BUSINESS FEATURE Arcade UFO Games oer authentic play, like-minded community W hen the owner of Arcade UFO decided to sell the business in 2017, three arcade lovers used the opportunity to invest in Austin’s only Japanese and Korean-style arcade. Located at 9029 Research Blvd., Ste. 100, Austin, Arcade UFO is an arcade in North Austin dedicated to providing the local gaming community with access to ghting, racing and rhythm arcade games imported from Japan and Korea. Original owner Ryan Harvey opened the arcade in 2008 in Central Austin, but the business moved to North Austin in December for more space and a newer building, co-owner Rob Campbell said. While the arcade oers a variety of games to cus- tomers, ghting games such as Tekken and Guilty Gear provide a particular draw for arcade-goers, co-owner James Taylor said. “The ghting game community is a big part,” Taylor said. “I would say that’s kind of what started this place.” The arcade oers weekly gatherings for dierent games. Playing in person creates the most realistic and accurate experience for players by avoiding lag between button presses and movement on screen, which can happen with online play, Campbell said. In addition to ghting games, the arcade oers rhythm games, which allow players to hit music notes on the screen with a variety of controllers. “A lot of the rhythm games in particular also have expensive or bulky controllers that people don’t want to buy for themselves, so this is where they can come to play,” co-owner Matt Laux said. Although much of its activities are centered around competition, the gaming community is what makes this arcade special, Campbell said. “Competition is at the core of it, but the fact that you can have this very supportive, open and friendly community centered around competition is a really neat thing,” Campbell said. BY GRACE DICKENS
IN THE GROOVE Arcade UFO oers several types of rhythm games, from guitar and drum simulators to Dance Dance Revolution equivalents. Here are some of the rhythm games available:
Arcade UFO relocated from Central to North Austin in December.
PHOTOS BY GRACE DICKENSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
GuitarFreaks: This Japanese rhythm game allows players to hit notes using an electric guitar controller.
DrumMania : Players use drumsticks to hit notes in this electronic drums rhythm game.
Pop’n Music : Arcade buttons and bright colors allow players to jam along to upbeat tunes.
Arcade UFO 9029 Research Blvd., Ste. 100, Austin 512-380-1725 www.arcadeufo.com Hours: Mon.-Thu. 6 p.m.-midnight, Fri.-Sat. 1 p.m.-2 a.m., Sun. 1 p.m.-midnight
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From left: James Taylor, Rob Campbell and Matt Laux are co-owners of Arcade UFO.
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