retro Revival: Arcade Opens in Rimouski, Echoing Past Concerns & Present-Day Family Fun
Rimouski, QC – A new arcade has opened its doors in Rimouski, Quebec, sparking a wave of nostalgia and a reminder of past anxieties surrounding the gaming industry. While today’s reception is largely positive,the opening echoes historical concerns from the 1970s and 80s when arcades were viewed with suspicion by authorities and parents alike.
The arcade, co-owned by Frédéric Vézina, represents a resurgence of interest in classic gaming. Vézina notes a shift in clientele, observing that, like many establishments in Western Canada, the arcade primarily attracts families. “Most bowling salons in western Canada have arcades. The moments when I worked there, what we observed is exactly what is happening here: families,” he stated.
Though, the current welcoming atmosphere stands in stark contrast to the anxieties of decades past. Historian Julien Bazile, specializing in video games, explains that the initial rise of arcades triggered fears rooted in both the content of the games and the financial implications of their popularity.
Like other forms of popular culture,video game themes – specifically referencing elements like watches and zombies - worried parents. Beyond content, the pay-to-play model raised concerns about potential links to organized crime, drawing parallels to slot machines. Authorities even feared that young people might resort to illegal activities, such as theft or prostitution, to fund their arcade habits.
“I would not necessarily take, a priori, for cash all that the police chiefs report, and Cetera. there was a lot of panic,” Bazile commented, suggesting that some of the fears were likely exaggerated.
The concerns were significant enough to prompt police scrutiny. While the Sûreté du Québec currently has no objections to the Rimouski arcade, the historical context reveals a period of considerable apprehension surrounding the burgeoning video game industry and its impact on youth. The opening of the new arcade serves as a captivating point of comparison, highlighting how perceptions of gaming have evolved over time.
