ArcadeWarrior
User
Posts: 73 | A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 5:35 PM
When I saw Tron as a kid, it made me want to open an arcade. I thought the idea of the Flynn character - a guy who programs video games and lives in his own arcade - too awesome to not try and live. So about a year ago I finally fulfilled part of my dream and opened up an arcade in West Valley City, UT that I decided to call The Game Grid Arcade. I gave it some TRON-like artwork but not too long after I opened I found out that I was going to have to move locations as the mall changed their minds on what they were going to do as part of the renovation they are going under currently and they were going to demolish my place to make way for an entrance.
But that didn't happen when they said it was going to and so I had extra time to figure out what to do. Lucky for me I was able to find another spot in the same mall and last week we moved everything over to the new place. I haven't had a chance to decorate it and make it look like TRON yet so if anyone has some great ideas on how I can do this on a tight budget, it would be great.
But I did make a film of the old place before we closed it up and I figured I would share it with you guys since it's something that I hope Tron fans could appreciate. Unfortunately, I do not have a TRON arcade machine but I really want to get one in the future (either TRON or Discs of TRON or both  )
So here's the video, more vids on my youtube channel have footage of the place at night where it looked cool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNl-TeDnw7w
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Daddyo
User
Posts: 456 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 5:53 PM
Ahh too bad. Looked really nice, really cool graphics. I'd like to help out with ideas.
For your new relatively inexpensive graphics I wonder if you could cut acrylic sheets into strips/shapes and feed the ends with blue LEDs? Or maybe what you've got already some flourescent paint that black lights will work with. Or both.
Do you have some background music going? I"ll write you something for fun/free if you give me an idea of what you'd like. I might have some scraps laying around too.
How about a light fog going, with a blue laser or two randomly roving the room. It's actually pretty easy to put a mirror on a bass speaker cone and shine a laser on it to get a show going too.
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ShadowDragon1
User
Posts: 2,056 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 6:18 PM
Feck! That sucks.
The art on the walls looked awesome. What the heck is with that business bureucratic bulldunk with those leasing the store space and wanting to tear stuff down? That's some fecked up crap.
I would love it if there was an kick butt arcade like The Game Grid in Torrance or Los Angeles.
The only places around here that have arcade games are in movie theatre lobbies (with IMO lack-luster games) or at the Gable House Bowling Center.
All the great arcades in my local area shut down due to bad management, disrepair, and tagger gangs using them as hang-out locations that they loitered at and vandalized. ( R.I.P. Malibu Castle Fun Center Arcade and Mini Golf T_T )
"The film is about finding human connection in an increasingly digital world." - Joseph Kosinski
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ArcadeWarrior
User
Posts: 73 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 6:25 PM
That idea with the acrylic would be worth a try. I will have to find some things to experiment with as that would probably work better with the walls at the new place.
One bad thing is where I am inside the mall I can't go all out on everything, like with the fog. I don't have any background music going at the moment but it has crossed my mind and as long as I can keep it at a level that other tenants around me won't complain about. As for what kind of music, I think that something of a rock or techno mix might work, sort of like at the very beginning of Tron.
I have thought about doing a laser show on one of the walls above the air hockey table. Blue especially would look pretty cool although I know that blue laser stuff tends to be more expensive.
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ArcadeWarrior
User
Posts: 73 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 6:30 PM
ShadowDragon1 Wrote: Feck! That sucks.
The art on the walls looked awesome. What the heck is with that business bureucratic bulldunk with those leasing the store space and wanting to tear stuff down? That's some fecked up crap.
I would love it if there was an kick butt arcade like The Game Grid in Torrance or Los Angeles.
The only places around here that have arcade games are in movie theatre lobbies (with IMO lack-luster games) or at the Gable House Bowling Center.
All the great arcades in my local area shut down due to bad management, disrepair, and tagger gangs using them as hang-out locations that they loitered at and vandalized. ( R.I.P. Malibu Castle Fun Center Arcade and Mini Golf T_T ) |
Yeah I was pretty miffed about being given a space, with all sort of promises not to worry about anything happening with it in the future only for them to turn around on that promise. Unfortunately I'm in the same mall for now but if things work out better at this spot (and they don't make up some bulldozing crap again) then I can hopefully move onto even greener pastures.
One nice thing about us being a smaller arcade is that it;s easier for us to keep an eye on the machines so people won't mess around with them as much. It still happens on occasion - I never understand why some people (not just kids either) feel the need to pound on games or yank as hard as they can on the controls when they aren't even playing.
