Hidden behind a vintage 1976 Coke machine, Will Ogles has brought his passion for retro gaming to life by transforming the back of his wife’s art studio into a fully functional speakeasy arcade. What started as a few arcade machines for fun quickly spiraled into a personal haven packed with ‘90s classics like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, complete with original cabinets and neon lights.

In this episode, Will shares how his love for video games evolved into a full-blown restoration project, where he brings old arcade machines back to life and uses modern tech like Alexa to power his games. His journey from product management to arcade designer and restorer is filled with creativity, challenges, and a true dedication to keeping the magic of ‘90s arcades alive.

Highlights:

• Arcade Co-working Space Transformed: Initially meant to be a co-working space with a few games, the arcade grew until the desks disappeared, leaving only the games.
• Recreating 90s Arcade Nostalgia: Will explains how he designed the space to mirror the dark, immersive feel of ‘90s mall arcades, with games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat.
• Alexa-Controlled Arcade: Will has integrated his arcade with Alexa, allowing him to turn on games and control the space with voice commands.

Jump Into the Conversation:

(00:00) Introduction to Will Ogles and his transformation of a back room into an arcade

(01:55) How the arcade was hidden behind a vintage Coke machine

(04:01) How Will discovered his passion for building arcades

(06:42) Differences between ‘80s and ‘90s arcades

(12:38) Restoring original arcade cabinets and the challenges of repairs

(18:34) Transporting arcade cabinets in an SUV

(21:55) Restoring a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cabinet back to its original form

(26:49) Plans to open a public arcade in the future

(28:30) How arcade restoration has influenced Will’s professional skills in product management