Readers of a certain age will remember the tactile thrills of the arcade: putting quarters into the slots, grabbing throttles, and mashing buttons. For many kids, arcades were a way to pass the hours, and lose your allowance very quickly. But for some, it became a way of life, and those arcades something like a second home. And the upcoming documentary “The Lost Arcade” takes a look back at the establishments that have faded into memory, and one that remains standing strong.
Directed by Kurt Vincent, the film explores the historic video game institutions of New York City, some of which have become corporate branded entertainment venues, and also puts the focus on the legendary Chinatown Fair on Mott Street, one of the last spaces exhibiting old-school arcade culture. Since the 1940s, Chinatown Fair has survived almost every cultural change imaginable, and the shifting face of the city, to remain a haven for video game lovers from all over. But as you’ll see in this exclusive clip from the film, this is more than just finding a place to play games with like-minded friends — sometimes, an arcade can change someone’s life.
Check out the exclusive clip and poster for the film below. “The Lost Arcade” opens in limited release on August 12th.