New Yorks Legendary Chinatown Fair Arcade Closing This Week

Only one week after this excellent article on scoutingny was posted about The Last Arcade in Chinatown SRK reports that Henry Cen (CTF Operator) wrote on his Facebook "We may be closed by the end of the month. The eviction notice says the 23rd.".

The SRK news post can be found here.

I'm going to be in NYC this coming weekend, so it'd be nice if I could play there one last time, but it's not looking good. And I thought that'd be my only chance of playing TTT2 in the arcade. Now, I guess I have to go to Chicago if I want to play arcade games? Sad times.

Click for full size

I find it really sad that arcades have had such a huge decline since I was a kid. Did business really drop off that bad that nearly every single one had to close down? I know most games are only a quarter or two, but when you have a big place with lots of games and you have people in and out all day, I'd think they'd make out alright (ticket games can't hurt either, they draw in everyone else who doesn't want prizes outside of the top score). Sadness :(

Sucks, but it's a sign of the times.

Arcades require new games, and there's very little in the way of new arcade games worth playing. Sad, but the arcades of 1985 aren't coming back.

James

I don't think there are any real arcades left in Toronto. I see a few machines in pizza parlours and and the like, but that's about it. There is a small arcade in the underground near Union Station, but it has almost no actual games and the ones it does have are garbage. I've heard about some decent places in Markham, but I'm not going all the way out there.

Chinatown Fair looks like a place you're guaranteed to get mugged in.

I prefer having the best games at home so the death of the arcades never really bothered me. One thing I do miss is having arcade games everywhere outside of actual arcades: in every corner store, grocery store, laundromat, airport, etc..

Pretty pathetic that the largest city in the nation will now be pretty much without a legit modern arcade other than Dave and Busters.

But it's not without reason. Even I've pretty much lost interest in the arcades. I love the medium/format but there's just not the content.

Too bad, I remember going there for the first time in the 90s.

My laundromat has Ms. Pac Man with the speed hack. Booya.

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Originally Posted by NeoZeedeater

Chinatown Fair looks like a place you're guaranteed to get mugged in.

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Seriously.

Unfortunate, but no surprise. Thems the breaks with arcades in America.

I'm good as long as arcade games keep getting made, though. The ports have been allllmost the whole point of owning consoles lately.

It's sad, but that's how things are. We still have Time-Out here in PR, but it's mostly redemption games now, and quite a few of their stores have closed. Arcades are really a thing of the past now.

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Originally Posted by NeoZeedeater

Chinatown Fair looks like a place you're guaranteed to get mugged in.

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People from not-New York always think that when they see pictures of New York. There's just kind of a gritty look about most of the city, but CTF isn't in a bad area at all. Unless you're afraid of eggrolls or something.

Yakuza.

Especially the zombie one!

I can't say I care about this. That's why it is closing down I guess. Arcades are an ancient relic.

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Originally Posted by Diff-chan

I can't say I care about this. That's why it is closing down I guess. Arcades are an ancient relic.

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There's no comparison between what arcades are today and what they used to be. Calling the things in their current state "relic" is an insult to 1985. The evolution of arcades to their current state is like something out of Idiocracy.

James

If it weren't for CF, I would never have realized my potential to compete in Vs. games on a national level. From 15-18 that place was my hangout every Friday. I met an ex there, a few awesome friends, a few flings, and it opened my eyes to the true depth of New York City and the various cultures that inhabit it. Many of you don't have a connection to CF like I do (it's where I met Bahn who introduced me to TNL and I know he'll miss the place) but it really is painful to see it go.

I will go one last time if it is really closing for good just to give it a proper goodbye. First CBGBs, then Cheapshots and now this. NYC is changing for me for good.

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Originally Posted by James

There's no comparison between what arcades are today and what they used to be. Calling the things in their current state "relic" is an insult to 1985. The evolution of arcades to their current state is like something out of Idiocracy.

James

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Arcades didn't "evolve" to this state, they all closed down because people prefer playing games at home than in an arcade. If they didn't, arcades would still be where they were in 1985. The very concept of an arcade is outdated, at least in not-Japan.

This is horrible news. Arcades were one of the best parts of my childhood. Heart goes out for New York gamers. I hope my local arcade holds out long enough for my kids to get to go. This also means I'll likely never get to go to CTF.... so sad.

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Originally Posted by Diff-chan

Arcades didn't "evolve" to this state, they all closed down because people prefer playing games at home than in an arcade. If they didn't, arcades would still be where they were in 1985. The very concept of an arcade is outdated, at least in not-Japan.

