Why Japanese Arcades are Close to Becoming Extinct

Although the Fighting Game Community as a whole has rallied admirably in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has taken its share of hits. Players had to put their plans on hold, tournament organizers had to cancel their events, and a few community members have even had brushes with the disease itself. In a recent video, Jiyuna, the popular commentator and streamer, reminded us that there’s another category of people who are at risk: arcade owners.

In particular, he talks about arcades in Japan. These businesses were already squeezed by mobile games and other alternatives, and now he fears that many of them may go under altogether. Fortunately, he also tells his viewers how to support these venerable institutions. So check out the whole video below, chip in if you can, and support Jiyuna by following him on Twitter.