The Rise & Fall of ALCA | Copyright, Piracy & Arcade Fortunes

ALCA were the kings of the British arcade, from electro-mechanical to video gaming, they cleaned up, but they fell as quickly as they rose. Today we find out why, and it's thanks to Alan Meades, author of Arcade Britannia.
Episode Links
Alan's book Arcade Britannia: www.amazon.co.uk/Arcade-Brita...
MIT Press: mitpress.mit.edu/author/alan-...
Alan on KZbin: / @arcadebritannia

[@RMCRetro]

It was great collaborating with Alex and Alan on this, and thanks again to everyone who came to watch it on the day - Neil

[@trzarector]

Wow! Amazing story! A real wild west in the early days. Definitely picking up Alan’s book!

[@TheArcadeArchive]

It’s a really interesting read 👍

[@xliquidflames]

This was fascinating. I love stories like this. I love the explosion of movies lately about companies like Blackberry and the Tetris movie and so on. This story would be a great movie. It has everything.

[@TheArcadeArchive]

It really does especially when you think of the money involved and ex boss of Sega.

[@Rob.Coleman]

Really enjoyable watch, I was unaware of ALCA before this but their place in history (albeit questionable nowadays) is assured 👍👍👍.

[@davidretrogamesplayedbadly3533]

Really enjoyed this mate, interesting to hear about the beginnings of the arcades in the uk.

[@TheArcadeArchive]

Thanks Dave, This was only part of the talk,you’re have to make a visit next time. Hopefully more talks next year 👍

[@PeterR1chard]

Got the book. Will be reading it over Christmas. Really enjoyed the video, thanks. Hadn't heard of this particular story.

[@TheArcadeArchive]

No problem glad you enjoyed it.

[@Thomaslubbock]

Really enjoyed that - amazing knowledge from Alan and the format with you both introducing and chatting worked superbly.

[@TheArcadeArchive]

It’s a story of the British arcade scene I would love to elaborate more on if I could get more people from the industry in. Thanks Thomas

[@mogwaay]

Really nice way to present Alan's very interesting talk, I like the discussion between you and Neil, great job 👍 I look forward to the next one. Alan defo a great guy to have as he does seem to be the expert on UK Arcade History.

[@TheArcadeArchive]

Thank you 😎👍

[@wolfbeast80]

Very enlightening, I'm a massive fan of the history of Alca, I'm also interested in who was responsible for the prevention of the British arcade industry collapse.

[@TheArcadeArchive]

Thanks Mathew Have you got the book yet ?

[@wolfbeast80]

No, unfortunately not. I didn't know there was a book until I saw the video. He's probably managed to sell them all. Would be such a great read. Those are my favourite kinds of books.

[@ewstargamer]

Wow really enjoyed this Alex learning all about alca and find it funny how ping pong was rushed out by putting it into a fruit machine cab. Could of listened to Alan all day great passion for the industry Fantastic video mate 👍

[@TheArcadeArchive]

Thanks Alex It was actually quite a long talk which covered other companies too, but was too long for a video. Next time try and make it down as you would find it fascinating.

[@zamiadams4343]

Another cracking episode Alex and Alan, loved every second of this one.

[@TheArcadeArchive]

Thank you it’s much appreciated 👍

[@faenethlorhalien]

I wonder if the UK had the massive pirate arcade cabin industry that we had in Spain. Did not see a real original arcade cabin until the mid 90s, not kidding. The good thing was that every single bar you could find had an arcade machine back then because it was a very low-risk investment for the bar owners.

[@TheArcadeArchive]

Spain had a huge piracy problem and problematic for many company’s. But it’s all part of the history which I find fascinating.

[@kevinmccartney4906]

Really interesting history. Fascinating to know of the period before copyrights and what took place then. Cheers Alex and Neil, great episode 👏

[@TheArcadeArchive]

Thanks Kevin 👍

[@Evercade_Effect]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you so much!

[@TheArcadeArchive]

Thank you 👍

[@robllewellyn]

Great info. I’ve just finished Alan’s book. Superb read!

[@MickMacklerack]

27:40 ooh matron! Great video. Does the book cover the electrocoin era?

[@TheArcadeArchive]

It does indeed and many more, it’s a fantastic read.

[@frankmayerling8467]

I worked in an arcade back in the 70s and we had a machine called UFO,it was a big round machine that had a seat that went 360 degrees and you looked through a headset and shot UFOs that were lit with projector lamps if my memory serves, anybody remember it.

[@TheArcadeArchive]

This machine is shown in the presentation

[@xliquidflames]

The link in the description to Alan's channel isn't working and I don't think you guys said the name of it.

[@TheArcadeArchive]

Sorted thanks!