A short history of arcades and arcade machines (emf2026)

Arcade machines have a rich history, at times at the forefront of technology, and often the most bizarre machines. Machines that delivered electric shocks (supposedly therapeutic) and working automata models of executions or hen pecked husbands (titled ‘Is Marriage worth it’). The first seaside arcade opened in Blackpool in 1894, under the newly built tower. The machines were all clockwork automata scenes, with an attendant constantly rewinding them. Arcades became widespread after the craze for Edison’s Kinetoscope, the predecessor of ‘What the Butler Saw’ machines. Kinetoscopes were a sensation – the first time anyone had seen moving images of any sort, so ‘Kinetoscope parlours’ sprang up in every city centre. Once cinemas got established the craze faded and the parlours diversified – adding fortune tellers, ball runs, shooting games and of course one armed bandits. The arrival of computer games in the 1980s shook everything up. At first very popular in arcades but soon eclipsed by cheaper to play home computer games. Most city centre arcades have since closed, though many seaside arcades survive with ‘redemption’ machines. These spit out tickets when you win. Before leaving you take all your tickets to the desk to ‘redeem’ a prize. The talk will be illustrated by photos and videos of the old machines and also some of Tim’s own arcade machines influenced by their history. Tim has made over 40 arcade machines and now runs two arcades. The talk will include some of Tim’s machines that were particularly inspired by the history. Licensed to the public under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ about this event: https://www.emfcamp.org/schedule/2026/127-a-short-history-of-arcades-and-arcade-machines