Token Taverns

"Token Taverns" is a captivating documentary that offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane while shedding light on the resurgence of arcade bars in the modern era. Directed with flair and passion, this film provides an insightful and entertaining look into the world of arcade bars and the communities they foster.

What sets "Token Taverns" apart is its celebration of nostalgia and community. For many, arcade bars are more than just places to play games-they're gathering spots where friendships are forged, memories are made, and joy is shared. The documentary beautifully captures the sense of camaraderie and belonging that permeates these establishments, making them akin to modern-day Cheers for nerds.

In conclusion, "Token Taverns" is a must-watch documentary for anyone who appreciates the magic of arcade games and the sense of community that arcade bars cultivate. Cheers to "Token Taverns" and the enduring legacy of arcade culture!

I grew up in arcades. Lived for them, actually. I learned how to drive stick shift on a drag racing game, mastered the patterns of Space Invaders to become a local gaming legend (and I made quite a bit of $$ as a competitive player), and I remember going to Chicagofest, where there were literally acres of pinball machines to play between concerts. So yeah, I am thrilled that genuine arcades have made a big come-back. This doc highlights the folks who own arcade bars, and the people who love the games and the cool aura of these places. It's a niche that's growing like crazy and it's a social outlet that gets people together for fun and camaraderie. My wife Lorrisa is a principal motion capture actor in the Mortal Kombat video games, as well as DC's Injustice games. So I remain connected to the industry through passion and marriage. For those who enjoy this entertainment niche, Token Taverns is a must-see!

This feature doc focuses on the rebirth of arcade bars -- pinball, Space Invaders, Packman, and more. In this comprehensive doc, you will learn about legends Billy Mitchell, champion gamer, and the remarkable community of arcade players who decide to come together as a community to share their mutual love for games. This well-made doc focuses on the resurgence of the gaming community as a communal experience. Vector, Reboot, Glitch, and Lowry Parcade are just a few of the arcade bars featured. We learn about their struggles, from inception, through Covid lockdown nightmares, and to the aftermath which includes Comicon. I love when I learn something new from a documentary. I am not a gamer myself, but appreciate the passion of folks who are. Check this out - you will not be disappointed.

Token Taverns is a celebration of nostalgia and the growing trend of Barcades in the face of a global pandemic. Nothing overstays its welcome as we're introduced to several small business owners with a common goal of sharing their passion for gaming and the community that's built around these retro game watering holes.

The spectre of Covid-19 looms over the production as owners learn to pivot to meet the needs of their patrons while also evolving with an ever-changing landscape of uncertainty. That being said, while the documentary is very much a product of the moment, it doesn't get bogged down with nothing but pandemic talk.

Overall, I highly recommend giving this film a watch.

More than just the nostalgia and the games I love, there was more connection and substance than you usually get from a nerd culture documentary like this (IMHO, as a period owner of things like "Get Lamp" and "BBS: The Documentary). They also managed to give perspective on the impacts of challenging times without getting invested in political arguments, rather it was clearly about the people, their passions, and the ups and downs of their journeys. I was on that train and invested, smiling broadly and actually getting emotional at times. Bravo to everyone who worked hard to make this happen and congratulations to all those entrepreneurs. Vector, you are missed! I may be biased, but I thought it was one of the most engaging and real documentaries I've seen.