Immersive Anticipation: Navigating the Boundaries of Experience and Obsession

Abstract

I stepped into the arcade and was struck by the glow of the rainbow neon lights reflecting off the polished arcade floors and glass ceilings. This feeling of being overwhelmed, through the chaotic mix of overlapping machine soundtracks, occasional outbursts of excitement, and joystick squeaks reinstalled the same joy I felt a decade ago. A floral jasmine scent lingers throughout the arcade which was oddly refreshing despite all the chaos. I took a deep breath, letting it all sink in before I was rudely interrupted by the sound of a mini siren.