ARCADE PRESS is a podcast and newsletter exploring arcades and gaming culture through Interviews.
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Dr. Tom Boellstorff: Intellivision and Gaming's Impact On Identity
Dr. Tom Boellstorff (https://faculty.sites.uci.edu/boellstorff/), a professor at the University of California, Irvine, has studied digital environments and human identity for decades. My interest in how identity is shaped by and through digital media and gaming naturally led me to Tom, whose work exists at the intersection of gender, race, technology, media, and material culture. I initially learned about him through his acclaimed research into virtual worlds like Second Life.
Tom's most recent book, Intellivision: How a Video Game System Battled Atari and Almost Bankrupted Barbie, explores the rise and fall of Intellivision and Mattel's foray into the gaming industry. It also examines Mattel’s marketing strategies as well as the blurring of work and play in the early video game industry of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Join Tom and me as we discuss the intersectionality of his research, his recent book on Intellivision, digital economies, the metaverse, and his upcoming project about climate change.
We hope you enjoy this conversation about the evolving role of technology in shaping human identity. Please share it if you find it engaging!
Click here (https://www.draxtor.com/virtualcultures) for information about the documentary Virtual Cultures in Pandemic Times.
Click here (https://youtu.be/GQw02-me0W4) for the documentary Our Digital Selves (about my research on disability in virtual worlds).
Click here (http://www.socsci.uci.edu/~tboellst/bio/Gay-Archipelago-bahasa-Indonesia.pdf) for the Indonesian translation of The Gay Archipelago.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com (https://arcadepress.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
14 Jan 2025
Victor Alonso: Capturing the Soul of Arcades
Victor Alonso (https://x.com/victoralonso_es), a Spanish photographer and arcade enthusiast, is preserving a vanishing cultural legacy through his groundbreaking work. In a recent Arcade Press interview, Alonso shared insights into his passion for arcades and photography, which intersect beautifully in his latest book, The Last Game Centers. This project documents the decline of traditional Japanese arcades, capturing their nostalgic essence before they disappear entirely.
A dedicated community builder, Alonso manages Akiba, his game center in Valladolid, Spain, where enthusiasts gather weekly to play titles like Super Street Fighter 2X. This space reflects his admiration for Japanese arcade aesthetics while adding modern, artistic touches like ambient lighting.
Alonso's photography journey began with urban and street photography in Japan, and his work has since been exhibited globally. His projects, including Tokyo Nights and The Last Game Centers, explore themes of nostalgia, decay, and architectural beauty. His website, VictorAlonso.es (http://victoralonso.es/), showcases his rich portfolio and latest projects.
With an eye on the future, Alonso is launching an international edition of his book and preparing for a Los Angeles exhibition. He continues to inspire through his dedication to capturing and celebrating arcade culture.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com (https://arcadepress.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
10 Jan 2025
Yagami: A Fighter's Philosophy and a Vision for Arcade Culture
Lang Tien, known as Yagami in the fighting game community, is a Singaporean player, commentator, and community builder whose journey embodies resilience and introspection. In a recent Arcade Press interview, Yagami reflected on his path from mastering Street Fighter as a youth to stepping away for a decade to focus on personal challenges, including his time as a pastor. The pandemic reignited his passion, leading him to return to competition and foster connections within the community. Yagami views fighting games as a mirror, emphasizing growth, empathy, and connection over wins, with his philosophy rooted in self-awareness and spiritual grounding.
A leader in Southeast Asia’s FGC, Yagami is determined to spotlight underrepresented players and foster unity across the linguistically and economically diverse region. With EVO 2026 heading to Singapore, he sees an opportunity to showcase Southeast Asia as a cohesive and competitive force. Yagami’s dedication to elevating others and preserving the artistry of arcade culture cements his role as a visionary advocate in the global FGC. Listen to the full interview above.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com (https://arcadepress.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
30
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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