If you grew up in Canada throughout the 1980s and 1990s, there’s a strong chance you’ll know all about the mall arcade culture of that time. You’ll have memories of walking into these arcades in awe as the flashing cabinets, digital sound effects and smiling youngsters created an experience you’d never had before. Going to the mall with your friends or family was no longer just about shopping. It was to hang out, enjoy battles on the latest machines and to have the time of your life.

Shopping Malls Became Entertainment Destinations

It was during the 1980s that Canadian malls began to become more than just retail hubs. Malls began to feature more entertainment options, which not only complemented the many shops around, but also gave shoppers something else for them or their children to do. In between stops at different stores, families could watch movies, eat at fast-food restaurants, and spend time in arcades.

Ultimately, establishments such as the West Edmonton Mall, which opened in 1981, continued to expand to become entertainment hubs rather than just a great place to go shopping.

Another factor that contributed to malls becoming entertainment centers was the Canadian climate, or more specifically, the long Canadian winters. As everything was under one roof, families no longer had to contend with the weather when moving between shops and entertainment activities. They merely had to brave the cold to get to the mall and when travelling home.

Why Arcades Flourished in Canadian Malls

As Canadian malls would attract a constant stream of visitors, whether they were there to shop, hang around with friends or watch a movie, it is understandable that arcades would also flourish. They were the perfect place for families to leave their children in a supervised area while shopping, and they would always attract teenagers and younger adults during their off time from school and work.

The business model was also simple, while also being affordable for customers. It only took a few coins for players to enjoy a short burst of entertainment. There was no need to make reservations or to have any special equipment. You’d just turn up, put your loose change in a coin slot and start playing.

In short, arcade malls were a great complement to other attractions and would even become the main attraction for some mall goers.

Arcades as Teenage Social Spaces

For many young Canadians, the mall arcades became a primary hangout. They’d gather after school even if they weren’t going to play themselves. Groups would spend time together, watch others go for record scores and discuss strategies.

It was par for the course that the competitive nature of these games would also lead to challenges regularly being offered and accepted. Whether it was going for top scores in single-player cabinets or going against each other on head-to-head, players would compete for bragging rights. Reputations were created and destroyed in these challenges, which often drew large crowds of spectators.

Many Canadians who used to frequent mall arcades are likely to recall some of the different chains that used to provide the games. For instance, Wizard’s Castle used to be a popular brand during the 80s and 90s, with it featuring in a number of the country’s malls at the time.

The Games and Business Model Behind the Boom

The arcade experience consistently evolved for players throughout the 80s and 90s. Initially, it was score-based games like Pac-Man (1980) and Donkey Kong (1981) that drew the crowds. But as hardware, software, and, as a result, graphics evolved, those titles gave way to more visually pleasing fighting games, racing simulators and larger multiplier-style gaming cabinets. Street Fighter 2 (1991) and Mortal Kombat (1992), in particular, were standout titles of the time.

As for the business model, it was fairly straightforward. So as long as operators regularly brought in the latest gaming machines, fans of arcade games would always come.

This was even true when the earliest home consoles came out, as these machines had more powerful hardware. The cabinets and screens were larger, while they also featured surround sound, better graphics, and specialized control devices such as steering wheels and light guns.

Why Mall Arcades Declined

That technological gap over home consoles would eventually close, however, and it was at that point that arcade gaming began to decline. As more young adults had access to more sophisticated home systems, they didn’t have the same need to venture away from home for their gaming experiences, even considering the more social atmosphere found in the arcades.

On top of bringing in fewer customers, many establishments struggled with increasing rent and the growing popularity of other mall-based entertainment options, such as laser tag. Despite many arcades coming up with special competitions or promotions in an attempt to drum up custom, eventually it became clear arcades were no longer the viable business options they were.

The Lasting Influence on Canadian Gaming Culture

The mall arcade gaming era will certainly remain in the memories of those around to witness it. For many youngsters, nothing was more exciting than a trip to the mall, whether with family or friends. The games were fun and competitive, the environment helped create new friendships and the stories of high scores and challenge winners swept through local Canadian towns and cities.

In short, long before the internet arrived and online gaming became as big as it is today, these were the very first gaming communities. Furthermore, despite the eventual closure of the majority of mall arcades, their influence on Canadian gaming history remains to this day. There are countless retro arcade events held across the country, numerous collectors snapping up old machines and a large number of online groups who continue to celebrate the era today.