Namco Bandai Holdings has said it will close between 50 and 60, or roughly one-fifth of its arcades. "A lot of the types of games that people played at an arcade can now be done at home," said a spokesman.
Wii seems to be being blamed more than the likes of PS3 and 360, especially with titles such as Wii Fit. A Reuters report suggests that it's not just the fact that console games are so good these days, it's also down to the fact that people would rather save their money for new games.
Oil prices are also having the finger of blame point prodding them as Japanese families, looking to save on gasoline, cut back on trips to shopping malls where the family-oriented arcades are waiting to guzzle your loose change.
For us it's not about oil prices or how awesome out home set up is these days, it's purely down to the fact that a go on the new After Burner arcade game will set you back two quid!
That and the tramps that hang out near the Trocadero.