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This is incredibly lazy logic. I can make a burger and a taco at home. I still go to McDonalds and Taco Bell. Arcades have failed because the industry and arcade operators generally suck at what they do. Like any business a good arcade took effort on the part of the arcade owner and most barely gave two shits and thought they could basically,

1. Install machines 2. ??? 3. Profit!!!

I can't count how many arcades I've been to that were filthy hovels of dated broke ass games that ate your coins where the operator was no where to be found when jab button suddenly crapped out and they had to wait for the repair man to come fix it nearly always "at some other date" if it ever got fixed. This and lack of any kind of promotion by any arcade I've ever heard doesn't help to drive down people's opinions of arcades in general. Arcade game producers are also to blame because they've done their fair share of stupid shit as well. It's no wonder the industry has largely failed but to assume it was due to a rise in home gaming is not the right answer. Blaming home consoles is nearly intellectually dishonest.

Good riddance.

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Originally Posted by Razor Ramon

If it weren't for CF, I would never have realized my potential to compete in Vs. games on a national level. From 15-18 that place was my hangout every Friday. I met an ex there, a few awesome friends, a few flings, and it opened my eyes to the true depth of New York City and the various cultures that inhabit it. Many of you don't have a connection to CF like I do (it's where I met Bahn who introduced me to TNL and I know he'll miss the place) but it really is painful to see it go.

I will go one last time if it is really closing for good just to give it a proper goodbye. First CBGBs, then Cheapshots and now this. NYC is changing for me for good.

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Today or tomorrow?

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Originally Posted by Bojack

I can't count how many arcades I've been to that were filthy hovels of dated broke ass games that ate your coins where the operator was no where to be found when jab button suddenly crapped out and they had to wait for the repair man to come fix it nearly always "at some other date" if it ever got fixed. This and lack of any kind of promotion by any arcade I've ever heard doesn't help to drive down people's opinions of arcades in general. Arcade game producers are also to blame because they've done their fair share of stupid shit as well. It's no wonder the industry has largely failed but to assume it was due to a rise in home gaming is not the right answer. Blaming home consoles is nearly intellectually dishonest.

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blah blah blah. The good ones closed down too. Nobody cares about them anymore, except when a renowned one closes down. "such a shame", everyone says. But nobody who says that has been to one in years.

edit: if well-maintained, beautiful arcades were a potentially great business model then more would be around. There are none because they don't make money and they don't make money because nobody cares when they can play every game ever in the comfort of their own home.

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Originally Posted by Anthony

Today or tomorrow?

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Is it still open right now? I'd go right now if it is. But probably tomorrow night.

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Originally Posted by Diff-chan

blah blah blah. The good ones closed down too. Nobody cares about them anymore, except when a renowned one closes down. "such a shame", everyone says. But nobody who says that has been to one in years.

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I was at my local arcade last week. The one that's basically Orlando's version of China Town Fair. Been in business for over a decade. Has a deeply commited operation staff and a slick business policy of offering food and beer and allowing adults to smoke inside and being open till 1 am on weekends as well as keeping the games in decent condition. Great place.

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Originally Posted by Diff-chan

But nobody who says that has been to one in years.

edit: if well-maintained, beautiful arcades were a potentially great business model then more would be around. There are none because they don't make money and they don't make money because nobody cares when they can play every game ever in the comfort of their own home.

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Bullshit. I go to yo Flipper McCoys in Va Beach every year, and I look forward to it greatly. I easily spend $60 a year there, more if I have it, and it's packed from open to close. They have to kick people out (including myself) every night. They also have pool tables and ticket games for kids, and if something is broken or you lose a coin, they come fix or refund it. I know it's not the norm, but it shows there's still an interest. Why the fuck would I stay home and play Confidential Mission when I could sit in a 2 person cabinet and rock out with someone?

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Originally Posted by Diff-chan

Arcades didn't "evolve" to this state, they all closed down because people prefer playing games at home than in an arcade. If they didn't, arcades would still be where they were in 1985. The very concept of an arcade is outdated, at least in not-Japan.

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Yes they did evolve to this state, obviously. Arcades still exist, albeit fewer than there used to be. There was a steady change in what you can expect from an arcade between the 80s and the unpleasant decline to today. Arcades have evolved into redemption machines, skeeball, poorly-maintained pinball with flourescent lights reflecting off the glass in as inconvenient a spot as possible, and outdated hardware running gimmick games.

Playing on a dedicated machine is a very different experience than playing at home. Properly presented, people still enjoy it and will pay for the experience, but it's got to be worth the trip. So many of what's left for arcades are poorly maintained dives that it shadows the few good ones. To top it off, there's just no new product.

It's sad that arcades are in this state because they're something worth having around. Playing at home is nice and convenient, but it's not the same experience as playing in a large, busy, noisy room with a few dozen other people. If you don't care that arcades are dying, good for you, but at least acknowledge that something of value to people who aren't you is being lost.

James

Coincidentally stopped in University Pinball in West Philly this evening.
Played some Galaga then some Rocky and Bullwinkle pinball.
The place still has healthy crowds. Surprisingly there seemed to be less redemption machines than before the fire/reopening. The deluxe sit down driving games and large monitor fighting games and light-gun games take up a lot of realestate.

