The boyfriend and I are in the initial stages of thinking about opening an arcade. We’re envisioning a more social kind of arcade that has stuff the kids can’t get on their XBoxes at home - DDR consoles, big World of Warcraft room full of computers, tournaments, fun contests, that sort of thing. We’re just in the beginning part of trying to see if this is a feasable idea. We need a name with a “concept”. We’re thinking of a sort of cyberpunk atmosphere (we’d really like to do a steampunk “Amusements and Oddities” idea, but don’t think the kids would be into it.) We want to attract high school kids, college kids, and young adults mainly.
We’ve considered “Dystopia” and “Valhalla” (the BF likes that one right now - “Monday night is wear a horned helmet and get half off!” - he does have a point with “it’s a place where you party and fight all the time!”) but I don’t really like them. What says “cool” to a high school kid and the college set but also says “games”? I thought maybe you guys would have some good ideas.
No, those have nothing to do with your cyberpunk style. But I think that they are perfect names for an arcade-style place. Kids can say to their friends, “after school, I’m going to the library for two hours!” nudge nudgewink wink
ETA: Oh, and as for a name that actually evokes games - I wouldn’t worry about it. You’re going to live or die by your marketing / word-of-mouth anyway. In your marketing, you can say “Awesome arcade with all games/etc.” In word-of-mouth, they’ll know what your place is already.
In Ames, IA circa 1981, I frequented a computer showroom-cum-gaming arcade called Cyberia. Yep, a roomful of Apple ][s and Atari 800s running classics like Space Invaders.
I just learned today that the founder of Cyberia, a local TV and electronic engineer for 50+ years, had died awhile ago. Hopefully this will serve as a remembrance of sorts.
Doctor Who has a point in that the rep is worth more than the name. Particularly for that age group. A non-video game sounding name might also make it less parent grinding (although, of course, it won’t fool anyone). Something like “The Corner Store”, “A Quiet Place”, “The Chill Out” or something to that effect.
Mythology names tend to sound a bit too geeky and repel some of the cooler kids.
Cyberia is cute, also Pinball Parlor… I’m still all for gears and whatsits and “Oddities and Amusements”, but the BF doesn’t think the kids would like it. I think the road to success is giving the place a more grownup atmosphere, thinking about how when I was in high school we all hung out at the coffee shops because it felt kind of grown up, you know? (We snickered that we should call it The Bronze, like in Buffy - hey, it’s the only place in town to go!) I’d like to have a solid theme and concept, though - not “kiddie” and not generic.
