Antstream Arcade Studio Head Explains Why Retro Gaming is So Popular

Antstream Arcade Studio Head Explains Why Retro Gaming is So Popular

Key Takeaways

  • Antstream Arcade offers access to over 1300 retro games on PC, Xbox, and PS5.
  • Defining retro games can be challenging, with different generations having varying perspectives.
  • Regardless, retro gaming’s enduring popularity is due to the timeless appeal of classic games, akin to music and movies.

As a long-time gaming enthusiast who grew up with the classic NES and SNES consoles, I can wholeheartedly say that Antstream Arcade is a dream come true for retro gamers like myself! With its vast library of over 1300 games spanning several decades, it’s like stepping into a time machine and reliving my childhood memories.


Antstream Arcade is a distinctive streaming platform providing gamers with an extensive collection of retro games, ranging from the 1970s to recent releases. At present, Antstream’s library houses more than 1300 games, ensuring there’s something for every gaming taste. What sets it apart is its compatibility with various contemporary systems such as PC, Xbox, and most recently, the PlayStation 5.

GameRant recently had a chat with Mike Rouse, head of Antstream Arcade studio, shedding light on their streaming service. With a multitude of fresh games and projects underway, Rouse shared Antstream’s goal to cater perfectly to retro gamers’ demands. He explained the criteria for what constitutes as ‘retro’, and why the enduring affection for retro gaming seems unlikely to fade away.

Antstream Arcade Taps into Your Inner Nostalgia

Pinpointing What Qualifies as Retro is Not Easy

Over time, games are growing increasingly intricate due to technological advancements, making it harder to define what’s considered “retro”. For individuals born in the 70s and 80s, retro games might be associated with consoles like the NES. However, for younger generations, they might view games up to the PS3 as retro. When asked about his thoughts on this, Rouse suggested that if he had to draw a line somewhere, it would likely be at the PS2.

”I think, if you were a historian, and you had to put lines in the sand, you would probably say everything up until PS1 is considered classic, and then modern was PS2 onward. But to be honest, my son and my nephew are 9 and 15, and they consider the PS3 a retro console. So, for them, they see retro and classic gaming through a very different lens.”

Gamers span a wide age spectrum, making it challenging to precisely define what ‘retro’ means. Regardless of the technical definition, there’s no denying that the allure of retro gaming has never been stronger. This is clear in the multitude of retro gaming communities found worldwide, and it’s this large fanbase that platforms like Antstream Arcade aim to attract. When asked about the enduring popularity of retro gaming, Rouse offered a straightforward yet compelling answer: retro games continue to captivate because they offer a sense of nostalgia and simpler gameplay that resonates with players.

“I believe that outstanding works in any form of entertainment, such as video games, music, or movies, continue to captivate audiences over time because they are simply great pieces that people find enjoyable. For instance, even today, many still appreciate The Beatles’ music, don’t they? I think it’s the same for films too; my children were amazed when they watched Back to the Future for the first time at the beginning of the year. I believe this is true across all entertainment mediums: people are drawn to well-crafted games, movies, and music.

In an insightful observation, Rouse draws a parallel between video games and films or music, noting that certain classics in each medium have stood the test of time. Just as movies like “The Godfather” and “Jurassic Park,” along with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” are revered by critics and audiences alike, so too are some 80s and 90s video games, despite their dated visuals and mechanics. Games such as “Super Mario 64” for the N64 are hailed as masterpieces and continue to be enjoyed today by both veteran and new gamers. This enduring appeal is a significant factor in the success of Antstream Arcade among retro gaming enthusiasts, and with exciting announcements on the horizon, Rouse is optimistic that its popularity will only grow larger.

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2024-09-18 15:33