Arcade Press

Dr. Tom Boellstorff, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, has studied digital environments and human identity for decades. My interest in how identity is shaped by and through digital media and gaming naturally led me to Tom, whose work exists at the intersection of gender, race, technology, media, and material culture. I initially learned about him through his acclaimed research into virtual worlds like Second Life. Tom's most recent book, Intellivision: How a Video Game System Battled Atari and Almost Bankrupted Barbie, explores the rise and fall of Intellivision and Mattel's foray into the gaming industry. It also examines Mattel’s marketing strategies as well as the blurring of work and play in the early video game industry of the late 1970s and early 1980s.Join Tom and me as we discuss the intersectionality of his research, his recent book on Intellivision, digital economies, the metaverse, and his upcoming project about climate change.We hope you enjoy this conversation about the evolving role of technology in shaping human identity. Please share it if you find it engaging!Click here for information about the documentary Virtual Cultures in Pandemic Times.Click here for the documentary Our Digital Selves (about my research on disability in virtual worlds).Click here for the Indonesian translation of The Gay Archipelago. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

Victor Alonso, a Spanish photographer and arcade enthusiast, is preserving a vanishing cultural legacy through his groundbreaking work. In a recent Arcade Press interview, Alonso shared insights into his passion for arcades and photography, which intersect beautifully in his latest book, The Last Game Centers. This project documents the decline of traditional Japanese arcades, capturing their nostalgic essence before they disappear entirely.A dedicated community builder, Alonso manages Akiba, his game center in Valladolid, Spain, where enthusiasts gather weekly to play titles like Super Street Fighter 2X. This space reflects his admiration for Japanese arcade aesthetics while adding modern, artistic touches like ambient lighting.Alonso's photography journey began with urban and street photography in Japan, and his work has since been exhibited globally. His projects, including Tokyo Nights and The Last Game Centers, explore themes of nostalgia, decay, and architectural beauty. His website, VictorAlonso.es, showcases his rich portfolio and latest projects.With an eye on the future, Alonso is launching an international edition of his book and preparing for a Los Angeles exhibition. He continues to inspire through his dedication to capturing and celebrating arcade culture. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

Lang Tien, known as Yagami in the fighting game community, is a Singaporean player, commentator, and community builder whose journey embodies resilience and introspection. In a recent Arcade Press interview, Yagami reflected on his path from mastering Street Fighter as a youth to stepping away for a decade to focus on personal challenges, including his time as a pastor. The pandemic reignited his passion, leading him to return to competition and foster connections within the community. Yagami views fighting games as a mirror, emphasizing growth, empathy, and connection over wins, with his philosophy rooted in self-awareness and spiritual grounding.A leader in Southeast Asia’s FGC, Yagami is determined to spotlight underrepresented players and foster unity across the linguistically and economically diverse region. With EVO 2026 heading to Singapore, he sees an opportunity to showcase Southeast Asia as a cohesive and competitive force. Yagami’s dedication to elevating others and preserving the artistry of arcade culture cements his role as a visionary advocate in the global FGC. Listen to the full interview above. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

In this episode of Arcade Press, we sit down with Demetrius, also known as "Dee All The Way," to discuss the latest in fighting games and gaming culture. From his thoughts on Tekken 8’s evolving mechanics to Virtua Fighter 6’s potential impact on esports, Demetrius shares his unique perspective on where the Fighting Game Community (FGC) is headed.We also explore his journey as a content creator, his strategy for breaking away from traditional niches, and his plans for creating more diverse and impactful content in 2025. Whether you're a fan of Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, or just passionate about gaming culture, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Catch the full episode now to hear Demetrius’ take on the state of gaming, the importance of community, and why he believes 2025 will be a defining year for content creators and the FGC. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

