Sandy Hook Arcade Center Closing Down

[Andy Chalk]

Sandy Hook Arcade Center Closing Down

The Sandy Hook Arcade Center will close its doors at the end of August.

The Sandy Hook Arcade Center was opened in February [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/122213-Newtown-Parents-Open-Sandy-Hook-Arcade] as a way to bring parents and children together in the wake of the horrific mass murder at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. It offered 22 games when it opened, including stand-ups, pinball tables and air hockey, and was supported by donations and admission fees from out-of-town visitors - but Newtown residents could play for free.

But yesterday, the arcade announced that it will turn off the machines for good at the end of August. "It is with tremendous sadness that we are announcing the closing of the SHAC on Saturday, August 31," its founders announced on Facebook. "What an amazing experience it has been for us to meet you all. Thank you for playing the games, volunteering your time, making generous donations and having fun with us. Your smiles, laughter and gracious words meant the world to us."

All games will be free to all players during the final month of operation, and while it's sad that the arcade will be closing, going until the end of August actually represents a real triumph: The original plan was to keep it open for just three months.

Source: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=182413288597885&id=126347897537758]


Permalink

 

[Zhukov]

Oh.

Well that's nice.

I'm probably not the only one who read the title and instantly assumed that the story was going to be about an arcade near the site of a massacre closing down due to games being blamed for violence etc etc.

 

[lacktheknack]

Oh.

Well that's nice.

I'm probably not the only one who read the title and instantly assumed that the story was going to be about an arcade near the site of a massacre closing down due to games being blamed for violence etc etc.

Same here. I'm glad it's a happy story for once. The little arcade that could.

 

[Skeleon]

Aw, sad. But if they actually surpassed their goal, it's not so bad I guess.
What will happen to the machines? Will they be donated to schools, libraries and other public places or something? Sold off? Taken home? What?

 

[-Dragmire-]

I came in expecting something rather negative, this was a rather nice story considering the original expected time frame. Maybe they can make it a short term yearly event, kind of like a fair.

 

[Saviordd1]

Huh, I didn't even know that's a thing.

Newtown isn't to far away from where I live, I could probably grab a few friends and get over there. Not enough arcades anymore.

 

[Sku1c]

Well, except that it apparently couldn't, as it's closing.

Did state they where to operate for only 3 months, anything beyond that was just a bonus.

Having missed the feb. article, i'm pleasantly surprised they opened a place of gaming rather then full-rage against the whole thing.

 

[TiberiusEsuriens]

Aw, sad. But if they actually surpassed their goal, it's not so bad I guess.
What will happen to the machines? Will they be donated to schools, libraries and other public places or something? Sold off? Taken home? What?

You beat me to it! This is exactly what I was wondering. It seems most likely to me that they'll be sold off to collectors, but if there's no individual looking for return-on-investment because most everything was through donations I imagine in the spirit of things they'll go to schools and libraries.

I think it would be great if they went to schools, not just because kids love them some games but because it would show a big change in public perception of games, that they do not in fact make kids evil.

 

[CriticalMiss]

I had forgotten about this place, assuming it had shut down long ago. If they managed to keep it going for a good 5-6 months then good for them.

 

[Erttheking]

What is it this time? People saying how games should be...wait...*Reads article*...awwwwwwww. That's actually really sweet. This is actually kind of sad. Well, good for them for keeping it going as long as they did. Couldn't...couldn't someone buy it from them and keep it going as a regular arcade? I mean it's not the same as what they're doing now, but better than having to close it forever.

 

[EHKOS]

Dammit, now where the hell am I supposed to play Grand Theft Walrus???

 

[Mumorpuger]

I hope there's a wealthy gamer out there who will inject some funds into the arcade to keep it going. I liked its mission.

 

[SantoUno]

Oh.

Well that's nice.

I'm probably not the only one who read the title and instantly assumed that the story was going to be about an arcade near the site of a massacre closing down due to games being blamed for violence etc etc.

Same here, and who can blame us? We can't help it, because we as gamers are pretty much a defensive bunch, due to how often we do get slapped with articles on any slightly game-related occurence being used as an excuse to pin the blame on the entire video game medium.