| Author |
Namco Bandai blames Wii for arcade closures |
BobaFett
Joined: Jan 06, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: Kamino (wish it would be Lund)
PM, WWW
|
"Though the arcade scene in America has been dead for quite some time, Japan has still been a home to many popular arcades. At least, it has up until now. Arcade firm Namco Bandai has announced plans to close between 50 and 60 of its arcade locations across the country, citing the expanding home console market as a big part of the problem.
Specifically, company spokesman Yuji Machida blames the Nintendo Wii, stating that strong holiday sales for the console mean a lot of kids have spent their time at home playing, and spent their money on more Wii software and hardware, such as the popular Wii Fit package.
Of course, home consoles certainly aren't the only cause. Machida also cites rising gas prices as a concern, as families become less willing to travel back and forth from shopping malls, where arcades are normally located. The 50-60 arcades closing account for one-fifth of Namco Bandai's arcades in Japan. A big loss, to be sure."
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/0[....]lames-wii-for-arcade-closures/
| |
|
Muhammad-Oli
Joined: Jun 13, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: The NZ of L
PM |
I work in an arcade in New Zealand and we are booming at the moment. My store is about to get a $300000 refit to keep it up to date which shows that we're definitely making some money!
So this is obviously not a worldwide problem. And Namco, even though its a major player, their games aren't the best. My store has better ones form other brands and not much Namco at all.
For example, Namco's Maximum Tune 3 does not even compare to games like Battlegear 4. Maybe they just need some better games...
This message was posted in the mail
2008, 2009, 2010 Best Australasian Member. | |
|
Access the forum with a mobile phone via esato.mobi
|
Posted: 2008-02-08 15:53
