Futures

Building Portable Arcade Cabinets: A Community Project at Leigh Hackspace, (from page 20040714.)

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Summary

Kian Ryan shares a project initiated by Dan Hardiker from Devoxx UK to create portable arcade cabinets for events. The idea evolved from using existing small arcade cabinets to designing a foldable arcade laptop concept. After several iterations, they decided on a full-size cabinet that could be disassembled for easy storage. The prototype was built using components like a Raspberry Pi 4 and an off-the-shelf monitor. They successfully showcased the cabinets at Devoxx UK, where the games were well-received. Post-event, the prototype was improved, and it has since been used at other events. Leigh Hackspace, where this project took place, encourages community involvement and offers tools and skills for various projects.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Portable Arcade Cabinets Development of arcade cabinets that can be easily stored and transported. Transition from traditional fixed arcade cabinets to modular, portable designs. Arcade gaming experiences may be widely accessible at various events due to portable designs. Growing demand for interactive entertainment at events and gatherings. 4
DIY Arcade Projects Increased interest in DIY projects for creating personal arcade experiences. Shift from commercial arcade ownership to individual DIY arcade creations. More individuals may have custom arcade setups at home, enhancing personal gaming experiences. Desire for personalized entertainment and creative projects among hobbyists. 4
Community Hackspaces Growth of collaborative spaces for making and learning new skills. From isolated hobbyists to collaborative communities focused on making and learning. Hackspaces may become central hubs for innovation and skill-sharing in local communities. Need for community engagement and skill development in technology and crafting. 5
Integration of Retro Gaming Rise in popularity of retro gaming experiences at events and gatherings. Shift from modern gaming to include nostalgic retro experiences in public settings. Retro gaming may become a staple at events, bridging generational gaming experiences. Nostalgia and the desire for simpler, classic gaming experiences. 4
Event-based Gaming Emergence of event-specific gaming setups tailored to audience engagement. From static gaming experiences to dynamic, event-focused gaming installations. Gaming may increasingly be integrated into various events, enhancing attendee engagement. Desire to enhance event experiences through interactive entertainment. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Supply Chain Vulnerability Dependence on specific suppliers for components, especially in the face of one disappearing, could disrupt project timelines and product availability. 4
Event Logistics Challenges Transporting and storing large arcade cabinets could encounter logistical issues if not properly designed for easy assembly and disassembly. 3
Evolving Technology Risks Rapid advancement in gaming and electronics technologies may render current designs obsolete or less competitive. 4
Community Engagement and Sustainability The need to continuously attract and engage users in the Hackspace may present challenges in maintaining funding and participation. 3
DIY Electronics Safety Assembling electronic components involves risks if not performed correctly, especially in a community setting with varying skill levels. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Collaboration on Creative Projects Individuals and teams are increasingly collaborating on creative projects, blending ideas from different backgrounds to innovate. 4
Portable Gaming Solutions There is a trend towards creating portable gaming solutions that combine functionality with ease of storage and transport. 5
Prototype Iteration The practice of rapidly iterating on prototypes based on feedback is becoming common in creative and engineering projects. 5
Community Engagement in Making Hackspaces are fostering community engagement by teaching skills and hosting events for members to create and collaborate. 4
Adaptation of Existing Designs Adapting existing designs to meet new requirements while maintaining core functionalities is a growing behavior in product development. 4
Integration of Technology in Play The integration of modern technology in traditional gaming experiences is on the rise, enhancing user engagement and experience. 5
Emphasis on DIY Culture There is a growing emphasis on DIY culture, where individuals are encouraged to make and modify their own devices and games. 4
Sustainability in Event Setup The trend of creating easily disassembled and transportable setups for events reflects a move towards more sustainable practices. 5

Technologies

name description relevancy
Portable Arcade Cabinets Compact, foldable arcade cabinets designed for easy transport and storage, combining retro gaming with modern technology. 4
Raspberry Pi Arcade Systems Utilizing Raspberry Pi for building versatile arcade systems, running various gaming software like RetroArch and PyGame. 5
Modular Furniture Design Designing arcade cabinets that can be assembled and disassembled easily, resembling flat-pack furniture for portability. 4
CNC Prototyping Using CNC machines for precise cutting and prototyping of electronic and furniture designs in the arcade sector. 3
Game Development with PyGame Developing interactive games for arcade systems using PyGame, promoting indie game creation and retro gaming experiences. 4
Community Maker Spaces Spaces that encourage collaborative projects and skills sharing, focused on electronics, gaming, and DIY projects. 5

Issues

name description relevancy
Portable Arcade Solutions The development of portable arcade cabinets that can be easily stored and transported for events is an emerging trend. 4
Community Maker Spaces The rise of community-focused hackspaces that provide tools and skills for DIY projects is gaining traction. 5
Event-Based Gaming Experiences The trend of creating gaming experiences specifically for events, utilizing portable setups, is on the rise. 4
Sustainable Gaming Equipment The need for gaming equipment that is designed for easy storage and transportation reflects a growing awareness of sustainability. 3
Open Source Hardware in Gaming The use of open-source software and hardware in gaming projects, such as the Raspberry Pi and PyGame, is becoming more popular. 4
Customizable Gaming Interfaces The trend towards customizable gaming consoles and interfaces, allowing for unique player experiences, is emerging. 4