I guess I should share the website, it still has a little bit of a Tron theme to it as well, gamegridarcade.com.order abortion pill abortion pill buy online where to buy abortion pill
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basic.exe
User
Posts: 120 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 7:06 PM
blacklights. blacklights are the answer.
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Jademz
User
Posts: 0 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 7:29 PM
Here's some ideas:
Carpet with uv reactive artwork - as seen in bowling alleys, arcades, and theaters.
build floor to ceiling glowing bubblers filled with various uv reactive fluids, maybe even add http://www.complexplastics.com/balls/UV/ to a maze of these tubes. For example, a orange glowing water with blue glowing marbles being pushed through by either air bubbles or a fish tank pump that pushes the water in one direction.
a lighting idea: you can have a track of globes custom painted with uv reactive paint, (large christmas set of globes) set in a digital pattern through the ceiling (black light bulbs) you can have them sequenced to chase on the ceiling, or be sound activated.
This company looks like it has many useful products.
http://www.riskreactor.com/Blacklight_Paint/Blacklite_Paint_Data_Sheets/CF1_C6_Clear_Green_Blacklite_Paint_Water_Based.htm
http://www.riskreactor.com/Industries_Served/Theatrical.htm
http://www.riskreactor.com/Industries_Served/Glow_In_The_Dark_Urethane.htm
Of course, this takes some talent to make stuff with this method..
For example, you can build additional rails to split the room into a maze, and embed some of your creations on that to give the room some more definition. Add several signs with mirrors, specially placed spot lights in areas, ect.
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ArcadeWarrior
User
Posts: 73 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 7:31 PM
I have some blacklights in there right now but they don't work as well as I had hoped. I have heard of white blacklights creating an even brighter effect but I have never found any for sale anywhere. where to buy abortion pill ordering abortion pills to be shipped to house buy abortion pill online
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Games? You want games, I'll give you games...
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ArcadeWarrior
User
Posts: 73 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 7:32 PM
Jademz Wrote:Here's some ideas:
Carpet with uv reactive artwork - as seen in bowling alleys, arcades, and theaters.
build floor to ceiling glowing bubblers filled with various uv reactive fluids, maybe even add http://www.complexplastics.com/balls/UV/ to a maze of these tubes. For example, a orange glowing water with blue glowing marbles being pushed through by either air bubbles or a fish tank pump that pushes the water in one direction.
a lighting idea: you can have a track of globes custom painted with uv reactive paint, (large christmas set of globes) set in a digital pattern through the ceiling (black light bulbs) you can have them sequenced to chase on the ceiling, or be sound activated.
This company looks like it has many useful products.
http://www.riskreactor.com/Blacklight_Paint/Blacklite_Paint_Data_Sheets/CF1_C6_Clear_Green_Blacklite_Paint_Water_Based.htm
http://www.riskreactor.com/Industries_Served/Theatrical.htm
http://www.riskreactor.com/Industries_Served/Glow_In_The_Dark_Urethane.htm
Of course, this takes some talent to make stuff with this method..
For example, you can build additional rails to split the room into a maze, and embed some of your creations on that to give the room some more definition. Add several signs with mirrors, specially placed spot lights in areas, ect.
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Wow, thanks for the links and idea, I will check that out. I am sure that there is something there that could work out.
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Games? You want games, I'll give you games...
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Jademz
User
Posts: 0 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 7:33 PM
it will have to be dark and powerful enough black lighting to bring out the glow.
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Compucore
User
Posts: 4,450 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 8:16 PM
How about a little online website inside with weekly highscores from the clients that play there on the games.It could be on a weekly or monthly basis. Kind of little mini tounaments as well every month. I remember once place up here when I was younger on Saturday or on a Sunday. They would have like a $5 all you can play for 2 hours. THen they would close down after two hours and restart the machines as well. It would be at specific times you know.
| Jademz Wrote:it will have to be dark and powerful enough black lighting to bring out the glow. |
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Compucore 
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ArcadeWarrior
User
Posts: 73 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 8:36 PM
Compucore Wrote:How about a little online website inside with weekly highscores from the clients that play there on the games.It could be on a weekly or monthly basis. Kind of little mini tounaments as well every month. I remember once place up here when I was younger on Saturday or on a Sunday. They would have like a $5 all you can play for 2 hours. THen they would close down after two hours and restart the machines as well. It would be at specific times you know.
| Jademz Wrote:it will have to be dark and powerful enough black lighting to bring out the glow. |
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I have thought about something like that although it is a little tough to keep track of. I actual do try that for 1942, if anyone gets over 150000 points I'll post their name and score on the game itself (using those printable stickers).abortion pills online abortion pill online purchase cytotec abortion
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Games? You want games, I'll give you games...