Only time I was at Chinatown Fair arcade was the first and only time I played Viper Phase One.
Seems nuts that an arcade can't survive in New York City. Let's hope Barcade keeps going strong.
This summer I met someone involved with opening a barcade type place in Baltimore, it'll be interesting to see if that gets off the ground.

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Originally Posted by Diff-chan

edit: if well-maintained, beautiful arcades were a potentially great business model then more would be around. There are none because they don't make money and they don't make money because nobody cares when they can play every game ever in the comfort of their own home.

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This is still an issue of places poorly promoting/maintaining themselves and game developers being stupid. My friends and I can sit around at my house or their house and drink beer and martinis but we go to this magic place called a bar because it's fun to go out even if we over pay for what we're tangibly getting. Experience is key. But hey you're right man, MvC3 at home yo! Death to arcades mutha fucka!!!

They closed this awesome arcade in Chinatown in SF a few years ago...I'm so sorry to see places like this go.

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

People from not-New York always think that when they see pictures of New York. There's just kind of a gritty look about most of the city, but CTF isn't in a bad area at all. Unless you're afraid of eggrolls or something.

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Yeah, I think it's more from not knowing the area and having the picture at night. Parts of downtown Vancouver look like that, too, and they're not scary when actually there.

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Originally Posted by kedawa

I don't think there are any real arcades left in Toronto. I see a few machines in pizza parlours and and the like, but that's about it. There is a small arcade in the underground near Union Station, but it has almost no actual games and the ones it does have are garbage. I've heard about some decent places in Markham, but I'm not going all the way out there.

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Is the arcade in Pacific Mall still open? Haven't been to that one in years. I also went to another one, but can't remember where it was at. Big asian hang out. I just remember there was a bubble tea place, a pool hall and an arcade like in the same strip mall.

Kinda sucks that I won't get the chance to visit the Chinatown arcade again. Well at least I can say I went there once. Played some Rumble Fish 2 and whooped some ass at it!

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Originally Posted by Frogacuda

Pretty pathetic that the largest city in the nation will now be pretty much without a legit modern arcade other than Dave and Busters.

But it's not without reason. Even I've pretty much lost interest in the arcades. I love the medium/format but there's just not the content.

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It's ok, the Barcade model of having rad old games and good beer is enough for me.

Just get me an ABC cab.

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Originally Posted by Razor Ramon

Is it still open right now? I'd go right now if it is. But probably tomorrow night.

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Let's go monday, I want to show Chris the place before it closes down anyhow.

I can't believe I've only ever been there once and it's potentially dead. Before I get a day off to visit again, too!

Now I've gotta go all the way to Jersey for my video games library? Bah.

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Originally Posted by NeoZeedeater

Yeah, I think it's more from not knowing the area and having the picture at night. Parts of downtown Vancouver look like that, too, and they're not scary when actually there.

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Click on that article I linked from scoutingny, there are a ton of pictures in there. Some interior shots too.

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Originally Posted by Daitokuji

Is the arcade in Pacific Mall still open?

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I'm pretty sure at least one of them is still open. There used to be one down by all the shops and another by the food court. I think the one by the food court is still there.

Rumor has it they might be moving to Williamsburg, ugh.

So then we're not going?

I'll be in town on Saturday, if anyone wants to meet there.

http://www.justin.tv/teamsp00ky/b/280203845?

Final live stream

I've been watching the stream for about an hour. Chris Hu showed up and now him and the owner are talking shit about the jewish landlord. It's very entertaining!

Oh man I hope they move to Brooklyn. Almost all of my favorite places in NYC are in Brooklyn already.

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Originally Posted by Cowutopia

Oh man I hope they move to Brooklyn. Almost all of my favorite places in NYC are in Brooklyn already.

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And you haven't even visited my home.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

And you haven't even visited my home.

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I thought you moved to New Jersey with all the round eyes?

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Originally Posted by kedawa

I don't think there are any real arcades left in Toronto. I see a few machines in pizza parlours and and the like, but that's about it. There is a small arcade in the underground near Union Station, but it has almost no actual games and the ones it does have are garbage. I've heard about some decent places in Markham, but I'm not going all the way out there.

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Maybe I'm wrong, but wasn't there one on Yonge just north of Dundas? Like on the west side of the street something? Across from Play de Record? I swear there was an arcade around there. Either that or a mugging-factory.

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Originally Posted by kedawa

I'm pretty sure at least one of them is still open. There used to be one down by all the shops and another by the food court. I think the one by the food court is still there.

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Too much DDR for my tastes.

