Erik Kane, better known online as The Arcade Warrior, is the spiky-haired, high energy, Mountain Dew drinking arcade advocate with over 1.7M subscribers. He travels all over the United States and Canada visiting arcades and FECs showcasing his skills , but we were able to grab him for a quick Spotlight interview in between Mountain Dews and tater tots.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My real name is Erik Kane and I am from Rochester, New York. I love movies, sports, and my passion is film making.
How did your love affair with arcade games begin?
I fell in love with arcade games when I was a little kid. My mom and dad would take me and my brother to Chuck E. Cheese’s. I also was fascinated with the claw machine as a kid, and would always beg my mom for some quarters to play when there was one in sight. When I was 16 I got a claw machine of my own and it’s currently in my parents’ dining room.
What gave you the idea to start producing arcade videos on YouTube?
I was always fascinated with making my own movies and videos with my parents’ old cameras. Eventually, YouTube became a thing and I decided to start uploading videos of my own. I started out making comedy videos with my brother, and then eventually I created “Arcade Warrior” and that’s where all of my Internet success has been so far.
What is the deal with the tater tots?!
My catchphrase on YouTube, is “Tater Tots Are Ready!“. My mom is the one who says it. I also love tater tots.
What’s your favorite game and why?
My favorite arcade game of all time is Ms. Pac-man. I was always fascinated with Pac-Man, but my love for Ms. Pac-man started when I would spend hours playing it at one of my favorite arcades, the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Canada. I can average around 200,000 points on a good day.
Do you have a favorite arcade or a local arcade you want to give a shout out?
Rocky’s Big City Arcade & Sports Bar in Buffalo NY. If that arcade didn’t exist I probably wouldn’t be making videos. I’ve filmed hundreds of videos at this specific place, so shoutout to Rocky’s and all of the staff. Best arcade in Western New York!
Do you follow any other arcade Youtubers or bloggers?
I enjoy watching Plush Time Wins, The Arcade Dad, and The Crane Couple, but since I am always making arcade related videos, I also enjoy watching non-arcade YouTube channels for entertainment.
What is the best prize you’ve won?
I like winning anything that’s cartoon related. I have a huge Scooby-Doo and Betty Boop plush collection.
Has Mountain Dew offered you a sponsorship yet?
I’m working on it!
Is there anything you’d like to see manufacturers do differently for the modern arcade?
Yes, bring back more classics with a new twist.
What are your plans for the future of your channel?
To reach 2 million subscribers on YouTube.
Check out Arcade Warrior on YouTube and follow him on Social Media!
Arcade Warrior Twitter
Arcade Warrior Instagram
Arcade Warrior Facebook