Funspot: A Small Documentary on the World's Largest Video Game Arcade

A documentary on how Bob Lawton (Funspot) and Gary Vincent (American Classic Arcade Museum) shaped a small New Hampshire town into a 'spot' with the largest arcade in the world! With interviews from the founders and its patrons, hear about the history of arcades, the nostalgia of gaming, and the troubles of maintaining a business. Their hard work paid off in 2008 when Guiness World Records officially named Funspot the "Largest Arcade in the World".
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:21 - Starting Funspot
02:18 - Acquiring the First Location
03:48 - Acquiring the Second Location
05:11 - Building the Mini Gold Course
06:11 - Acquiring the Classic Games
08:42 - Acquiring the Last of the Games
11:07 - Creating the '86' Edition' Room
12:17 - Building the Kiddie Room and Bowling Alley
13:10 - Video Boom of the 1980's
14:09 - 1996 to Present Day
17:43 - Creating American Classic Arcade Museum
20:18 - The Life of an Arcade Game
22:40 - Computer Space
23:23 - Sea Skate on American Restoration
24:22 - The Gamers of Funspot
26:37 - Starting a Business
27:19 - Classic Game Tournament
29:10 - Growing up With Video Games
32:29 - Donors to ACAM
33:21 - Maintaining Equipment
35:15 - What is Your Favorite Game?
39:45 - Outro
43:45 - Credits

[@TaterRogers]

My and my best friend went there in 2011 as a bucket list trip. We grew up across the street from each other and frequented the local arcade until it closed. We spent 3 days in there and played dang near everything they had. We went in the off season so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. I lost my best friend Dec 5, 2020 and I sure am glad that we bit the bullet and took that trip. One of my fonest memories I'll cherish forever. There's a picture of us in my office from back in 1977 when we were cub scouts and I took a fun spot token and put it on the frame next to him. Kind of like we used to do when we were waiting to play a game and would put a quarter on the bezel to mark our spot in line. Thanks for doing this documentary. Bob is amazing. He actually sat down with us in the party room when he found out we came from across the country just to see Funspot and he answered any questions we had and even took us to what our favorite games were and we had our photo taken with him next to our favorite game.

[@PlasterofParisProductions]

Thanks for the heartwarming story, Tater! These interviews with Bob and Gary were filmed in the Winter of 2011. If we ran into you guys playing on the aracade cabinets, I'm sure I would have asked for a quick interview!🙂

[@sonsofthewestredwhiteblue5317]

Love you bro. 🙏🥰🇦🇺

[@eddstarr2185]

On November 11, 2021, Bob Lawton died at the age of 90. Funspot staff announced Lawton's death on social media: “With sad hearts we announce that our founder, Bob Lawton, has passed on. He died peacefully surrounded by family. He was 90 years old. Funspot will continue to offer family fun and will now be looked after by the next generation of Lawtons. R.I.P. Bob! 1931-2021. We’ll miss you." And I would like to add that the whole world will miss Bob Lawton.

[@_the_kekambas_]

RIP Mr. Bob Lawton, a true pioneer and leader in the Arcade Industry!!

[@lavawingsplays1627]

RIP Bob Lawton! Thank you for giving us FunSpot and devoting so much work to the beloved culture of gaming. Truly glad to be a resident of New Hampshire thanks to Bob's work.

[@DrGreenThumbNZL]

There is a potential Donkey Kong kill screen coming up if anyone is interested

[@lippy22]

Go away, Brian Kuh!

[@vegasmagicman]

LMAO

[@BA-vv4jy]

DrGreenThumbNZL Would you believe he's in the middle of a lady bug game... got a score goin.

[@rush437]

haha that will forever be that douche bags legacy

[@Flidays]

I see you have watched that documentary lol

[@JohnManTiki]

This place is such a rare gem. With all of the money hungry businesses out there, they've managed to remain a good value while still providing a great facility and a huge amount of games. Great work on this documentary! I'll be there next weekend and know the faces I need to thank now :)

[@gogereaver349]

its becouse they had the other busness to hold them. if they where just a arcade they would not have made it threw the 90s.

[@benlogan100]

"A kid's got to have a birthday party!" Amazingly generous owner. Great documentary!

[@dudegreg]

I agree, but if use of the room is free, how would you decide which kids get the use the room if there is ever more demand than there is supply? The free market helps us solve these types of dilemmas by having businesses charge enough money to keep the customer demand in line with the supply. After all, no kid can have a birthday party at an establishment that goes out of business due to incorrect pricing. Funspot for another 50 years! And then 100 more after that!