Dr. B Galaxy B is a name synonymous with competitive gaming excellence. As a longtime figure in the fighting game community (FGC), he has competed at the highest levels, earning accolades at premier tournaments like EVO, Combo Breaker, and Defend the North. In this interview, Dr. B provides a clear and insightful look into his career, his approach to competition, and his role as a leader in the gaming world. He is also one of the most successful fighting game players of all time. Dr. B discusses the discipline and strategy behind his longevity in the scene, attributing his success to trial, error, and consistent dedication. His passion extends beyond the arcade, blending seamlessly into music, fashion, and cultural outreach. This multifaceted approach reflects his commitment to representing the gaming community in broader cultural spaces.The conversation also highlights his advocacy for inclusivity and growth within the FGC, inspiring new players while maintaining his focus on retro games and their preservation. His ability to balance competitive gaming with creative pursuits solidifies his status as a key figure in the intersection of gaming and culture.For those invested in the FGC or interested in the broader influence of arcade culture, this interview is essential. Dr. B’s perspective offers valuable insights into the discipline, innovation, and community impact that define competitive gaming today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

In this exclusive Arcade Press interview, we sat down with the legendary Perfect Legend, a multi-time EVO champion and pioneer of the Fighting Game Community (FGC). Reflecting on his career, he highlighted not only his competitive accolades but also his impact as a mentor, content creator, and one of the early Twitch streamers in the fighting game scene. “Winning EVO cements you in history, but influencing the community is what truly matters,” he shared.Perfect Legend discussed the evolving nature of fighting games, sharing his excitement for titles like Virtua Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, while debunking common misconceptions about what makes a game "competitive." He emphasized the importance of community-driven growth and maintaining the unique culture of the FGC. As he looks ahead to 2025, his focus is clear: continue pushing the scene forward through events, innovation, and a deep love for the games.🎧 Catch the full interview above on Arcade Press for an inspiring dive into Perfect Legend’s journey, insights, and his vision for the future of fighting games. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

In the latest episode of Arcade Press, host Ram, Arcade Future sits down with the extraordinary Book, a professional Thai Tekken player and an EVO champion. Known for his mastery of Jin Kazama in Tekken 7 and Ken in Street Fighter 6, Book shares his journey from playing Tekken in arcades as a young boy to dominating international tournaments. His recent victories, including first place in both Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8 at a Bangkok tournament, Fighting Frenzy. Book shares his unparalleled skill and dedication to the fighting game community.Listen to Book's insights into the competitive world of esports, his strategic mastery of multiple fighting games, and his experiences representing Thailand on the global stage. Book's humble beginnings, disciplined approach to gaming, and his ability to excel in both Tekken and Street Fighter are inspiring. Tune in to this fascinating conversation on Arcade Press to hear more about Book's incredible journey and his vision for the future of competitive gaming. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

(Full Transcript Available)Welcome to a great conversation that transcends borders and brings together two passionate Street Fighter 6 players from diverse corners of the globe. In this impromptu interview, we meet Roxas, hailing from Russia, and Jack Stilo, representing Syria, as they share their unique insights on the vibrant world of competitive gaming. Amidst the backdrop of Malaysia's FV Major event, these players reveal their love for Street Fighter, their hopes for the future of fighting games, and their experiences as international competitors. Join us as we dive into the global arena of esports and explore the dreams and aspirations of these two dedicated fighters. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

We caught up with Jiyuna at FVMajor 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He graciously agreed to provide us with a brief interview and share his overall impressions on the current state of fighting games, his time in Malaysia, and ongoing projects. (Interview above)Jiyuna, a prominent figure in fighting game content and a resident of Japan, offered valuable insights during our conversation, shedding light on his areas of enthusiasm.During the interview, Jiyuna mentioned his weekly event at Redbull Gaming Studio called Tatakai Tuesday. If you happen to be in Tokyo, make sure to drop by and hangout. In the meantime, enjoy some event footage below. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

We had the incredible opportunity to meet the renowned FGC legend, Mike Ross, during our time at FV Major 2023 in Malaysia. We wanted to gain some insight into his vision for the future of the Fighting Game Community (FGC), so we asked him a couple questions at the tournament. You can catch the complete brief interview above and be sure to keep an eye out for future updates. Additionally, don't miss out on exploring other dope projects by Mike Ross/Versus Vortex listed below: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

