Photo c/o Davis Wiki
While a number of reputable arcades have been forced to close up shop over the years due to the decline of their business models, one in particular may not be as well known to those who recently became converts to the way of the Hadouken and Electric Wind God Fist.
Memorial Union Games Center, located on the UC Davis campus, is set to shutter their location to undergo an extensive renovation project. When they open back up in 2017, however, one important piece of nostalgia will be missing: the arcade cabinets. In their place? Flat-screen monitors and home consoles.
Although it’s not the destination it used to be, the location held regular fighting game tournaments and attracted a number of notable competitors in its heyday.
“The Memorial Union Games Area brings back lots of memories as I frequented that building regularly during my college years. It was a great place to kill time between classes,” John “Choiboy” Choi explained to us. “The building contained the book store, cafeteria, billiards, and of course the arcade. So it was the one stop shop for many students. It was my daily routine to go there after class to eat, chit chat, and play games. Oh, and there was also bowling, but I opted to throwing fireballs rather than bowling balls.”
After profits peaked at over $200,000 in 2006, MUGA’s returns dropped to less than half that by 2014.
“Some of my greatest friendships and best memories come from being connected in person with this community and not just online. The in-person connection and space to play games together is no different than a basketball court open at night on campus,” Leo “OneTimeHero” Martin said of his time at MUGA. “I feel bad that future generations won’t be able to experience the same level of fun and ‘in-person’ gaming that has become less and less common these days.”
Transitioning to more modern setups has allowed venues like Next Level Arcade in New York City, New York to survive where others have failed, but there’s definitely something to be said for the visceral feeling arcade cabinets provide during intense matches.
“I have lots of fond memories of the place so I’m sad to hear of it coming to an end,” Choi closed.
Upon reopening in 2017, the MUGA operators hope to see a renewed interest in the space and plan to start running tournaments again.
Source: Sacramento Bee