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mastercilinder
User
Posts: 399 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Saturday, August, 29, 2009 8:41 PM
Man I wish we had a place like that here  I'd live there! lol
I hate when malls get renovated. the mall I went to as a kid has been totally destroyed and looks more like the deathstar then the mall I knew and loved, so I guess I kinda know how you feel.
A graph floor with white tape would be cool. Some traingular wood panels that stick out around the machines or entrance. Murals of the map of the system (like the background here) somewhere. order abortion pill http://unclejohnsprojects.com/template/default.aspx?morning-after-pill-price where to buy abortion pillabortion pills online abortion pill online purchase cytotec abortion
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Cyberwolven
User
Posts: 667 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Monday, August, 31, 2009 11:56 AM
Wow, nice place. I can definitely relate to you comes to inspiration. Is this spot in the mall larger than your old one? It would be great if you have extra room so you can expand the collection of games in the future.
I've seen this glowing wire stuff on a science toy catalog once. It came in three different colors. I'm not sure if they make it anymore. The particular glowing wire decorations I saw ran on batteries though, so that's somewhat of an inconvenience. I think there's a different brand out there though that makes better ones.
---------------------------Edit-----------------
I found what I was talking about. It's called EL Wire. You can use this to make some decent lighting effects.
EL Wire
Live Wire
I'm cold and calculating. Don't press my buttons.
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Daddyo
User
Posts: 456 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Monday, August, 31, 2009 4:50 PM
How about using X-ray's to illuminate everything?? You could hand out radium tonic on their way out too...
That EL wire seems pretty cool, I noticed some of it can vary in color when given 60 Hz to 6 kHz, I wonder how it would look on the output of a special audio amplifier? Might be pretty freaky. It would take a 1000 watt audio amplifier though to get the voltage you need, but the current is very small at 2 milliamps/meter. Does mention you could use a cheap amp (20 watt maybe) in your stereo you may already be using - along with a transformer to get the required voltage. You'd need an EQ in there too to cut the high frequencies. If your interested I can help you figure it out.
Bad thing is it only lasts 100's of hours at high frequencies. But if it's off most of the time and you filter out the highs (just bass) then I'm sure it'll last years.
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TRON.dll
User
Posts: 4,349 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Monday, August, 31, 2009 6:58 PM
Wow, that place looks like a blast.
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DaveTRON
User
Posts: 5,315 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Monday, August, 31, 2009 11:02 PM
I happen to own a TRON machine and a Discs of TRON (Cutoff version of the sit in model).
I might have an idea for you.
Write to me at my personal email address and we can discuss.
david.arnspiger@traumantic.com
DaveTRON
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ArcadeWarrior
User
Posts: 73 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Thursday, September, 03, 2009 11:26 AM
Just a little catching up to do, I've been busy. 
@Cyberwolven - it's actually smaller than my last place by about 400 sq. ft. I tried to get a larger spot in a higher traffic location but they would only let me go into a spot into one of the less walked corridors because of noise 'concerns'. So we're having to make the best out of the tighter space - either way there is more foot traffic than the last place so it's nice in that regard.
I had completely forgotten about the glowing wire stuff - when I opened my first place I had actually looked at it but I can't remember why I didn't go ahead with it. Now that we're in a better position I will have to take a look at it again as I think that would create an awesome effect.
Fortunately the mall will allow me to do some Tron designs again, I was worried that they wouldn't since I know that another arcade here once tried to do murals and got shot down.
So I spent a little while look at the supplements on my 20th anniversary Tron DVD again this morning to get some ideas and I'll get some painting done soon, if anyone wants I can record the progress on that and post some pictures of it.
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Games? You want games, I'll give you games...
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Daddyo
User
Posts: 456 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Thursday, September, 03, 2009 1:44 PM
You're probably already using fluorescent paint http://www.blacklightworld.com/Acrylic%20Fluorescent%20Glow%20Paint.htm
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ArcadeWarrior
User
Posts: 73 | Re: A look at my recently closed arcade, The Game Grid
on Thursday, September, 03, 2009 5:41 PM
I am but I have just been using fluorescent spraypaint since that's easy to come by. Still, something else would probably work out nicer if it has a stronger color. The blue I have used is too dark for what I want.
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Games? You want games, I'll give you games...
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