Arcade Infinity - End of an Era

I have just returned from Arcade Infinity from Hacienda Heights, it was the end of an era there since they are closing down permanently on February 26th because a licensing issue that would have taken 8 months to receive approval or rejection. Which I believed they didn't want that 8 month hiatus. I'm not sure if closing 8 months would be a good business decision just receive an approval, but in my opinion, waiting 8 months might have been good for them, but that's just my opinion. Nonetheless, it's the end of an era,

This could mean other long running arcades are in danger. Or maybe the general profile for a Southern Californian gamer really is lazy when it comes to supporting something so special.

Whatever it means, one thing is for certain: it was an amazing run. Whenever someone would talk about the death of arcades, I'd always think about Arcade Infinity personally. Regardless of the support it received, the service it gave, and the acclaim it earned, Arcade Infinity will always be one of my fondest memories.

Regardless of whether or not arcades are still relevant in an age of online gaming and instant connection, the arcade is like a grandfather to consoles much like the much beloved Atari 2600 or the NES. Is it really the fault of the local community for letting such an iconic place disappear? After all, no matter how good business could be, news has mentioned that the rent for the area has increased and there's been a history of problems with the city.

I personally think a reaction like the one from above is just the voice of a particularly bitter purist. One who blames the new and refuses change. Blaming Street Fighter IV on the console seems a bit much. After all, Street Fighter Iv coming to the console was single-handedly responsible for breeding new interest in the long stagnant fighting game genre. The argument seems a bit shortsighted in taking into account how important progress to the video game industry really is.

How do you feel about this news? And where do you stand on this issue of supporting a long extinct breed of gaming?

RIP Arcade Infinity (2000-2011)