Dr. Tom Boellstorff, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, has studied digital environments and human identity for decades. My interest in how identity is shaped by and through digital media and gaming naturally led me to Tom, whose work exists at the intersection of gender, race, technology, media, and material culture. I initially learned about him through his acclaimed research into virtual worlds like Second Life.

Tom's most recent book, Intellivision: How a Video Game System Battled Atari and Almost Bankrupted Barbie, explores the rise and fall of Intellivision and Mattel's foray into the gaming industry. It also examines Mattel’s marketing strategies as well as the blurring of work and play in the early video game industry of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Join Tom and me as we discuss the intersectionality of his research, his recent book on Intellivision, digital economies, the metaverse, and his upcoming project about climate change.

We hope you enjoy this conversation about the evolving role of technology in shaping human identity. Please share it if you find it engaging!

Click here for information about the documentary Virtual Cultures in Pandemic Times.

Click here for the documentary Our Digital Selves (about my research on disability in virtual worlds).

Click here for the Indonesian translation of The Gay Archipelago.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

Victor Alonso, a Spanish photographer and arcade enthusiast, is preserving a vanishing cultural legacy through his groundbreaking work. In a recent Arcade Press interview, Alonso shared insights into his passion for arcades and photography, which intersect beautifully in his latest book, The Last Game Centers. This project documents the decline of traditional Japanese arcades, capturing their nostalgic essence before they disappear entirely.

A dedicated community builder, Alonso manages Akiba, his game center in Valladolid, Spain, where enthusiasts gather weekly to play titles like Super Street Fighter 2X. This space reflects his admiration for Japanese arcade aesthetics while adding modern, artistic touches like ambient lighting.

Alonso's photography journey began with urban and street photography in Japan, and his work has since been exhibited globally. His projects, including Tokyo Nights and The Last Game Centers, explore themes of nostalgia, decay, and architectural beauty. His website, VictorAlonso.es, showcases his rich portfolio and latest projects.

With an eye on the future, Alonso is launching an international edition of his book and preparing for a Los Angeles exhibition. He continues to inspire through his dedication to capturing and celebrating arcade culture.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

Lang Tien, known as Yagami in the fighting game community, is a Singaporean player, commentator, and community builder whose journey embodies resilience and introspection. In a recent Arcade Press interview, Yagami reflected on his path from mastering Street Fighter as a youth to stepping away for a decade to focus on personal challenges, including his time as a pastor. The pandemic reignited his passion, leading him to return to competition and foster connections within the community. Yagami views fighting games as a mirror, emphasizing growth, empathy, and connection over wins, with his philosophy rooted in self-awareness and spiritual grounding.

A leader in Southeast Asia’s FGC, Yagami is determined to spotlight underrepresented players and foster unity across the linguistically and economically diverse region. With EVO 2026 heading to Singapore, he sees an opportunity to showcase Southeast Asia as a cohesive and competitive force. Yagami’s dedication to elevating others and preserving the artistry of arcade culture cements his role as a visionary advocate in the global FGC. Listen to the full interview above.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

In this episode of Arcade Press, we sit down with Demetrius, also known as "Dee All The Way," to discuss the latest in fighting games and gaming culture. From his thoughts on Tekken 8’s evolving mechanics to Virtua Fighter 6’s potential impact on esports, Demetrius shares his unique perspective on where the Fighting Game Community (FGC) is headed.

We also explore his journey as a content creator, his strategy for breaking away from traditional niches, and his plans for creating more diverse and impactful content in 2025. Whether you're a fan of Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, or just passionate about gaming culture, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Catch the full episode now to hear Demetrius’ take on the state of gaming, the importance of community, and why he believes 2025 will be a defining year for content creators and the FGC.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

Dr. B Galaxy B is a name synonymous with competitive gaming excellence. As a longtime figure in the fighting game community (FGC), he has competed at the highest levels, earning accolades at premier tournaments like EVO, Combo Breaker, and Defend the North. In this interview, Dr. B provides a clear and insightful look into his career, his approach to competition, and his role as a leader in the gaming world. He is also one of the most successful fighting game players of all time.

Dr. B discusses the discipline and strategy behind his longevity in the scene, attributing his success to trial, error, and consistent dedication. His passion extends beyond the arcade, blending seamlessly into music, fashion, and cultural outreach. This multifaceted approach reflects his commitment to representing the gaming community in broader cultural spaces.

