I Space Invaders (Taito) 1978. One of the key games that helped arcades everywhere reach new heights of popularity. this originally came built into a table and could be found in bars and hotel lounges in the 80s It might seem simple now but it helped start an entertainment revolution.
I Afterburner (Sega) 1987. Featuring a rotating cockpit. this game was one of the first to introduce a real sense of speed and adrenaline to the arcades. As you enter thrilling dogfights while performing death-defying corkscrews. the seat spins and turns upside down. Not for those with a weak stomach.
I Time Crisis (Namco) 1995. This was the first light-gun game to feature a ‘duck and cover' system. Battling the evil Wild Dog and his personal army was made more interesting by the inclusion of a foot pedal. Tap it to hide behind cover and release to spring out and take aim. Simple yet effective.
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I Dance Dance Revolution (Konami) 1998. Spawning a massive cult following across the world. this rhythm-action game has livened up parties everywhere for years. Using a unique dance-mat controller, you can bust a move to your favourite tracks. provided you aren't too shy about it.
I Sega Rally 2 (Sega) 1998.
The most popular arcade racer ever boasted perfectly crafted tracks and an easy control system. Sitting behind the dashboard and using the steering wheel controller has never been so much fun.
6 THE LIST 7—14 Aug 2008
Stadium arcadium
Henry Northmore considers the thrills and spills the Edinburgh Interactive Festival has to offer and ponders the future of arcade games
ow in its sixth year. the Edinburgh Interactive Festival is offering even more for gaming enthusiasts. To complement the usual conference. the games screenings are expanding with sneak videogames. Expect hands-on exhibits. a recruitment area for wannabe game developers and designers (in association with Channel 4‘s 4Talent) as well as discount games from Gamestation‘s on-site outlet. It‘s also free; just head along to your local Gamestation from 2‘) July to pick up your ticket (or register at the Edinburgh lntemational Conference Centre on the day).
The EIE also offers intelligent debates on issues affecting the industry. from alternative reality gaming to politics in online communities and how game mechanics can be utilised within the education system. Speakers include Codemasters. GameVision. Perplex City. EVE and l‘) Entertainment.
Kevin Williams. founder and director of amusement and attraction company KWP Ltd. will be discussing arcade games. an aspect of gaming that has been neglected in the rush for powerful home consoles. From the halcyon days of
previews of
representatives of
I’ae-Man and Space Invaders to Double Dragon and Spaee I'larrier. arcade machines helped shape today‘s gaming. Nintendo introduced Mario for the first time in Donkey Kong. Sega used the popularity of Altered Beast to help launch its Megadrive system in the UK and Nintendo similarly used the massive success of Street lighter II to launch the SNES. Some of the world’s most enduring games. from Mortal Kornbat to 'Iekken started life in the arcades.
‘The consumer games industry won't admit it. but the innovation comes from the amusement sector.‘ says Williams. ‘The force feedback gun. the dancing platform. motion capture were "borrowed" by the consumer sector.‘
Many of the Wii‘s gameplay dynamics were arcade innovations. which are far more powerful
THE INNOVATION COMES STRAIGHT FROM THE AMUSEMENT SECTOR
machines with all their processing prowess focused on just one game. Arcades offer intense gaming in a more sociable environment and are continuing to innovate. ‘We‘re looking at total immersive display technology that surrounds the player. so you‘re sitting in a 360 graphic experience: and physical force feedback beyond just jump- thump arcade driving cabinets.‘ says Williams. ‘We‘re looking at fully configured motion cabinets.’
Add to that innovations such as the IC card that stores portable games stats. to be updated each time you play. ‘We have technology that puts the player into the game experience. I like to use the phrase “unachievable-at-home technology". if you can do something similar on a home system it‘s not really suitable for our investment.‘
KWP Ltd also hopes to bring at least a few of these new-style arcade machines to Edinburgh. although Williams admits. ‘lt's proving to be an interesting challenge.‘ It looks like the local arcade will be a hotbed of gaming innovation for many years to come.
The Edinburgh Interactive Festival, EICC, Edinburgh, Sun 10—Tue 12 Aug.