A lifelong dream inspired by childhood trips to the seaside has become reality after a new retro gaming arcade opened its doors.
Arcade Time Machine, which launched just days ago on Stockton High Street, offers visitors the chance to play more than 40 retro and modern games across a 4,000-square-foot venue designed to bring generations together.
The business is the creation of owner Jonathan Gouder, who says he has wanted to run an arcade since he was seven years old.
Jon said: "Ever since I was a kid going to Redcar in the 1980s with my family, I've wanted my own arcade.
"I had a bit of money, decided to follow my dream and see where it goes."
After spending the last two to three years trying to get the venture off the ground, the biggest challenge proved to be finding the right location.
Eventually, a unit on Stockton High Street became available, allowing the business to move forward.
Unlike many gaming venues, Arcade Time Machine is not centred around alcohol or a nightclub atmosphere. Instead, it aims to offer a family-friendly experience where parents and children can play together.
The venue features a mix of classic arcade favourites alongside modern remakes, allowing visitors to compare the games they remember with contemporary versions.
Jon said: "What I'm getting is adults who remember the old retro games and bring the kids along. It's something they can do together.
"I've got mums coming in with kids, people in their 40s and 50s wanting a nostalgia fix, and students who are into gaming too."
The idea behind the venue's "time machine" theme is to allow players to experience both eras side by side.
Visitors can play classic favourites on arcade-style controls before trying updated versions featuring enhanced graphics and modern gameplay.
The attraction includes more than 40 arcade machines, gaming rooms and console areas, with two-hour unlimited gaming sessions available for a fixed fee.
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Jon believes part of the appeal lies in bringing people together in a way many modern games no longer do.
"When you hear three or four kids all playing together and laughing, it reminds me of when I was a kid doing that with my mates," he said.
"These days everyone is online, but being shoulder to shoulder with your friends, your family or your dad is different. It's a bonding experience."
The owner is already planning an expansion after receiving feedback from customers in the arcade's opening week.
An additional room at the back of the premises is currently being developed and is expected to open within the next two months, featuring more retro consoles and games chosen partly through customer suggestions.
Stockton was the obvious location for Jon - having grown up visiting the town while his parents worked as market traders, he has long had an affection for the area and believes recent investment has helped transform the high street.
He said: "I've always had an affinity with Stockton. I used to come here and work on Saturdays when I was a kid, so I've always known the town centre.
"They're really trying to change the high street into more of a leisure destination and that fitted in perfectly with what I wanted to do."
The opening comes as retro gaming continues to enjoy a resurgence, with classic titles being re-released for modern audiences.
More information about the arcade and the services they offer can be found on their website: Arcade Time Machine – Modern and Retro Gaming Arcade | Stockton on Tees - Arcade Time Machine Stockton on Tees
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