Anyone going to the ATEI show this year? I'm going as I happen to be in London next week, although can't see me doing much more then spending a few hours in there...
Sadly I am down in London after it finishes otherwise I'd have met up with you. This keeps happening when AG members visit the UK.
I'm still not sure. I was thinking about it, I'm just not sure of the relevance to me any more as it's mostly gambling machines these days...
Well I am going to be in the area on Tuesday, so be good to see what they have, again every year arcades disappear but still nice to go and see.
Well, I registered, but tbh I think EAG will have more to offer. I guess I'll try them both, although an hour on the DLR/tube is a pain!
Used to go every year, but its mainly gambling and casino/mobile casino stuff now. My boss still goes sometimes though, shame as it used to be a great day out.
Deeply saddens me say something like this but ... As the Japanese arcade industry moves towards the retail market/direct sales these events have to change their focus to survive. It's a shame, really. In a few years arcade may be nothing but found memories on old people. :banghead:
The video game arcade industry as it was is virtually dead. There aren't many arcades left. These events have turned more towards the gambling industry. That said, the same happened in the video gaming industry. ECTS and similar shows disappeared. I guess companies weren't able to spend that sort of money on exhibiting. We know many companies have now folded, but the industry is still here to stay. It's not what it once was, but it's still around. I guess that's why events such as ATEI have to change their focus. The arcade industry IS largely gambling machines nowadays. I'll still be going tomorrow, though ;-)
Of course in Japan it's a different story. Arcades are a place for familes to spend the afternoon while in the evening the hardcore gamers battle it out.
I'm standing by the Konami stand. a huge stand... full of glorified fruit machines. A sad day in the arcade world :-(
