Arcade1Up: A New Chapter or Game Over? Reports Indicate a Purchase by Basic Fun
The Plot Thickens for Arcade1Up
Just when we thought that the game was over for Arcade1Up, the maker of replica arcade cabinets, the narrative takes an unexpected twist. The company, renowned for recreating our cherished arcade experiences at home, was rumored to be shutting down. However, it now seems that the "game over" screen might be delayed as rumors of a potential acquisition by rival company Basic Fun start to circulate.
Introducing Arcade1Up
If you're not familiar with Arcade1Up, it's a gaming company that has been bringing the arcade experience home since its establishment in 2018. As a subsidiary of Tastemakers, Arcade1Up specializes in creating licensed 3/4-size arcade cabinets. They've partnered with gaming giants like Atari, Bandai Namco, Capcom, and Sega to produce authentic replicas of some of the most iconic arcade machines, such as Time Crisis, Ridge Racer, and Marvel vs. Capcom.
The Rumor Mill
Rumors of Arcade1Up's demise started to spread following an email shared on social media, suggesting that the company was closing its doors. The email hinted at an uncertain future for the brand. However, since then, whispers of a potential acquisition by Basic Fun have started to reverberate in the gaming community. While there's no official confirmation yet, the departure of Arcade1Up's SVP of Licensing, Cyrus Rosenberg, to Basic Fun three months ago adds fuel to the speculative fire.
What Does This Mean for Arcade Fans?
Should these rumors prove true, it opens up a world of possibilities and questions for arcade enthusiasts. Basic Fun, also a major player in the world of coin-op replicas, could potentially bring a fresh perspective to Arcade1Up's lineup. The question remains, however, on how this would impact Arcade1Up's existing licensing agreements with major gaming names and consequently, their product offerings.
What's Next?
For now, the future of Arcade1Up hangs in the balance. While the rumor mill continues to churn, fans eagerly await an official statement from either Arcade1Up or Basic Fun. Meanwhile, Code Mystics, a company that has worked with Arcade1Up in the past, has released a statement outlining what will happen should Arcade1Up close and its online servers be turned off. As we stay tuned for further developments, it's clear that this game is far from over.