[listen to the full interview above]In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Ryan Hart, a five-time Guinness World Record holder and multiple world champion, shared his insights on the world of esports and fight-based video games. Known as one of the godfathers of esports, Hart's journey began in the 1990s with Street Fighter and led him to numerous championships and accolades.Hart describes gaming as "like a musical instrument," emphasizing the importance of mental strategy, cunning, and skill in his battles. He also opened up about the intense rivalries within the gaming world, likening them to those in boxing or UFC.From a difficult upbringing to a career in esports, Hart's story is both inspiring and eye-opening. Today, he is a Twitch partner, commentator, pro player, and Creative Production Editor at ESL, the world's largest esports organization.Don't miss the full story and the exclusive audio clip on Arcade Press! Dive into Ryan Hart's world and learn about his unique perspective on gaming and the parallels between esports and traditional sports.🎧 Listen to the full audio clip here above Read the full article and discover the legend of Ryan Hart This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

Listen to one of our best interviews yet!Fabricator and inventor Kenny Vang talks with Arcade Press about the life journey that brought him to make a brand new Arcade Controller format for fighting games. Kenny tells his story— using gaming as an escape from abuse as a child being locked in a cellar by his mother; he found his solitude in gaming; he started learning how to take things apart at an early age and would sneak to play games. Kenny eventually studied art and taught himself how to build arcades and develop his own games. Kenny even made a Mayweather vs Pacquiao video game and a Conan o Brien Gameboy title that Kenny gifted to Conan in Chicago. “The only way you can have a peace of mind is that you forgive.” - Kenny Vang“If you don’t know your mother or your father…you still have to forgive them..”check out the full interview above. The VANG PRO PAD will be released to the world soon. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

Dee (Dee all the way G!) is a youtuber and avid Fighting game enthusiast. He plays many games and has a strong, no-filter approach to creating content and sharing his opinion. I found his approach to making fighting game content interesting and refreshing and he seemed like someone that I would have a really good conversation with. I was right that we’d have a great conversation and we talked about the impact fighting games have on culture as well as the current state of the FGC. Check out the interview above or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Get to know the player. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

I recently got a chance to catch up with one of the biggest Tekken fans I know— he plays Zafina and is an avid Tekken Music fan. . His name is Will Smith but he goes by DrLegendI (you can catch out his twitch channel where he streams weekly) He’s got a Tekken tattoo and has been playing Tekken since he was 5 years old. Will and I connected over our passion for Tekken so we decided to sit down for a casual conversation to discuss Street Fighter 6, a possible Tekken 8, and a few of his favorite Tekken records. Check out the interview above or on your favorite podcast platform. Want to read more of our music-related articles on Arcade Press? ⤵ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

[note: podcast episode contains some profanity]Christian Davis is the owner of critically acclaimed LA resturaunt Flavors from Afar, a restaurant with a good cause. About: Flavors From Afar * Food with a cause supporting refugees* Each month,They select an asylum seeker to be featured and work directly with the resturaunt’s head chef to create a cutlurally authentic, restaurant-quality menu. * Each featured chef is given work experience and a portion of the sales. Even though he may appear to have his hands full in the food business, Christian also makes time to lead the new lifestyle brand Official S Tier. They’ve made a ton of buzz by releasing limited edition gaming-inspired rugs. Naturally, Arcade Press is a big fan of S tier projects and we’re glad to see that they’ve gotten praise and co-signs from some of the biggest personalities and publications in gaming. We even covered them during their Marvel Vs Capcom 2 drop and it become one of our most viewed articles. ⤵Here at S-Tier we have an emphasis on high quality products based around the arcade era and video game industry.The items you’ll find here are NOT novelty.They will be made to last so you’re proud to own them, display them and use them.Thanks for hanging with us.-Official S Tier Listen to the full interview above! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

