9 Year Old Makes Cardboard Arcade, Happiness Ensues

This is just one of those things that tugs on the heartstrings. Caine is a 9 year old boy who loves arcades so much that he decided to build one himself in his father’s used auto parts store – out of cardboard boxes. Not only does Caine maintain and operate the “machines” himself, he actually devised a series of passes, tickets, rewards/prizes and even a security system to confirm that customers are legit.

Caine’s problem? He can’t get any visitors. So a bunch of people decide to give him one of the greatest days of his life in the way of a flash mob. The results are pretty heartwarming.

Caine’s Arcade from Nirvan Mullick on Vimeo.

Needless to say, the whole thing is absurdly adorable and harkens back to those days when we were kids, and our imaginations ran wild. It’s also pretty cool that, in a world where the arcade is fading away, there are still kids that are as addicted to them as I used to be back in the day. I spent far too many (or not enough, depending on your point of view) summer days and dollars at the pizza buffet behind my house, slamming my palms on driving games, the Simpsons arcade game and whatever shooters I could find.

What did you guys think of this? Favorite arcade memories? Go!

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I write about samurai girls and space marines. Writer for Smooth Few Films. Rooster Teeth Freelancer. Author of Red vs. Blue, The Ultimate Fan Guide, out NOW!

6 thoughts on “9 Year Old Makes Cardboard Arcade, Happiness Ensues”

  1. I’m glad you guys are posting this. When I shared on facebook, I added “If imagination was celebrated like this everywhere, just think how many creative kids would grow into creative adults.”

    I emailed it to my mom today and she told me she cried. What an incredible story.

  3. “The results are pretty heartwarming.”???

    Next time, please put a more serious warning – of how the video will put a lump in your throat and having you fighting back tears of happiness – for those of us who view this site at work. 😉

    Julez’s comment is dead on. One of the best videos I’ve seen in a while. Thanks a lot for posting. Best part @ 8:01.

  5. I had the biggest smile on my face watching this. If I’m ever in LA I’m going here. That bit with the calculators blew my mind. This kid is Brilliant

  6. Oh arcades, how I miss thee. Such a shame to see them fading into the ether of time. I reminisce of my days pumping countless dollars into Gauntlet or Centipede at my local bowling alley. There HAS to be a renaissance of arcades.

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