A New York Times article focused on video arcades becoming the new kind of theatre. In the article found at Arcade , a graduate of Instituto de Empresa in Madrid developed the first hybrid movie theatre located in Spain. The 3-D video gaming has high tech digital effects (black lights, fog, high definition, vibrating seats, game pads, and individual 17 inch screens on the seats. These cinema games are played in small theatres in suburban multiplexes seating about 50 people at a time. What used to be at home computer play is now community entertainment as video games invade theatres. Game tournament competition involves interaction with players and intense battles. The sound puts gamers at the center of the action for only $3.95. The reason these theatres were established was due to the decreasing admissions in regular movie theatres, but it doesn’t mean video halls will sell out Hollywood entertainment. The hope is that the concept will expand into North America and Europe if theatre companies buy the system. The idea didn’t work for a Germany theatre who gave it a try. Time Play Entertainment has allowed theatre goers to participate in ad sponsored games before the movie. Game manufactures are keeping their eye on the success of these theatres.
I don’t see this concept going very far due to the extremely high costs in all the equipment, and the demographic is so limited to young men in their late teens and 20s. It leaves women and the older population out of the entertainment. For that cost and with such a narrow target audience, no matter what the entrance fee, it won’t expand. The popularity of the theatres so far has only been seen on weekend nights. Video game halls would take away from an individual’s boredom and alone time to concentrate. Video game sales would decrease for stores and renters. Computer and game station use would drop drastically if people could go out and play in the public for less. Do you see this new “theatre” going anywhere?
-Amy
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2 comments:
I suppose this idea could take off in America. I'm not really into video games but I'm sure if it is cheaper to go to these theaters then many would jump at the opportunity. I could see it in L.A. or New York City but that's it; I don't see it as a suburban movement. It's a new idea that's kind of different and people might like that.
I think that it isn't necessarily true that this wouldn't be successful but it is limited to to men of a specific age range. The video games that are so popular in the United States now are mostly targeted and purchased by that same demographic and it's extremely successful. Perhaps by making smaller theatres as an addition to an arcade would be a way to do it. That way the teenage boys who are already there can give it a try. I think it's also important to point out the social interactions games that gamers are using now. I've seen my brothers play video games online with there friends for hours interacting with other players. I'm not sure that an interactive theatre would make them want to leave the games they already play like that on their couch at home, but I would be interested to see.
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