Arya Tayebi is a creator, author, and head of That Blasted Salami; a gaming channel dedicated to providing premium fighting game tutorials.

In his first in-depth and exclusive interview with Arcade Press, Arya details his formative years in London arcades, co-authoring the official guide for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the state of gaming in the post-covid era, and what motivates him to apply such a high level of professionalism and quality in his gaming tutorials.

That Blasted Salami, Tekke 3 Retrospective

Check out the full interview above and consider supporting That Blasted Salami:

Thank you for reading Arcade Press. Special thank you to our guest-host SPCE. Stay tuned for the video version of this interview.

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Ofir Rosen’s work caught my eye with the reveal of his Terrarium Hitbox…

..Not only was his unique take on the device refreshing, but Ofir reminded me of the potential that great hardware can have on the gameplay experience.

I started to look more into Ofir’s work, sparking new possibilities for users and the competitive spaces that players engage in battle. Classic titles like Tekken, Street Fighter, and Guilty Gear could all use a lush and organic backdrop from time to time.

Terrarium Hitbox by Ofir Rosen

The hitbox is a device made mostly for fighting games that seek an alternative to the classic joystick + button combination players are used to. With the hitbox, there is no “stick”; just buttons. This buttons-only mechanism allows for some very unique design options, increases potential for portability, and even increases command input accuracy for some.

“As the best all-button arcade controller in the world, the core advantage of the Hit Box is that you have more deliberate control over your game, helping you make fewer mistakes in a match.”   - Hitbox Arcade

Ofir’s work manages to pose thought provoking questions around input devices, user experience, and empathy in relation to technology. With the Terrarium Hitbox, these themes have already inspired more fightstick builders.

The Terrarium Hitbox plays with the effects of plants on human mood, and cognitive function, while also creating a relationship of care between the user, and the input device. By doing this it aims to create a more positive and caring environment for the user, in a space that's historically fairly toxic. - Ofir Rosen via @ofirrosen_

We caught up with Ofir to learn more about his ideas around input devices, fighting games, art, tech, and his future inventions. Listen to the full conversation above.

Ofir Rosen via ofir-rosen.com

Check it out and learn more about Ofir’s work: https://ofir-rosen.com/

And connect with him on Instagram : www.instagram.com/ofirrosen_/

Portable Stick - for Nintendo Switch

Guest Host: SPCEKH

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Tyler Bushnell is the CEO and mastermind of Polycade.

He’s also the son of Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari (and Chuck E. Cheese).

Still, Tyler finds ways to electrify and innovate on a long legacy of pioneering new gaming tech— this time, he leads Polycade and their mission to make gaming a Social Experience again. This same focus on building relationships and experiences through play is partly what made Pong such a massive hit in the 1970s.

Polycade makes a variety of arcade-styled hardware and software that emphasizes making gaming a social, in-person, and tactile. You’ve probably already seen their sleek Polycade arcade machines online, or maybe you’ve seen them in-person at your local bar or streetwear store. Perhaps you’ve seen them being played by celebrities like Snoop Dog, Lil John, Steve Aoki and 2Chainz just to name a few. Each Polycade cabinet is carefully crafted and aesthetically impressive; each one could (and should) be in an art museum.

We’ve been lucky enough to spend several minutes with Tyler to find out what he’s been up to recently, how his company has dealt with the challenges of the pandemic, and what we can expect from the future forward brand.

Listen to the full interview and check out their website to browse their store and learn more about their work + give them a follow on their instagram @polycade

Chief Keef w Polycade “Squadcade”

Polycade AGS / Polycade and Steve Aoki

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Enjoy this audio version of the “Origin of Arcades” essay.

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Listen to the Full Interview Above.

In case you’ve been totally out of the loop; Ryan Hart is a fighting game legend and is quite possibly the original professional sponsored gaming competitor. Hart, now holds 6 current Guinness World Records, over 400 tournament wins globally, and was nominated UK esports player of the year in 2016. Ryan Hart was the highest-ranked UK player on the Capcom Pro Tour Global leaderboard for years 2014 and 2016. Hart has worked as a presenter, TV host, Esports commentator, and provides consultation and expertise in the field of digital entertainment for a variety of clients around the globe. He's even curated several limited edition Tekken vinyl records.

Number don’t lie; and even though Ryan could retire from the scene and cement his legacy, he still finds the time to spread his story and his philosophy of gaming. Co-host @SPCEKH and I were eager to learn what it must have been like to grow up during the peak of competitive arcade gaming in London. In this very in-depth and exclusive interview with Arcade Press, Ryan Hart “The Prodigal Son” holds no punches.

Ryan takes us through the streets of the late 80s/early 90s of London, the rapidly growing UK Arcade scene, how Street Fighter changed the world, whats next for the future of the FGC, and what’s the most solid fighting game of all time…

Listen to the full interview and be sure to follow Ryan Hart

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