Game On: Chicago’s Influence

Alright, let’s dive into the arcade scene, starting with our neighbor, Chicago. Back in the '70s, the Windy City was the ultimate arcade capital of the U.S. Think of it as the birthplace of all things pinball and arcade, just like Detroit is for cars. Major players like Chicago Coin, Gottlieb, Williams, Bally, and Midway Studios kicked off their journeys here. And guess what? Even today, epic gaming companies like NetherRealm Studios (you know, Mortal Kombat) and Babaroga (SimCity) call Chicago home.

Fast forward to now, and Chicago is still the arcade hot spot! Thanks to legends like Daniel Pesina, Doc Mack at Galloping Ghost, and the Chicago Fighting Game Community, the arcade vibe is alive and thriving. It’s all about that chill community feel where you can hang out with friends, game together, and appreciate the art behind the arcade machines.

Now, being so close to Chicago has seriously boosted Indy’s gaming scene. We’re like a satellite for all the cool arcade energy! The gaming crowd here is strong—just look at Gen Con, the Indy FGC, and the recent arcade revival. At Boss Battle Games, we’ve totally soaked up that inspiration. When we were dreaming up our store, we’d hit up our Chicago connections for tips on how to create the ultimate '80s arcade experience.

We’ve picked up a bunch of our games from Illinois and made some amazing connections along the way. If you ever swing by for a party or a tournament, check out our autograph wall—it’s got some epic signatures from some of the coolest folks in the industry. It feels awesome knowing that BBG has the stamp of approval from so many legends!

So whether you're in Chicago or Indy, let’s keep this arcade love going strong. The game isn’t just about playing; it’s about community, creativity, and a whole lot of fun!