[@zannzabar5197]

I'd imagine that it's a reservation with a pre-determined time frame I used to work at a mom and pop arcade and while we did not have a party room,we did have tables and chairs that we were able to prop up and just asked that families call ahead a day in advance and schedule a time.No charge and they could bring in whatever food/drinks they wanted. The parents were going to be spending money anyway.It was more of a courtesy call that we asked for,just to prepare for it

[@jimandrews89]

a reservation smart ass

[@JockoV]

That legitimately brought a tear to my eye 🥲 That is so wholesome and sweet. He's like a real life Santa Claus 😊

[@kq7082]

"I don't care if they don't spend a cent."

[@ChadTower]

I am seriously impressed with Bob Lawton's memory!

[@PlasterofParisProductions]

An hour was cut from Bob's and Gary's footage. Both of their memories gave wonderful interviews.

[@cpnnpr]

Really nice to see Funspot get such a great documentary. Hope I can visit soon!

[@DonkeKongChick]

Bob was a great man. I miss him. What he said towards the end about children having birthday parties is a testament to his character.

[@rushthatspeaks9467]

I was here last weekend. We went just for the hell of it, nostalgia's sake. The age range is 5 years old to 50 years old, it was so cute. There were middle age couples playing video games including groups of 50+ men and women. b. Kids playing all kinds of games. Younger couples, older couples, single men and women of all ages. It was truly adorable and safe. No one judged anyone there. I played mostly pinball and a few prize games. At the end myself and the company I was with gave away our gaming tokens and our tickets to a mother and her son and they totally accepted it. Such a charming place to visit, for any age if you're in the area and looking for some safe fun.

[@ianmusic911]

So many cherished memories from all ages of my life thanks to Funspot. Birthday party's , outings with family and friends and even attending my brother's wedding ceremony in the parking lot. Just got back from spending time with a close friend there today and as always WE HAD FUN. Truth in advertising can be a rarity. Thank you Mr. Lawson, to all the employees and of course, thank you Topsnuf!

[@jokesclaimchina5845]

I live 20 minutes from Funspot. I have so much respect for Bob!

[@2hip549]

What a fabulous man . "A kids got to have a birthday party"

[@marttull5979]

Im 7 years late but this is a piece of history absolutely brilliant content .

[@Retrogamingmaverick]

RIP Bob Lawton 1931-2021. You will always be remembered

[@thecomputercat8095]

I grew up in the 80's the first time i stepped into an arcade i was hooked. I was really good at Mrs Pacman, Galaga and the star wars game. I spent to many hours at the arcade and those were some of the best years of my life. I appreciate this video and thanks for uploading it.

[@JockoV]

When I lived in the New England area my friends and I used to take road trips to Funspot a couple of times a year. One of the highlights was the life sized Ridge Racer with an actual car. I got good enough to consistently get first place and each time they would give you a prize. One of my prizes I picked was a small cheap fingernail clipper that turned out to be so good I still use it to this day 30 years later 😅

[@mthemodulator]

This is probably a really dumb question that I could certainly google, but: ...do nail clippers go dull? Like have you ever had to sharpen it?

[@JockoV]

@@mthemodulator I think that's a great question actually. That nail clipper still works great however I've only ever used it on dead skin around my nails and small hangnails because it's so small and precise. I've only used it to cut actual whole fingernails a few times. It might be the only reason it's lasted so long and still cuts well. And for the record no I've never sharpened it.

[@sharkhunt9476]

I never knew you Mr. Bob Lawton but you seem like a great guy. 🙏🏻 RIP 🙏🏻

[@robertbyrd911]

I love his tattoo. I remember their was an arcade everywhere from 1980 to 1983. there were so many it became A competition. arcades were offering deals like 60 to 70 tokens for $5. man I miss that short blip of time.😥my arcade experience was in Canton Ohio. age 10 to 13.

[@ChuckEPerfect]

Great job. I absolutely love this place. I go to this place every year with my camp.

[@andrewschumm1848]

It’s better than Bowlero and Dave and busters in 2021!!! Thanks for uploading it.

[@JackFiggle]

I use to go to this place all the time when I lived in New Hampshire

[@cineddiction]

Excellent Documentary. This is on top of my list of places to visit. Cannot wait!

[@budgetguitaristcom]

OUTSTANDING job on this documentary! Thank you so much for putting this excellent documentary together. I'll be watching it multiple times. I pray to God this place can continue to stay open and stay awesome. One day I hope to visit.

[@stevealaska73]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you for creating and sharing it here. I'd love to take my family to Funspot one day soon.

