Inside North Korea's Newest Video Game Arcade

[gyruss]

From: http://kotaku.com/inside-north-koreas-newest-video-game-arcade-1145634468

Arcades might be a thing of the past in North America, but they live on in, um, North Korea.
The country's state media recently released photos of an arcade that supposedly just opened on the Rungna Islet in Pyongyang, the country's capital.
The islet is home to the world's largest stadium, basketball courts, a skateboard park, a mini-golf course, a roller coaster, a wading pool, and now, it seems, a brand new arcade.





Back in 2008, British site UK Resistance published photos of a depressing North Korea arcade that wasn't frequented by thousands. It did have old, mechanical arcade games—and a sit-down Monaco GP cabinet.







According to Yonhap (via ROK Drop), the country's government controlled media states this new Rungna arcade is open late into the night and attracts "thousands" of people every day. Thousands!

[level42]

What do you expect in a country like that, EVERY little bit of fun will be consumed like nuts.

And, if they stick to their principles, every game is on Free play of course, because the machines all belong to all the North Korean people....

Those machines look like Chinese bootlegs to me by the way......I wonder how that is possible.....mmmmm......

[Sonic 1992]

Well, all political b.s. aside, I'm glad those folks are enjoying the Arcade Lifestyle!   Anytime is never too late!

[level42]

......

[slowcade]

At least they have arcades.

[McVenco]

According to Yonhap (via ROK Drop), the country's government controlled media states this new Rungna arcade is open late into the night and attracts "thousands" of people every day. Thousands!

Indeed, according to the government controlled media. Who always tell the truth in North Korea of course 

Translation: they bought these machines from China (the only friend North Korea has left), put them in a building, gathered some people to make a few awesome pictures, close the doors and leave it to rot. Or maybe Kim Jong-Un's friends play the machines every now and then....

[Blanka]

The only friend North Korea has left

Why is that?
- The rich of China including government employees want to gamble
- Gambling is illegal in China
- N Korea happens to run a Las Vegas like place on the border with China
Can't think of much other reasons.
And South Korea is a friend too. Not officially, but I think there are many family bonds between the 2 countries.