Arcade the Word

While doing research on the history of games, I found out that an arcade is a type of architecture. In fact, you might find a mall in one.

In Roman times, an arcade was an area with pillars and arches holding the ceiling. There were hundreds of arcades as entrances, colleges, or bath houses. Literally Arcade means Arches, so it could be an aqueduct for all it mattered.

In the 19th century there was a push for more stores and shops. Arcade architecture was a hall with shops all around it. They could be multiple stories high, and would be designed with Windows in mind.

On the edges were large open areas called malls. It would have shops and chairs for people to enjoy. People would wheel their shops in and try to catch the eye of any onlookers.

Nothing one would be permanent. Today a man sells the wool from his sheep. Another day an acrobat is showing his skills. Side shows you expect from a carnival, and local wares would mix. Some people would live at their location, and move with the show.

Owners would rent a room for a show on a daily basis, and have multiple weeks already planned.

Some arcades were former apartment complexes in the city. The front room for wares, the back room for supplies, and resting.

This was the beginning of modern globalization so things and people from around the world could travel to the town. At the same time they would be very foreign. Acts would show off these foreign people. Weird acts would be made up to please those seeking the bizarre.

Fire eaters, foreign magicians, Music acts, and martial artists could be behind a random door.

Games would be played, with cards and odd machines. Gambling was a natural find at arcades because of the many legal questions about them. If the police were seen coming, the gambling room would disappear before he arrived.

Because of the nature of needing to move around, and having constant vigilance, it was easier to have machines. Technology provided many entertaining ways for someone to run an easily moveable shop. Pull a lever, and find out if you get a winning match. Bet on horses around a mechanical track. Try to flick a coin into a hole, or roll a ball at a desired target.

Many of these games could be played for prizes, or money, or even for the fun of it. See who could catch the rod quickest, or touch the button first.

In these same rooms would be peep shows, orchestras, and moving dolls. A game or machine could be found along the arcade hall, or in a bar. Parents could take their children to a restaurant, and play with machines found near the entrance. In fact some machines were just for children. During the baby boom mini rides were made to entertain children, while the parents could have some peace.

Subways and buses would have arcades at every stop. Large displays would promote the games hall. A hard working man could spend a nickel or dime on a quick game, or bit of entertainment while waiting for his ride.

Soon though, the gambling hall and game hall separated. Pinball added flippers, and became more skill based. Family Entertainment Centers would promote their games as fun for parents and kids.

At the same time shopping g centers started to be called malls. The stores were bigger, and less likely to change. There would still be a place for games, like back in the old arcades, just not gambling. Casinos became the major places to pull a jackpot, or point out a low pair in poker.

The place with arcade games were mistakenly called arcades. Soon the term changed. The hallway with stores was forgotten. Malls had arcades to most teens and adults.

So, the next time you say arcade, imagine an old well kept house. Behind every door is something amazing. Target shooting with real guns is behind one. A woman who is over 7 feet tall and super strong is behind another. In one room is a place with all sorts of games and mechanical wonders. The entire place is called an arcade.