Arcade Games

What are Arcade games?

The arcade game finds its origin in a coin-operated game machine that was popular in the ‘80s. The machines were located in shopping malls and amusement arcades. The PC- or console arcade games are inspired by the gameplay of the games on these machines. They have simple physics, intuitive controls, and short levels that become increasingly difficult as the game progresses. Most of the games also focus more on the gameplay rather than the story.

Arcade games are also referred to as arcades. Initially, it applied to the building where you could play the games, it evolved to the place for amusements and games, and then to the video games themselves.

History of Arcade games

The late 1970s through the 1980s was the golden age of the classic arcade video game. One of the first successful arcade video games was SpaceWar, a game that was created by students at Stanford University in 1971. It would be the start of the golden age for Arcade games that would last until 1983.

During this era arcade games rapidly spread across North America, Europe, and Asia. It was a time of excellent technical and design creativity. While the original games used raster displays, developers experimented with vector displays which produced crisp lines that couldn't be duplicated by raster displays.

In the mid-1990s popularity of Arcade video games plunged. One of the most important reasons for this is probably the offering of fifth-generation home consoles like PlayStation, and Nintendo 64. Those consoles began offering better 2D graphics, enhanced sound, and even 3D graphics. Other reasons might be the start of gaming via computers across the internet that replaced the social aspect that until then was only provided by arcades.

The most successful arcade games

• Pac-Man, the most popular arcade game is by far. It sold over 400,000 units and made $3.5 billion. Its release in 1980 caused such a sensation that it initiated what is now referred to as "Pac-Mania."
• Space Invaders, released in 1978 and made $2.702 billion. The game proved to be the first blockbuster arcade video game. Its success signified the beginning of the golden age of arcades.
• Street Fighter II, although released quite late (two years) it made $2.312 billion. It popularized competitive fighting games and revived the arcade industry to a level of popularity not seen since the days of Pac-Man.

Play arcade games on CrazyGames

We have a lot of classic & new arcade games for you to explore! Help Billy and Jimmy pummel hundreds of nasty gangsters in the timeless Double Dragon, or stick to a more one-on-one approach in Street Fighter 2. If you like fighting arcade games, you should also play the pixel graphics wrestling game Wrassling. Ever wondered what the original Super Mario Bros. would look like when played with a different character? Well, wonder no more, because now you save the princess as famous icons like Link, Samus and Mega Man in Super Mario Crossover. Or you can play the series from the enemy's view in A Koopa's Revenge 2. If you're up for something a little less intense, check out the match-3 game Galactic Gems or see what happens when Mario gets his hands on Tetris with Mario Tetris Mashup. If you're into simple one-button survival games, you should play Geometry Dash or Fly with Rope 2. You will need excellent timing skills and quick reflexes! No matter what you're looking for, our arcade games have something for everyone. So put away your 8-bit video game system away and see the endless quirky hybrids or pure old-school titles on CrazyGames.com!

What are Arcade Games?

Arcade games are based on the kinds of games you would find in a classic arcade. They're usually 2D and have always been simple to play. Many classics like Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog fall in this group. Some arcade games are about fighting, while others focus on dodging obstacles, scoring points and getting power-ups to help along the way.