Arkhaives at Midnight is one of the coolest creators on the entire youtube. He is also criminally underrated. A lot of his work focuses on Arcadism, Fighting Games, Pop Culture, and it’s all edited in a really cool, subversive, punk style. This conversation is just part one in a series where we get to know the creator behind the AAM platform. [This is a brief guide to the AAM youtube channel.]First and foremost, AAM recommends living with and watching his longform- digital “DVD”series. Enjoy the conversation and take a deep dive into the AAM collection. AAM: ARCADISM PLAYLIST This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

QueenArrow; the law school graduate and Tekken champ is a friend of Arcade Press— we interviewed her before in print— but this time we chat with her for our podcast. [listen above]In this interview, She goes into detail about her experience being an introvert in the gaming community and what the future looks like for the globalization of esports and fighting games. A true inspiration. Enjoy The first episode of Season 2!! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

While celebrating 50 years of Computer space and the legacy of Atari, Arcade Press has been very fortunate to have a free-form conversation with the one and only Nolan Bushnell. Nolan is a serial entrepreneur and inventor responsible for Atari and Chuck E Cheese (among many other profitable, industry-shifting ventures).In Conversation: Nolan talks with us about VR, AR, Crypto, NFTs, films, gaming history, the coin-op/ mafia connection, and the value of staying humble. “This whole idea of the state versus the individual is going to be playing out very aggressively in the next 20 years… and it’ll be interesting to see who wins….” -Nolan Bushnell Listen to the full interview above. Thank you for supporting Arcade Press. A special thank you to Polycade, Arkhaives at Midnight, and Mr. Nolan Bushnell. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

Continuing our exploration into the 90s gaming empire that was Midway, we knew we had to get in touch with the guy who wrote the book on NBA JAM. In 2019, Reyan Ali (with Boss Fight Books) penned the definitive dive into everything that is NBA Jam. Released in 1993 and best known for its gravity-defying dunks and world-famous “Boomshakalaka!” voice by the unforgettable Tim Kitzkrow. If you love the 90s and the NBA, then you know all about NBA Jam. Enjoy our conversation with the man who investigated the whole story about an incredible game that changed pop culture forever… Please sit back and enjoy our discussion about Arcades, pop culture, and of course, NBA Jam.When NBA Jam dunked its way into arcades in 1993, players discovered just how fun basketball can be when freed from rules, refs, and gravity itself. But just a few years after Midway's billion-dollar hit conquered the world, Midway, publisher Acclaim, and video arcades themselves fell off the map. How did a simple two-on-two basketball game become MVP of the arcade, and how did this champ lose its title?Journalist Reyan Ali dives deep into the saga, tracking the people and decisions that shaped the series. You'll get to know mischievous Jam architect Mark Turmell, go inside Midway's Chicago office where hungry young talent tapped into cutting-edge tech, and explore the sequels, spin-offs, and tributes that came in the game's wake…. - NBA JAM [Amazon] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

Everyone knows that Tekken doesn’t actually teach you how to play the game, but in 2009, Reepal “Rip” Parbhoo started making insanely detailed Tekken 6 tutorials. With the help of hosts Aldrin "TRUE!" Espinosa and Michael "MYK" Kwon the “Level Up Your Game” Imprint was born. “Level Up Your Game” (LUYG) started as a youtube series where several hosts would gather around a desk to talk about the fundamentals of Tekken titles. LUYG even added special guest hosts to evolve the discourse around advanced techniques in Tekken.As the series and the technology around it proved to be taxing, Reepal discovered new ways to provide the same level of high-quality content to Tekken fans worldwide. From competing as the infamous Marshall Law (a fighter obviously inspired by legendary martial artist Bruce Lee) to commentating and leading the pack in Tekken content creation, the LUYG imprint has maintained a strong presence over the decade. Rip himself has dedicated countless hours to the Tekken community, whether it’s placing top 8 at EVO, live streaming his matches, or the ongoing, fan-favorite BOOMcast podcast series where he discusses everything Tekken with some of the best players in the game. OG “LUYG” logo Check out the exclusive and in-depth interview with the only Rip as we learn about his Arcade genesis, his first experience with Tekken, and his love for the 1999 FPS classic Quake 3 Arena. + hear his predictions for the future of the Tekken franchise. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com