Welcome to our Coin-Operated Glossary! Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just getting started, this guide provides clear definitions of key terms related to coin-operated machines. Get ready to explore the world of arcade games, vending machines, and more with ease and confidence!
An arcade bezel is a decorative frame or border that surrounds the display screen of an arcade machine. It serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, enhancing the visual appeal of the game and protecting the edges of the monitor or screen from damage. Bezel designs often feature artwork, logos, or thematic graphics related to the specific arcade game, contributing to the overall immersive experience for players.
An arcade cabinet is a specialized piece of gaming hardware designed to house and display arcade-style video games. It typically consists of a sturdy wooden or metal enclosure that contains the game’s electronics, a screen (monitor or CRT), controls such as joysticks, buttons, and sometimes a steering wheel or trackball, along with coin slots or payment mechanisms. Arcade cabinets are commonly found in arcades, entertainment centers, and gaming venues, offering an immersive and dedicated environment for playing arcade games.
An arcade coin mechanism is a device used in arcade machines to validate and accept coins or tokens as payment. It typically consists of a coin slot, a coin path, and internal sensors or switches that verify the authenticity and denomination of inserted coins. Upon successful validation, the mechanism triggers the machine to start or credit the player's account. These mechanisms are essential for managing transactions, ensuring fair play, and preventing fraud in arcade gaming environments.
An arcade control panel is a physical interface used to operate arcade games. It typically consists of buttons, joysticks, and other input devices mounted on a panel that players interact with to control gameplay. These control panels can be customized or built for arcade machines, home arcade setups, or emulators, and are designed to replicate the feel and functionality of traditional arcade cabinets.
An arcade game board, also known as a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), is the electronic hardware that hosts and runs an arcade game's software. It typically includes components such as a microprocessor or microcontroller, memory chips, input/output interfaces, graphics and sound hardware, and power management circuits. The arcade game board connects to the game's display, controls, and other peripherals, enabling the game to run and interact with players. Different arcade game boards are designed for specific games or hardware architectures, and some are specialized for certain types of gameplay or visual effects.
Arcade JAMMA (Japanese Amusement Machinery Manufacturers Association) refers to a standardized wiring and connector system used in arcade game cabinets. Introduced in 1985, the JAMMA standard allows different arcade games to be easily compatible with a common wiring harness and interface, simplifying the process of swapping games and maintaining arcade machines.
Key features of JAMMA include:
- A standardized 56-pin edge connector that interfaces the game PCB (printed circuit board) with the cabinet's wiring.
- Compatibility across various arcade hardware, including video, audio, and control systems.
- Simplification of arcade cabinet manufacturing, maintenance, and game swapping.
In essence, JAMMA is a crucial industry standard that has helped streamline arcade game development and operation worldwide.
An arcade marquee is a decorative sign or panel positioned above or around an arcade game cabinet or machine. It typically displays the game's title, artwork, or branding, serving both as an eye-catching advertisement and as a visual identifier for the game. Marquees are often illuminated and are a distinctive feature of classic arcade setups, helping attract players and enhance the overall aesthetic of arcade environments.
An arcade monitor is a specialized display device used in arcade gaming machines. It is typically a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor designed for durability, high brightness, and fast response times to handle the fast-paced visuals of arcade games. Arcade monitors often have features such as adjustable geometry, high resolution, and vibrant color reproduction to enhance the gaming experience. They are built to withstand continuous use and are usually larger and more robust than standard consumer monitors.
In older arcade cabinets with CRT monitors, screen burn-in is a permanent impression of a static image "burned" into the display. It is caused by the non-uniform degradation of the CRT's phosphors, which are the materials that glow to create the picture.
How screen burn works on arcade CRTs
A CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) display works by firing a beam of electrons at a layer of phosphors on the inside of the glass screen.
Arcade side art refers to the decorative graphics or artwork applied to the sides of an arcade game cabinet. These graphics serve both an aesthetic and marketing purpose, attracting players and enhancing the visual appeal of the machine. Typically, arcade side art features vibrant colors, thematic images related to the game, branding, and artwork designed to make the cabinet stand out in an arcade environment. It can be original custom designs or reproductions of classic artwork from vintage arcade games.
Over the years, numerous genres and styles of games have emerged. From classic platformers and racing games to more recent music and rhythm games, there is an arcade game out there for everyone.
Action: Games that emphasize physical challenges, including hand-eye coordination, reflexes, and timing. Examples include fighting games, platformers, and beat 'em ups.
Shooter: Games where players control a character or vehicle that shoots at enemies or targets. This includes rail shooters, light gun games, and space shooters.
Platformer: Games focused on navigating environments by jumping between platforms, avoiding obstacles, and defeating enemies. Classic examples are games like "Donkey Kong" and "Mario Bros."
Puzzle: Games that challenge players' problem-solving skills through logic, pattern recognition, and strategic thinking. Examples include Tetris and Puzzle Bobble.
Racing: Games centered around vehicle racing, requiring players to compete against time or opponents. Examples include "Pole Position" and "Out Run."
Beat 'em Up: Side-scrolling action games where players fight waves of enemies using combat moves. Examples include "Double Dragon" and "Streets of Rage."
Sports: Arcade adaptations of real-world sports, often emphasizing quick gameplay and fun over realism. Examples include basketball and hockey arcade games.
Music & Rhythm: Games that require players to match beats or perform actions in sync with music. Examples include "Dance Dance Revolution" and "Guitar Hero."
Light Gun & Shooting: Games played with light guns or similar controllers, where players aim and shoot at targets on the screen. Examples include "Time Crisis" and "House of the Dead."
Multiplayer & Party: Games designed for multiple players, often with quick, accessible gameplay suitable for social settings.
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