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Q.Why, if the manufacturers say a home
game isn't the same, does the Arcade version
drop off when the same game comes out on a
home system?
A. SNK
In the case of SNK games, it is typically one year
from the Coin-Op release before the Consumer
version is available for the home. If you find the
Coin-Op version drops off after one year of
operation, perhaps it could be attributed to
other factors, such as fresher titles being place
in the location, the need to rotate, the need to
change option settings, etc.
As far as differences between the Arcade and
Consumer version, there are significant quality
differences. However, the most overlooked dif-
ference is atmosphere! The home video system
will never replace the Amusement Center just as
long as the operator provides the player with an
environment conducive to exciting social inter-
action.
There is a liquor store on nearly every comer,
but taverns have survived. Taverns face other
obstacles, such as tougher drunken driving
penalties and image problems, but I have never
heard them complain about competition from
liquor in the home.
A. Nintendo
Nintendo's data has never suggested to us that
arcade game revenues drop off after the same
game is introduced on a home system. I think
the reason for any drop in income should be
attributed to the fact that arcade games are
usually on location far before they are released
to the home system and have usually gone
through their normal higher earning cycle.
Q.Why haven't most games shown any tech-
nological advancements over the past few
years? The home market is getting too close
because of this.
A. SNK
I feel that many video and pinball games HAVE
demonstrated technological advances in recent
years. Examples such as HardDrivin's steering
feedback and graphics, Data East Pinball's Solid
State Flipper, and a host of subtle technical
enhancements have made many more features
possible for the current release of games.
Granted, some of these don't appear as techno-
logical revelations, but please don't assume that
designers are standing still, either. Just wait
until you read about the latest equipment offer-
ings at ACME!
In general, technological breakthroughs will
only garner the first quarters. Strong game
concepts will earn consistently longer than any
"eye popping" thirty day wonder. Need I even
mention the last notable "furtherance" of high
technology, the Laser Disc game?