When most adults think about Chuck E. Cheese, they are probably transported back to days playing games and trading in tickets for prizes (or watching their kids do those things). Now, grown-ups get to have some fun too.
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
This week, the Irving, Texas-based company announced the launch of the new Chuck’s Arcade concept, an arcade created for adults. With this launch, the company also plans to bring back the iconic animatronic characters that it ditched last year.
“Each arcade is overseen by an animatronic character such as Chuck E. Cheese or one of the other characters from Munch’s Make Believe Band – historic figures from the brand’s past, now standing watch as a nostalgic nod rather than performing,” the company said.
Chuck’s Arcade locations are now open in major malls in St. Petersburg, Fla.; Trumbull, Conn.; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla.; Victor, N.Y.; Buford, Ga.; El Paso, Texas; Nashua and Salem, N.H.; and St. Louis, Mo. More locations are also in the works.
In a press release, the company said the arcades will be for “lifelong fans who grew up surrounded by the electric glow of arcade screens, the symphony of digital soundtracks and the thrill of chasing high scores with friends long into the night,” and further described them as “a modern-day love letter to the games and people who made Chuck E. Cheese great.”
Chuck E. Cheese’s first location opened in 1977, which means that generations of adults have enjoyed playing arcade games and eating pizza at the establishments. Over the years there have been some changes, including the retirement of ball pits and animatronics.
Chuck’s Arcade™ celebrates a legacy of innovation that has defined the arcade and video game experience for generations. It’s a new destination where nostalgia meets the future, bringing together gamers of all ages and inviting everyone to experience what’s next.
“Chuck E. Cheese has spent decades mastering the arcade experience — it’s in our DNA,” said David McKillips, CEO of Chuck E. Cheese. “Thanks to the expertise of our talented technicians and the successful transformation of almost 500 fun centers worldwide, we’ve built the operational and creative foundation to take our brand beyond our traditional four walls. Chuck’s Arcade is a natural evolution — an opportunity to extend our arcade legacy into new formats that engage both lifelong fans and a new generation through a curated mix of retro classics and cutting-edge experiences.”
At the new locations, visitors will be able to check out “state-of-the-art racing simulators and immersive virtual reality,” as well as Jurassic Park, Halo and Connect Four Hoops games. There will also be some blast-from-the-past games like Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Mortal Kombat, Donkey Kong and Centipede. Reto merchandise will also be available at select locations.
“Every Chuck’s Arcade offers a unique environment, with a distinct lineup of today’s hottest games and a rotating mix of retro classics. No two locations are exactly alike,” said the company.
Earlier this year, Audacy reported that Chuck E. Cheese went on a $300 million renovation spree after it emerged from bankruptcy protection.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM