THE DREAM IS OVER...

[Andy]

TGA CLOSED FOREVER / TGA TO LIQUIDATE ALL ASSETS IN MAY 2009.

It is with the deepest regret, sadness, heartbreak and disbelief that I must inform everyone that our dream is over.

Tokyo Game Action is officially closed forever. With no income and other problems due to the flood, we are drowning in bills it is impossible to recover and reopen.

To pay our creditors and to prevent my family from being thrown out on the street (literally), I am left with no choice but to auction all of TGA's assets.

TGA will be auctioning everything we have in May to pay our bills. Every game, pcb, poster, keychain, chair, plate, fork, Arch stand, figures, software, bowling ball, everything in TGA has to be sold.

I will post more information as this becomes available.

This event will be our last as a TGA community, at 5 Summer drive. But the good news TGA doesn't have to end. It is my hope that the community will come down, participate bring home a piece of TGA and keep it going.

I will save my emotion gushing, "why did this happen to me? I don't
deserve this, I hate my life" post and all my thoughts and reflections for a later date, as time is not TGA's friend right now.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE AUCTION OUR TARGET AMOUNT IS $500,000.00. Yes, we have to raise half a million in sales to pay our bills.

I'll be posting more as it becomes available.

I'm sick to my stomach as I type this, I can't believe this is happening.

As always, respectfully yours...

Andy

[Junior G-Man]

I love it, you know I absolutely love it. Andy and Chie are one of the few in this day and age who fucking play by the book, don't treat people like shit and this is how its repaid. While every shit-sucking scumbag they've ever encounted i.e. That greaseball from GameZone, John "My food is overpriced and tastes like dog food, have you seen my van??" Chan, good ol' George and Nassim, oh and mark Caudette, or whatever the fuck his name is "OH LOOK AT ME, IM THE BEST BOWLER IN WINCHENDON, IM GONNA OPEN MY OWN BOWLING ALLEY AND LIEK PUT U OUT OF BUSINESS!!!!11" doesnt have this shit happen to them. Screw it, Andy, Chie, You flew it straight, you had an amazing run in a world that doesnt cotton to being decent. Seriously, Thank you. I seriously hope you like, strike it mad rich in whatever your future endeavors maybe. Lord knows you deserve it.

Ok, rage filled rant over

[ZerodotJander]

This is one of the saddest things I've ever heard.

I've never been a super active member of the TGA community and I've only been to Winchedon a few times, but I have loved TGA since I first walked into the shop in Woonsocket in 2003. TGA was really something special, mostly because of Andy. I've very rarely ever seen anybody as devoted to their business and their customers as Andy has been to the Bemani and Fighting Game communities. Andy, you made TGA far more than just a place to play games, the effort you put in to make it the best possible arcade possible was so far above and beyond. I can't believe it's over, that we won't get to see SF4 qualifiers for SBO, that we won't be playing BlazBlue in the back room, that we won't be getting in Puzzle Fighter games while waiting for Chie's cooking.

Andy, I'm so sorry and I hope things work out for you after this nightmare is over. If I can find a place to put them, I will show up and try to buy those Super Turbo cabinets for sure.

[2600]

This is the worst news I have heard in a long time. Nick and I have made quite a few gaming connections and if you want we can make some video's advertising the auction to try and get as many people as possible to come. I know some guys that do a video game radio show as well as some guys that do an internet radio show. Nick and I can ask them to plug the auction to try and reach as many people as possible. With the video's we can ask some of our friends if they can post them up on their websites for advertising. All we would need is the date and time of the auction, as well as what will be for sale and any condition.

I was also curious about any fundraiser possibilities? Is the building sound and or possible to open once more to try and generate revenue to help you guys pay your bills? I don't know about everyone else, but I am more then willing to pay (donate) 50-100 bucks for such a thing. I am strapped for cash, but would be more then happy to help out TGA. It also could be an invite only if staffing is an issue (I also would be willing to help out if that's case).

Let us know if we can help in anyway. If you give the go and send us the information, we will start putting a video together and contacting people to help promote it.

