LONGVIEW, Texas – A family‑friendly entertainment venue is set to bring the classic arcade experience back to East Texas. According to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Tilted Arcade will begin renovations at the Longview Mall on Nov. 16 and aims to open its doors in early 2027.
Renovation details and timeline
The filing shows the proposed space covers roughly 10,000 square feet and the interior build‑out is budgeted at about $95,000. A timeline posted on the arcade’s Facebook page indicates demolition and cleanup have already been completed, and the project is now awaiting final plan approval from the city. The filing lists Jan. 11 as the expected completion date for construction.
What Tilted Arcade will offer
Tilted describes itself as a “modern twist” on the traditional arcade: one entry fee grants unlimited play on a rotating selection of classic cabinets, modern favorites, pinball machines, multiplayer games, rhythm games, racing titles, shooters, fighters, beat ’em ups and retro console stations. The website lists titles such as Donkey Kong Jr., Street Fighter 2, Big Buck Hunter Pro, Crazy Taxi and TRON, along with a variety of pinball machines.
Community focus
Beyond gaming, Tilted aims to become a hub for community events and private parties. The owners are actively seeking feedback from East Texas residents through an online survey, emphasizing their desire to create a space where families and friends can gather, compete and make new memories.
Origins of the concept
According to a blog post on the arcade’s website, the idea originated on the owners’ 2019 honeymoon in Alaska, where they encountered a free‑to‑play arcade run by a Tyler native who had relocated north. Inspired by that experience, they decided to bring a similar concept to Longview.
Local impact
The project is expected to generate construction jobs in the short term and, once open, provide ongoing employment opportunities for local residents. By offering a family‑oriented entertainment option, Tilted Arcade could also draw additional foot traffic to the Longview Mall, supporting other retailers in the area.
How to stay informed
Interested community members can follow Tilted’s social media channels for updates or complete the community survey linked on the arcade’s website. Further details, including the final floor plan and exact opening date, will be released as the project progresses.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