[@goodvibesgamerthingssmile1981]

Had all my birthday parties as a kid here love this amazing place and am so glad to have it in my hometown probably visited well over 2,000 times !

[@julienceaser]

Yes I just found a new place to put on my bucket list to visit... thank you Fun Spot!

[@believeachieve2847]

MY CHILDHOOD!!! I MISS IT AND LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!

[@VortexArcade]

This was fantastic!

[@worldofretrogameplay6963]

I love Funspot! It also helps that I live less than 45 minutes away from them.

[@omalley5196]

I started watching this and figured I'd stop watching after 2 minutes. I was definitely wrong, I watched till the end and really enjoyed it. The 81 yr owner is interesting and seems like a great guy.

[@ChrisTheAspergerGuy]

Watching this brought back a lot of memories. I should make another trip out there again sometime. I don't think I've been to Laconia and even Funspot since the summer I graduated high school, which was 15 years ago.

[@mikeledger2614]

I’m so happy about this documentary, very welll done, thank you!

[@gavinhell4597]

So lucky to have visited last year. Wow. Absolutely incredible 👍👍👍👍

[@kummakummakummakummakummac8606]

Is it mainly video games? I live close to it and have never been there.

[@mc5ukfankickout489]

The owner is a legend free party rooms. A kids gotta have a birthday party I don't charge. What a beautiful guy 😀

[@luisreyes1963]

A wonderful story about a place & the person who kept alive the genuine arcade experience. God Bless Bob Lawton & Gary Vincent. 👾

[@yehat17]

If we just had teleporters, this place would ALWAYS be busy.

[@richardheard3288]

I give them credit with not being scared of change

[@hagaming2609]

This was wonderful. Enjoyed it a lot.

[@JFD62780]

John's Arcade featured this vid in a recent Viewer Mail - he just didn't know where to find it. I came here from a comment link. Prepare for John's Legion to boost your viewership. ;)

[@EdSalisbury]

Bob sounds so awesome! I really want to get out there soon.

[@sohchx]

Gary Vincent came to my house to buy a machine for funspot a few years ago. Very nice guy. I wonder if that machine is still there?

[@FamilyCS2]

Good documentary, thank you.

[@PlasterofParisProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@Johnsarcade]

I am here! Found it. :)

[@joeybond7651]

HEY GUYS

[@Joliie]

WE ARE IN THE BASEMENT!

[@cliftonclark8452]

That's my next move when I go north!!!!!

[@andrewdomonic6603]

At least now we know why the mini golf inside is so important for them to keep. It's their business DNA.

[@topchief1]

I need to go here sometime before I die. Hopefully there will be a Donkey Kong kill screen coming up while I'm there.

[@vintagecurrentcollectibles2924]

AMAZING! well put together!

[@TarrinLupo]

This is a great job, AWESOME!

[@memyopinionsche6610]

Very good documentary.

[@Thebigpayback]

Great documentary! Can't wait to go back one day!

[@BriansManCave]

Great Documentary... It would be amazing to go there. First game I would have to play is Donkey Kong for sure!

[@bENOFFICIALMASSIVE]

Thats so awesome!!! :) Great video!

[@BellCityDubber]

I spy The Native American Hoop Dance @ 40m28s it symbolizes "a prayer that the promised renewal of the collective human spirit will accelerate and that we will all find our place in one great hoop made up of many hoops." Thank you for showing that, thank you for exhibiting that.....

[@MAX-no9jq]

This place is amazing

[@craigcooper1967]

More people need to see this...!!!

[@TheAaronFreeze]

amazing! subbed.nicely done

[@williamcorcoran8842]

Awesome video. Owners are really great.

[@worldofretrogameplay6963]

What Cram said about the beach is true - Playground Arcade at Hampton Beach does a terrible job of maintaining their classic arcade games. They had a Kung-Fu Master coin-op that had the same broken joystick for four years in a row! I even reported the joystick issue to the employees multiple times over those 4 years. How did they resolve the issue? They got rid of the machine. 🙄

[@Rob_Kates]

This place was featured in the doc The King of Kong:A Fist Full of Quarters. They had a Donkey Kong championship here.

[@JinzoCrash]

I love how their party room is free. I know Knoebel's Amusement Park in Shamokin, PA is the LAST free-admission amusement park in the USA, but it works. You can come in for free but are almost certainly going to spend money... if not that day, another. It's a good repeat customer model.

[@DavidSmith-rv2hw]

just played congo bongo on my retropie --->620pts.......your record stands sir!