The one by Yonge and Dundas closed a year or two ago. I knew it was closing, too, but never got around to visiting it again before it shut down. I've had a few memorable evenings there, though. They had a lot of oldr games and a good assortment of big novelty cabs. It's the only place I've seen F-Zero AC or Virtua Cop 3.

well it's gone now I hope you're all happy

One thing about arcades going away is it does mean a lack of real pinball machines to play on.

Pinball FX is fun, but it doesn't compare to the real thing.

Pinball machines suck dick.

For a quarter?

This some more bullshit.

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Originally Posted by Razor Ramon

Pinball machines suck dick.

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When did your mom become a pinball machine?

She is a quarter mucher.

watch out, you might tilt her

She's at her best when multiple balls are in play.

CTF is/was so ghetto. The cabs were in shitty condition and the place just looked like a homeless shelter. I get that it was the only place NYC really had but compare it to something like Arcade Infinity and it's like drinking wine from Target and wine from a sommelier.

Like what others have said, arcade operators doomed the US scene over a decade ago when they didn't embrace any of the operational efficiencies that the Japanese did and didn't understand the business nor how to grow it. Nowadays, not only are less games being made but even if there were new games, I'm doubting anyone is willing to consistently pay a $1 per play when you have a wealth of gaming platforms (consoles, portables, smartphones, laptops, PCs) that are comparable in experience if not better. If you think of the day to day operational costs (employees, utilities and rent) and game costs vs how much you're charging 50 cents to $1 per play and that each play is averaging 2-5 minutes, you're probably not even breaking even in a place like Manhattan.

Even in Japan where people think that the situation is different, there are very few mom and pop arcades left. The remaining ones have some kind speciality like retro games where they promote the fuck out of it (via Twitter, mixi, blogs, etc) to get patrons. Otherwise, it's the Taitos and Segas who are relying on income from print clubs, UFO catchers and trading card based games to keep income even year on year.

The cabs for the new games were in great conditions. By my standards, which are pretty harsh. Maybe in the past they sucked though, I dunno.

It's bullshit. The cabs aren't pretty oh no! Fuck you, they still worked impeccably. Whenever they broke down, Cen would be there within minutes to fix it. I don't know what Shou is complaining about. No one here expects that shit to be the Russian Tea Room.

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Originally Posted by Shou

CTF is/was so ghetto. The cabs were in shitty condition and the place just looked like a homeless shelter. I get that it was the only place NYC really had but compare it to something like Arcade Infinity and it's like drinking wine from Target and wine from a sommelier.

Like what others have said, arcade operators doomed the US scene over a decade ago when they didn't embrace any of the operational efficiencies that the Japanese did and didn't understand the business nor how to grow it. Nowadays, not only are less games being made but even if there were new games, I'm doubting anyone is willing to consistently pay a $1 per play when you have a wealth of gaming platforms (consoles, portables, smartphones, laptops, PCs) that are comparable in experience if not better. If you think of the day to day operational costs (employees, utilities and rent) and game costs vs how much you're charging 50 cents to $1 per play and that each play is averaging 2-5 minutes, you're probably not even breaking even in a place like Manhattan.

Even in Japan where people think that the situation is different, there are very few mom and pop arcades left. The remaining ones have some kind speciality like retro games where they promote the fuck out of it (via Twitter, mixi, blogs, etc) to get patrons. Otherwise, it's the Taitos and Segas who are relying on income from print clubs, UFO catchers and trading card based games to keep income even year on year.

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Neither model is viable right now. To criticize CTF and laud Japanese arcades is to completely ignore that they share the same crisis. CTF did maintain their cabs well, at least as far as function was concerned, and the American arcades have always had a kind of dank, smoke-filled sort of vibe to them, which I think is actually what the older audience that frequents arcades for fighting games wants.

CTF was never a regular arcade, they WERE more of a specialty sort of joint that catered to a crowd of hardcore fighting game fans who wanted a place to go where there were good competitors to play against. I don't think a Dave & Busters sort of joint was really their competition. But Manhattan is not really a place where it's easy to survive on that kind of a niche.

But the Japanese arcades don't have the answer. $30,000 sit-down units that cost like $2 to play aren't really the answer, especially when they can't even put $1000 of hardware into them to give them better graphics than consoles.

Guys, you weren't getting the message. I said that the Japanese arcades are screwed too but they have branched out into other means of revenue to keep afloat. Independently owned arcades are rare out here but the ones that are still around have been promoting themselves as niche better than CTF or AI have ever done. Developers go to some of these places and hold events.

PS: American cabs suck ass and are fire hazards waiting to happen.

So it looks like Chinatown Fair's return is still underway, but another arcade will emerge during its absence:
http://www.the-nextlevel.com/tnl/con...n-Fair-is-Back!

(URL title still references "CF" because at first, several people which include myself actually thought Henry was trolling us and this new location was going to be CF, but it's not. Additional details of its grand opening to be revealed at a later date)

Too far.