We continuously witness evolution of technology pertaining to hardcore graphic systems capable of rendering movie like graphics. Quite ironically, online arcade gaming has successfully weathered such changes.

One main contirbuting factor to such a success is the presence of a large number, all over the internet, of dedicated communities that support arcade games. These communities conduct tournaments which carry big ticket prizes, for arcade games at regular intervals.

For example, Xbox Live organized a Pac-man championship in first half of year 2007 in New York. At stake were

* one of a kind Pac-man inspired Xbox 360 console
* 100,000 Microsoft points
* Pac-Man Live Arcade Trophy

There were nine finalists from nine geographical zones namely Japan, USA, Europe, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Canada and Mexico. Criteria for selection was scores of Xbox LIVE Arcade leader box.

You will be surprised to know that each of these communities is a well-knit unit and all the communities compete game genres as a single entity. Massive growth in the penetration of Internet has brought about a similar growth in the number of such communities. Another factor is the rise of a huge number of multi-player arcade games.

In a way, arcade games look like they are from another era, given the advances in gaming technology. Unless arcade gaming communities stay united, they will find it extremely difficult to survive intense competition.

Interestingly, we find that consoles and hand hled devices are populated with arcade titles in big numbers. It could also be a reason for the growth in the number of arcade communities.

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