Help Take a Free Arcade to the Next Level

Hi! My name is Madison, and I co-run a hybrid arcade and video game store in Union Bridge, Maryland, called Save Point. Our arcade is completely donation-driven. There is no required or expected entry fee, and all machines are always on free play. We have a mix of arcades from classics like Ms. PAC-MAN to Japanese music games like Groove Coaster. For those 21 and over, we are BYOB. The building we reside in was built in the 1800s and requires a lot of work. We have reached capacity in the current storefront area, although there is space in the back to expand the arcade to be three times its current size.

 

We currently host about 20 unique machines. If we can open the back area, this would expand to at least 50 machines, including over a dozen pinballs. We're excited for the potential to have the much-needed space to host tournaments and run a pinball league. We are located less than an hour away from Baltimore, about half an hour from Frederick and Gettysburg, PA, and a little more than an hour from Washington, DC.

This is where our back area currently stands.. it's in need of a new floor, new walls, and a lot of rehab on the ceiling and roof. There is a large walk-in cooler that needs to be disassembled from when the place used to be a liquor store. The games in these photos are ones that we plan on having available to the public when the time comes, and we've done everything we can without additional support.

Video Arcades have dwindled in their numbers in the last two decades. Most that survive today, especially in the United States, are centered around redemption games and a full bar. We watched tons of arcades close their doors during the pandemic, making true video arcades an extreme rarity. Our dream is to have Save Point become 90% arcade, 10% game store, and ensure it never closes its doors.

 

Our mission is to embrace and share video game culture while ensuring we take the necessary steps to persevere and archive anything that we can, especially regarding arcade and pinball machines. We believe that everyone should have an opportunity to experience and enjoy these games while not worrying about any costs. Regardless of what happens in the future this arcade will always be free of charge, and open to everyone.

 

We’re hoping that you can help us make this dream a reality. Any funds donated will go towards opening the back area to the public. We already have machines that are ready to go and sitting in storage. If any funds are donated past our goal, we will use that money to invest in the building, solidifying the permanence of the arcade.

 

Anyone who donates through this campaign or in person will have their name displayed in the location unless they prefer otherwise. We have had an incredible opportunity to make something extraordinary, and we hope that you can help us make it so much more amazing.

Here are a few photos of our current game lineup. You can come in today and play your heart out!