The King of Arcades

The King of Arcades is a 2014 American documentary film starring Walter Day, Billy Mitchell, Richie Knucklez, Steve Wiebe, and Eugene Jarvis. The film follows the rise and fall of the King of Arcades as one man pursues his dream against all odds.

The King of Arcades
Film poster
Directed bySean Tiedeman
Produced byKrystle-Dawn Willing, Eric Tessler, and Adam F. Goldberg
StarringWalter Day
Billy Mitchell
Richie Knucklez
Eugene Jarvis
Ralph H. Baer
Jerry Buckner
CinematographySean Tiedeman
Distributed byGOG.com
Release dates
  • June 17, 2014 (2014-06-17)
  • United States (United States)
Running time
100 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$175,000

Synopsis

The King of Arcades details the life and times of punk rock musician and classic arcade collector Richie Knucklez, on his journey to cultural prominence when he takes his passion for collecting to new heights by opening an arcade business in Flemington, New Jersey, only to watch it fall in the wake of economic hardship.[1]

Production

The film's budget was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising a grand total $47,684.00 [2]

The King of Arcades was co-produced by Fanboys writer and The Goldbergs creator Adam F. Goldberg. The film features Richie Knucklez and his band Knuckle Sandwich's punk rock re-recording of the hit '80s song "Pac-Man Fever", by Buckner & Garcia. The new version features vocals by Danny Jones. Jones' voice can be heard on the theme song "Wreck It, Wreck-It Ralph" from Disney's animated film "Wreck-It Ralph."[3]

Release

The King of Arcades was released through GOG.com's DRM-free movie section.[4]

The King of Arcades premiered theatrically September 13, 2014 at Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, Frank Banko Alehouse in Pennsylvania.[5]

In 2018, The King of Arcades became available on Amazon Prime Video[6] and in 2023 the film premiered on Tubi and Apple TV.[7] [8]

Reception

Twin Galaxies stated that “Knucklez’ poignant journey from collector to operator to cultural scene phenomena is moving and at times heartbreakingly familiar to anyone who has ever dared do anything risky in business.” [9]

Top five lists

The King of Arcades appeared on several critics' top five lists of the best video game documentary films:

  • 3rd - Retro Asylum "(Richie Knucklez) is such a likeable character and there is so much fascinating stuff in this to enjoy."[10]
  • ThatMomentIn.com "Knuckles brings a charismatic charm to the film as we see him rescuing and restoring old arcade cabinets."[11]
  • DanCounsell.com "There's not much of a 'rise and fall' story here. Anyway, it's still a great documentary."[12]

References
  1. "Twin Galaxies". Written by Catherine DeSpira. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  2. "Kickstarter". Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  3. "Lehigh Valley Live". Written by Dustin Schoof. 10 September 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  4. "GOG.com launching DRM-free film initiative". Written by Alexa Ray Corriea. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  5. "Lehigh Valley Live". Written by Dustin Schoof. 10 September 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  6. "Amazon.com". Amazon.
  7. "Tubi". Tubi.
  8. "Apple TV". Apple TV.
  9. "Twin Galaxies". Written by Catherine DeSpira. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  10. "5 Best Video Game Documentaries". Written by TheDrisk. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  11. "Top 5 Video Game Documentaries". Written by Elwood Jones. Retrieved September 15, 2016.
  12. "10 of The Best Video Game Documentaries". Written by Dan Counsell. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
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