What Are Arcade Games? Coin-operated arcade games are found at places like malls, restaurants, and amusement and game centers. Arcade games started in the 20th century with the mechanical machines, but in the 70s and 80s, arcade games like Pac Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter took it to a whole new level, and the gaming industry has never been the same. A Brief History of Arcade Games In the 1930s, arcade gaming started with simple mechanical devices, but the golden age began with the...