Why I’m So Passionate About Indie Arcade Games

Here’s a word you’ve heard from me a million times before: indie.

I’m a sole proprietor, so you could say what I do with Wilcox Arcade is “indie” in nature. Beyond that surface level appraisal, I’ve also been keenly dedicated to providing greater access to “indie” arcade games here in western Kentucky.

Now, what is an indie arcade game, you may ask? Well, the definition itself is pretty straightforward — as, just like any other form of media, the “indie” label designates those projects which were produced by an independent artist or team, rather than a large company or corporation — but what specific titles qualify as indie could vary from person to person.

In my case, I’ve so far purchased Switch ’N’ Shoot, Galactic Battleground, and The Spectre Files: Deathstalker. Each of these releases is incredibly niche, and they were developed by (to my knowledge) groups of no more than four individuals. In other words, they’re about as indie as can be.

That begs the follow-up question: Why on Earth do I care so much about indie products — prioritizing one of those over something of greater scope from, say, Raw Thrills?

Admittedly, one factor that has drawn me toward these offbeat games is how much cheaper they are than “AAA” offerings from the big boys in the industry. While the latest Sega joint might require a burdensome $15,000, an indie equivalent could start at a more manageable $4,000. You tell me which one you’d pick at 24 years old.

What’s benefitted me even more, thus far, is that I’ve acquired all three of my indie machines in used condition — not to suggest I will do so forever — meaning they’ve come my way even cheaper than the MSRP. Better yet, I’ve had no ethical qualms about purchasing second-hand because…well, the second hand in question has been the game developer themselves — at least in the first two instances — and an independent venue owner on the third go around.

It’s a lot like the age-old mantra of “local supporting local,” with all us little guys are helping each other out in one way or another. (See the “Indie Arcade Wave” podcast for a living, breathing example of this phenomenon.) On my side of the equation, I get to honestly I proclaim I operate modern-day cabinets without breaking the proverbial bank.

Beyond that, I tend to prefer the gameplay styles being peddled by indie developers. As much as I adore drivers and shooters, it feels like those two genres are practically all we get from the major manufacturers. Yes, I’m painting in pretty broad strokes here — but I think you get what I mean. The variety to come out of the indie scene, particularly as it pertains to joystick-based games, is more or less unparalleled within the scope of this industry.

The unique nature of these releases makes for a fine marketing on my part: I often can say I operate the only “x” in western Kentucky, or I can hype up how different these experiences can be. The caveat, of course, is that I must explicitly inform everyone exactly what makes said releases so special in the first place, because typically, very few people have even heard of them in this area.

I essentially advertise these things like I personally made them — to the point that some people erroneously think I did — but that’s merely a testament to how much they mean to me.

At the end of the day, the legwork required to make an indie arcade game a hit is absolutely worth it to me; I’m just that freaking passionate about these things. Hopefully, you, the players, recognize that passion and give those games a fair shake as a result.

More indie titles are on the way from Wilcox Arcade — I’m eyeing Perfect Pour and Crab Volleyball, to name two examples — but you’ll need to bear with me while I make it all happen. Like I said, I’m 24 — not an excuse, just reality.

If you’re in any way interested in the oddball stuff I’ve name-dropped in this here article, please consider following Wilcox Arcade on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. That way, you’ll know precisely when each indie game is on its way to our commonwealth.

That’s all for today. Keep it real, ya sweaty nerds.