You might not think twice about the arcade game cabinets you see in the background of your favorite Netflix series or Disney movie. However, the journey these vintage pieces take to appear on screen is quite fascinating. One of the foremost suppliers of these nostalgic machines is Jonathan Thompson, the founder of National Arcade Nahire, a company that rents out classic arcade games to various high-profile clients including Netflix, Disney, EA, and even celebrities like Simon Cowell and boxer Anthony Joshua.
Thompson's journey into the arcade game world began as a personal passion sparked by a machine he encountered in his teenage years. Growing up, he visited Blackpool where he first saw the Discs of Tron arcade machine. When he returned one year to find it gone, his curiosity led him to trace its whereabouts, only to be shocked by the machine's price when he found it. Motivated by this experience, he began learning about the distribution network of arcade games.
By the age of 14, Thompson raised enough money to buy his first arcade cabinet. Despite his family's hopes for him to pursue a more traditional career, his love for arcade games only deepened. Thompson expanded his private collection over the years, tracking down beloved games from his youth at lower costs—from Star Wars to Tron—and negotiating deals with arcade operators who deemed these machines unprofitable and outmoded.
His personal collection gradually morphed into a business. Thompson's knack for acquiring and restoring arcade games became well known, and eventually, his expertise turned into National Arcade Hire. This venture allowed him to share his collection on a larger scale, renting out to companies and at events, ensuring these vintage games could be enjoyed by newer generations in various public settings.
Thompson’s business thrived as retro gaming regained popularity. He found a niche in providing authentic entertainment options for movies, television shows, and corporate events. The rise of themed bars and pop culture conventions further expanded his market. Notably, when Disney needed to create a real-life arcade setting for the London premiere of "Tron Legacy," they turned to Thompson to supply the authentic arcade experience.
Beyond film and television, Thompson’s arcade cabinets have made appearances in music videos, fashion shoots, and even museums. Each project he undertakes is infused with his passion for arcade games, maintaining the legacy of these classic forms of entertainment. His personal favorite pieces, like his original Star Wars and Tron cabinets, still hold special places in his collection and are often featured in his high-profile rentals.
Thompson not only rents out these machines but has also become a consultant and figure in the gaming community, often appearing at conventions and participating in documentaries about arcade culture. His business has enabled him to collaborate with film directors and celebrities, bringing a piece of gaming history to contemporary media and public events.
For Thompson, National Arcade Hire isn't just a rental service; it's a way to preserve the history of entertainment and share it with the world. Each machine in his inventory doesn’t just represent a game but tells a story of an era when arcade games were a cornerstone of popular culture, offering a tactile, communal gaming experience that is quite different from today’s online gaming environment. Through his work, these machines continue to spark joy and nostalgia, ensuring that the arcade culture continues to be celebrated across generations.
The work Jonathan Thompson does serves a dual purpose; it keeps the arcade game spirit alive in modern media while providing a touch of nostalgia that enhances the viewing experience for audiences worldwide. His journey from a passionate collector to a key supplier for major films and events is a testament to where passion paired with enterprise can lead, preserving the magic of arcade games for future generations to enjoy.
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