The conversation also highlights his advocacy for inclusivity and growth within the FGC, inspiring new players while maintaining his focus on retro games and their preservation. His ability to balance competitive gaming with creative pursuits solidifies his status as a key figure in the intersection of gaming and culture.

For those invested in the FGC or interested in the broader influence of arcade culture, this interview is essential. Dr. B’s perspective offers valuable insights into the discipline, innovation, and community impact that define competitive gaming today.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

In this exclusive Arcade Press interview, we sat down with the legendary Perfect Legend, a multi-time EVO champion and pioneer of the Fighting Game Community (FGC). Reflecting on his career, he highlighted not only his competitive accolades but also his impact as a mentor, content creator, and one of the early Twitch streamers in the fighting game scene. “Winning EVO cements you in history, but influencing the community is what truly matters,” he shared.

Perfect Legend discussed the evolving nature of fighting games, sharing his excitement for titles like Virtua Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, while debunking common misconceptions about what makes a game "competitive." He emphasized the importance of community-driven growth and maintaining the unique culture of the FGC. As he looks ahead to 2025, his focus is clear: continue pushing the scene forward through events, innovation, and a deep love for the games.

🎧 Catch the full interview above on Arcade Press for an inspiring dive into Perfect Legend’s journey, insights, and his vision for the future of fighting games.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit arcadepress.substack.com

Explore how gaming and hacker culture intersect with technology and society in this thought-provoking episode. We dive into Colin Milburn’s Respawn and Walter Benjamin’s Arcades Project to uncover how virtual worlds and digital communities influence our real-world ethics, culture, and future.

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Arcadism is your key to unlocking the confusing digital world. Listen to this conversation about Arcadism to learn more.

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One of Singapore’s most talented and notable Street Fighter 6 players, Yagami, sits down with the Philippines’ renowned Tekken and esports commentator, Poch Spice, for an insightful discussion about all things fighting game community (FGC). In this candid and casual conversation, Yagami highlights the immense talent within the global FGC and delves into the cultural dynamics and nuances of various regions. Meanwhile, Poch brings his unique perspective as a seasoned and well-traveled commentator, sharing valuable insights into the passion driving the FGC and his hopes for the future of fighting games. Enjoy this Arcade Press exclusive.

“I will say this though, there’s a lot of investment coming into the Philippines. We’re the #1 english speaking country in Asia. You can test new products here. We’re very hospitable. Everyone is good at everything. I hope everyone can experience that hospitality here in the Philippines.”

- Poch Spice

Discussion Topics:

Introduction and Background

* Comparing FGC Events and Atmosphere

* Challenges in the Southeast Asian FGC

* Yagami’s Journey in the FGC and Commentary

* Philosophy and Style of Commentary

* ADHD and the FGC

* Future of the Philippine FGC

* Commentary Career Sustainability

* Community Spirit and Hospitality

Get full access to ARCADE PRESS: Conversations at arcadepress.substack.com/subscribe

Probably the biggest tournament in the FGC happened over the weekend. DreamHack Dallas 2024— which was also a Tekken World Tour event and Esports World Qualifier Event which will take place in Saudi Arabia for $1,000,000 prize pool in Street Fighter and Tekken.

Congrats to RB|Gachikun (Rashid) for winning Street Fighter 6

and Congrats to Yamasa|Nobi (Dragunov) for winning Tekken 8

You can see the full results for DreamHack Dallas here.

**Also there was a crazy moment where JDCR (South Korea) had to replay his match against AK (Philippines), because when he was one hit away from winning, a random controller connected to the PS5 and this caused them to replay the match, which AK then one. This replay sent Twitter (X) into a frenzy. You can watch the video above or see our tweet about this here. As a result, JDCR did not qualify for the Esports World Cup. Alex Jebailey, TO issued an apology for the unfortunate situation.

Even Kayane, iconic French Fighting game player brought attention to the fact that not enough of the matches from French sponsored teams were broadcasted to the world during DreamHack. JDCR is sponsored by French team, Karmine Corp.

We hope JDCR the best in future tournaments; he is a very well respected player.

Fightstick of the Week: MF DOOM via @v1NCExyz with Golden Lever

Finland 🇫🇮 FGC tournament, Install 2024 happened in April:

KENNY VANG shows off PROTOTYPE II of his new leverless fightpad. We await the official release!

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