New Wave Arcade in Ripon will close for good in July.

The venue on Westgate offers the chance to play games from the glory days of arcade gaming, including Street Fighter 2, Ridge Racer and Gunblade.

It was something a bit different for families in Ripon, as the Stray Ferret found out when we visited in March.

However, owner Rory Lofthouse said he has decided to close the business to concentrate on his wife’s health and his digital marketing company.

Mr Lofthouse said:

“It’s been well received in Ripon so it’s a shame I’m having to close it.

“I didn’t do it to make thousands of pounds, it was so there is something in Ripon for different generations to enjoy together. A lot of dads bring their kids to show them what they played when they younger.”

New Wave Arcade opened just a few weeks before the first covid lockdown and has had a stop-start existence.

Mr Lofthouse said things could have been different with the business if the pandemic didn’t happen when it did.

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Gamers who enjoyed visiting paid tributes on Facebook:

“Such a shame, the arcade was a great asset to Ripon.”

Another person said:

“We will definitely make sure we come down again before you close your doors. You’ll be sadly missed.”

New Wave Arcade’s last day will be on Saturday, July 23.

Mr Lofthouse is also selling off some of his machines. If you’re interested you can contact him rory@newwavearcade.co.uk