Sean Newton, aka Gozer5454 and author of Bits, Sticks, and Buttons, has reached a milestone is his effort to recreate accurate arcade models for use in Google Sketchup by creating 500 painstakingly detailed models for public use. For those of you not familiar, Google’s Sketchup program allows users to accurately represent the layout of a designated space. This is especially handy for gameroom enthusiasts who want to toy around with new layout concepts for their arcade. It is a lot easier moving around a exact-replica digital model than to play a physical, real-world version of Tetris with 300-pound arcade and pinball machines.
Representing two full years of effort, Sean has worked to accurately represent different styles of arcade games by measuring each actual cabinet by hand. Not only are the arcade game models accurate in their dimensions, they have accurate cabinet artwork and screen captures. That way, not only can you use the models to see if they will physically fit in the real world, you can use them to get a sense of how your gameroom will look aesthetically. For someone that is running out of room in their home arcade, this tool is a great way to see if you can squeeze just one more game into your remaining space.
To showcase what an exhaustive effort it was to create so many arcade models, Sean created two videos that feature all of his hard work. It’s pretty impressive to watch, so take a look below. If you want to learn more about the effort or how to use Google Sketchup, then simply read the HUGE thread on KLOV. Oh yeah, and if you want to hear Sean talk about his efforts and his love of the arcades, listen to Gameroom Junkies Podcast episode 11.
