Arcade Infinity, the Final Round: Video Game Hot Spot Closes

By Dianne Garcia Thu., Mar. 3 2011 at 12:41 PM

At first glance Arcade Infinity seemed nothing more than a noisy and dimly-lit hole in the wall room full of obscure Japanese arcade machines. In truth, Arcade Infinity at Diamond Plaza in Rowland Heights was the heart and core of the gaming community in Southern California for more than a decade.

Dianne Garcia

Saturday February 26 was the last day the arcade would open its doors before closing permanently. A large crowd filled the small space leaving hardly any room to maneuver down its narrow aisles. Many came to play their final tokens and to say goodbye. A mixture of economic hardship and leasing contract difficulties led to the arcade's unfortunate demise. This is a hard hit for many of its loyal customers. It is a place that has been referred to as legendary, not only by local arcade aficionados, but fans across the country.

Dianne Garcia

"It's one of the last arcades around," said Ben Hino, who drove all the way from San Diego to visit the arcade one final time.

He commented, "It promoted people to be social in a physical sense, unlike if you are playing on your home console. You're playing across electronic lines. You don't get to meet friends."

Aaron Blean, Jet and Andy Piepho are great examples of what kind of social outlet Arcade Infinity had provided its patrons. The three have been hanging out at Arcade Infinity for the little over the ten years that it has been open.

Jet said, "Just coming here and getting to meet and greet with all the skilled players, it makes you grow as a person and as a player. The place has its own charm and the environment is so intimate that you just can't help but get to know other people."

Dianne Garcia

Blean pointed out the huge crowd present that night, how they're playing on machines that will be gone the next day, and how all these people were a "collective of over ten years of people's lives coming to this place. Almost like a high school reunion."

He added, "It's not just about the games, it's about making friends."

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Atilla

Kinda sad that i've only stumbled upon this article today. I used to frequent this place n' practice with some very close friends who were pretty talented. Like many people who were interviewed, this place was a huge part of my past. I spent countless hours here along with "rival" arcades, not just playing video games but hanging out with friends, both old and new. I've always felt that certain places like this were important to many because it helped them find a place to exist when they didn't know where they wanted to be. Many thanks to the owners and to the gamers for the memories. Long Live AI

Toby Na Nakhorn

Great article. Funland recently shut in London, the biggest arcade in Europe. It's a long read, but I wrote a post here:

http://www.facebook.com/note.p...

Rbrtchng

I still can't believe it's gone! It's the end of a legend, but legends never end.

Dannypnny

I think its funny that they didn't even get the right day that it closed!

Space Pirate Queen

Well, I'm pretty sure I was there with everyone doing interviews on the last night that it was opened, sooooooooooooooooooooooooo... funny?!?! :) Don't be bitter that I didn't interview you!

Zoemus

Any other decent arcades around in Southern Calif?

Space Pirate Queen

Nothing quite like Arcade Infinity, but you can check out Round 1 in Puente Hills Mall. It has an okay collection of Japanese machines.

Devilsephiroth

I don't think I went there enough, parking was difficult, japanese and their late night boba addictions made it impossible to park my S 2000 between a skyline r34, and 3rd gen rx-7.

klimas

its marvel vs capcom 3, not capcom vs marvel 3.

that alone is pathetic

Space Pirate Queen

1 Like

My boyfriend said the same thing. Minus the calling me pathetic part. Which is why he's got a girlfriend still. But I thought Capcom Vs. Marvel sounded better anyways!

Amanda

1 Like

So, you can't suggest a correction without being rude about it? I bet you feel really cool right now!

TimC

I haven't been there in a long time, but I used to make the trek up from San Diego just to play the bugged-out games I couldn't find anywhere else. AI forever!