[@lilmiggs7385]

Good doc

[@bb-gc2tx]

the idea of keeping everything in the game room pre 1988 is brilliant. you dont want be sitting in there and their playing drake over the speakers lol you want to hear foreigner billy squier journey and other artists from that time period

[@AnonymousAccount514]

my Funspot was in Dover, New Hampshire

[@worldofretrogameplay6963]

Why did Funspot stop their tournaments?

[@wizpin]

love funspot

[@thename2472]

it's a great place to go I live in NH not far away from there

[@mikeledger2614]

20:57 is the Bill from HIGH SCORE in the background? Lol

[@joecapriotti1759]

RIP BOB LAWTON

[@joesmoe71]

I'm there every chance I get!

[@MrLarrythehacker]

10:29 I'm wondering what happened to the Antique Arcade? It just looks so fascinating and interesting I'm wondering what happened to those machines and if Funspot still has any of them.

[@ZontarDow]

The one with the animatronic of an old woman on the right most side is on display but does not work, and another of them is also on display but doesn't work but I can't spot it. I went about 2 months ago.

[@Italian_goober]

There’s a pink panther coin dropper there that you can absolutely destroy at

[@kryos0627]

When was this documentary made? I thought it was newer, but multiple people not that old talked about having ColecoVision in the 80's.

[@jasonwb6884]

38:47 , the Odyssey was made by Magnovox not Panasonic. Panasonic made a version of the 3D0 (Sanyo,Goldstar,CREATIVE also), but only made money on Console sales...which is why the console was so expensive and didn't last long.

[@pedro55845]

Its 2018 and thanks to keenstar I found out about the video game craze and I really love it one of the things to do in my list I to go visit funspot before it closes I hope it never does its a very good Idea and historically

[@cheeyzcheezy5425]

I live next to funspot! 👾👾

[@surf5224]

doc would smoke their shit.

[@prodigyminigolf]

Awesome! Just... its a Magnavox Odyssey, not Panasonic. Great vid!!

[@foxhound34]

R.I.P Pinball Wizard

[@DeadThumbGamer]

We owe red, yellow, blue & green to Computer Space, wow 😲

[@hyperchaotix32x]

Do they still hold tournaments? I know covid threw things off. Can someone please give me some feedback? Thanks!

[@R3troZone]

They can stop using "largest arcade in the world" now as a selling point. Galloping Ghost Arcade holds that title now anyway.

[@blurbicontotalicus]

❤❤❤

[@evilpandakillabzonattkoccu4879]

When I was a teen, I was remodeling houses with my dad and found an old colecovision cart (smurfs) and I showed my dad...he goes 'wow, let me see that'....I give it to him and he smashed it with a hammer, then laughed. He told me he did it to the console on an earlier trash run. Seeing those old arcade cabinets gives me that same sick feeling I got watching my old man smash that cart.

[@loganq]

@ 38:41 Magnavox

[@TurdFergurson]

How's this place doing during the pandemic?

[@MissAmazanda]

I'd go to funspot but it's 14 hours away from Ohio and Galloping Ghost is only 5 hours away so Chicago it is.....

[@llothar68]

Coming here from videos about the many Ghost Malls in the USA. Because they put the fun out of the malls. Just try to open an Arcade with hookers, weed and Sonic and people will come back.

[@worldofretrogameplay6963]

The Coleco was NOT an Atari knock off, ya’ dufus!

[@darthsynchronic]

Not any more...Galloping Ghost Arcade is the LARGEST ARCADE

[@juicedlondon259]

The electricity bills must be stupid. Hopefully these places have renewable energy installed.

[@businessnik]

"Casual gamer at Funspot" - translation = I live in my mom's basement.

[@BootsORiley]

3:16 adjust for inflation, in 1952 $2,900 was roughly the equivalent of $32,500 in August 2022

[@KnickKnack07]

Music got VERY annoying.

[@yandman26]

I didn't realise until I read your comment , now I detest it. Thank you.

[@chuckmanson7949]

I didn't get two minutes into this before I decided I have to go to bed.

[@_Majoras]

whats the deal with these big classic arcade places lack of cool glow in the dark space carpeting?

[@TheBigExclusive]

Largest arcade in what sense? Largest collection of arcade games? Largest space?

[@visog]

Anyone got a pen!?

[@se6550]

4 hours for 2 bucks......you uh, "could" try and support them a touch more. Electricity isn't free. Come on people.

[@robertharvilla4881]

Is that a modern LCD display on the wall of the museum? Immersion fail. LOL