Again sorry to hear that you have to close your doors and I hope the TGA Community, like you have mentioned will keep on going.

[dieKatze88]

Aw man. This is in fact the worst thing that has ever happened to the arcade community in the United States, period. It saddens me so much that you are forced to go out of busyness for something that was so trivial to the place... three times before?

Andy, as soon as you have a date for this, you let us know, because we are going to want to be there. Even if it is just to give you one last hug.

[Satoko]

Andy, Chie... I am so sorry. This is heartbreaking, and if there's anyone in the world who doesn't deserve this, it's you. You are the Willy Wonka of Bemani, opening your factory to all of the music-loving children; there must be a source of funding out there for something so unique. Have you looked into government grants? TGA is truly one of a kind, and I feel like a small business grant would be a very feasible option. You have so much to offer to the community; someone out there must be willing to hear your story and offer their assistance.

My heart goes out to you; if there's anything I can do, please let me know. I can't offer any financial help, but writing is my specialty. I would love to help you write a grant proposal if you decide to try.

Stay warm and stay hopeful!

[Brutal Brandon]

I'm sorry Andy, Chie.

All I can do is cry at this point.

[framerate]

This is some of the saddest news I have heard.

I will never forget the good times, the friends I have met, and the atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind arcade.

[Craz]

Dreams never die. Ever. Andy you will find a way through this both personally and professionally. You always have and you always will.

[DizzyBum]

God. I... I really don't know what to say.

A miracle would be really great right about now.

[blueNINE]

Farewell to my favorite arcade...

Thank you so much for allowing for TGA to be what it was. It is and will be missed dearly. I can only hope that someday there might be a third chapter, even if that is not really in site at the moment.

Good luck to you and your family!

Hopefully I'll see you during the auction event, and I'll talk with you soon.

To everyone in the community -- let's keep it alive, in a sense, and continue with the gaming, tournaments, events, and more.

[KONRAD]

I am in almost disbelief as I read this...

This is a sad day indeed.

But, my heart goes out to Andy and the TGA family past and present that gave me memories I will never forget (RI and Winchendon).
I wish you the best, and am really sorry this had to happen to you of all people.
Proof that life really isn't always fair.

First Handsome Jet, then Michael, now this... wow.

Well just wanted to say, thank you for all your dedication to your community over the years and sorry it had to come down to this. It will be missed, and I will def. try to make it to that auction to help out.

[Light_Nazgul]

This is unimaginably sad news. Thank you so much Andy and Chie for everything you have done over the years. Thanks for good times and good memories. Where you have been good thing have been happening. I miss you guys a lot. Please stay in touch.

[brie84]

This is the new I was afraid of hearing, I'm so sorry this happened to you Andy and Chie. TGA was such a wonderful place, and now it has to close, its like a knife in my stomach.
I've met so many friends there,played so many games, I won my first tourney there! Its sad you have to auction off everything, its like selling your memories. I'll be there to support you Andy, just like I always have, ever since I stepped foot into my favorite arcade...such a shame

[YanYan]

this is truely depressing......
cant remember last time i actually shed a tear

well i wish you both andy and chie the best of luck
im sorry this is all happening if anything you 2 dont deserve it

it seems like just yesterday Jannick (Dr J.) was telling me about this place
and i kept on thinking it was a lie....i really wish i would have believed him sooner

Thank you so much for all the good times and memories thats one way i can always return to tga....in my memories

please keep in touch

~Yannick~

[KazuyaTakumi]

In the times that i have had with tga in the last 4 years, I never thought I would see the day that this would ever happen. I'm ....shocked and saddened that this once amazing arcade is now going to be known as only a memory. I remember so many amazing times i have had with you guys with events like my first street fighter tournament, press your luck, playing all those music games and fighting games for the first time, bowlmanifest 2006 and 2007, the list goes on and on.

I love all you guys from the bottom of my heart and I truly just can't believe how real this sad truth is. If I ever create a video game in the future, I will try to put an in memory of TGA message in the credits. With all this being said, I still believe that you Andy, are the best arcade owner I have ever known in my entire life, and a great friend. I will do my best to come to the auction whenever it is announced.

Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart to the depths of my soul, for bringing together an amazing group of friends and giving us the best hospitality and care to the machines and to us as well. We had a great run, let's remember the good times and use those to go forward in this life. Thank you for all you have given us and thank you for your friendship. Andy and Chie, I wish you both the best in your future.

Your Friend,
Craig Houle

[mrclean]

Holy crap....Brie just told me about this when I was at work, and perosnally don't care that I'm posting it during work. Man...so many great memories here....hell...if it weren't for TGA I would have never met Brie, one of the best things to happen to me... Also, I remember on our anniversary you embarrased Brie and I by announcing it to the whole store :-p. Seriously, if you want to try and run and fundraiser to keep the place going I'd be more than willing to donate as much as I can to keep your store open. I'm sure there are more in the community that would do the same. The last thing any of us want to see is someone with as strong a spirit as you and Chie throw in the towel. If you decide against a fundraiser, then I say good luck in future endeavours and I hope that you know that we are all behind you Andy. Take care of yourself, and don't let this drag you down, natural disasters are out of your control...let me know if there is anything you need ANdy.

[red shoe paul]

You know I'll be there to show my support and pick something up the day of auction. Hopefully alot of people come out for this as well. Hopefully I can still enjoy one last teriyaki burger the day of..

[JustoMania]

Wow I still cant belive its happing. I only been with the community for two years, and ive never was thier for the RI days but this place was like and second family to me. Even if you didnt like me or i didnt talk to you everyone was a part of that family also to Andy and Chie im very sorry their wasnt much the springfield crew could do but belive me when I say this was the first place i cared about. Well all i from here is that it was fun and we all have to keep the place alive in spirit.

[Dr. J]

Oh man, I don't even know where to begin.

Before TGA moved, it was like a second home to me. I was there every weekend, for whatever reason (hanging out, playing, helping out etc.). I've met some of the most awesome people there, I've discovered some of the most amazing games, and I've had some of the best experiences of my life there. I found out about TGA and started going to TGA when i was in 7th grade, now, I'm graduating in a couple of months from High School. TGA played a big part in my life, and to read this news saddens me terribly.

Andy, I want you to know that TGA was the greatest thing that has ever happened to Woonsocket (when TGA was located there), and I'm sure it was the greatest thing to happen to Winchendon as well. I feel honored that I got to physically see and experience the evolution that TGA went through. With just a DDR Extreme machine, SVC Chaos, Dance Maniax, and IIDX 7th style, TGA pulled through to what it has become recently.

I'll never forget TGA. It will forever remain to be the greatest memory of my Middle School, and High School years.

[SteveReen]

Damn. This sucks sooo bad, seriously. I loved TGA. Soo sorry this happened to you, Andy

[Exodus]

I really just don't have the words right now, I am sitting in the middle of my computer programming class, doing my three to four times daily check of the website, and this is what came up. I seriously have tears in my eyes right now I can't even put words to it.

I loved Tokyo Game Action with all of my heart. In all seriousness, when I first found out about TGA through some random arbitrary post on a website, I was so excited. I traveled 2 hours THAT SAME NIGHT to just visit my new gaming mecca, it was only for about one hour of play, and then another drive home, but in my eyes that was the best spent trip I have ever made.

I ranted to all my friends about this amazing arcade, I brought them one by one to this amazing place, I bonded with some of my casual friends and got some new best friends through the experience.

The way I was treated when I went to TGA was absolutely amazing, I loved going there if only for the warmness of when I first walked in and bought my wristband.

You guys were so amazing, you were the greatest thing to ever happen to the US Arcade scene, and I am so sad to see you go.

I am so willing to do anything to help, I will be getting a job now, so I can have money to spend all of at the auction.

TGA will be sorely missed, and I speak for all my friends that have come with me when I say Thank You, Thank you SO VERY MUCH!

[ranatalus]

I think I speak for everyone when I say that if there is absolutely anything any of us can do to help in any way, don't think twice about asking and we'll do whatever we can.

I'm so sorry, Andy

[Jester]

See my msg... <3

[paule]

Is there nothing we can do other than let TGA go under?