ABC News Report from 1982 – People Love Arcade Games

Back in 1982, ABC News Channel 7 in Los Angeles embarked on a five-part series focused on the arcade video game industry. This series serves as a notable snapshot of the growing industry during that time. The report offers viewers a glimpse into arcades, discusses the significance of games like TRON, and even provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Chicago Bally Midway factory.

What's particularly intriguing is how the mainstream media attempted to grapple with a subject that was clearly new and unfamiliar to them. They pondered the types of games that were currently popular, speculated about whether this whole video game phenomenon was merely a passing trend, and expressed concerns about the potential physical effects of excessive gaming on children.

From this report, one might not foresee the incredible trajectory the video game industry would take in the future. However, the intense passion and enthusiasm of the gamers featured in these segments make it abundantly clear that this was no mere fad. It was merely the dawn of what would ultimately become a groundbreaking entertainment revolution.

So, let's step back in time and join the Channel 7 Eyewitness News team, including Tawny Little and Jerry Dunphy, as they explore why people were so enamored with these fascinating arcade games.

Thanks to shertz43 for uploading this wonderful piece of arcade history.