Amanda Sapio
A group of students in Fowler School of Engineering recently embarked on an ambitious project: building a fully functional arcade from scratch. Led by a team of students, the project involved designing, building and programming an arcade in only one semester.
Titled the “Corgicade,” the student-assembled machine features hundreds of classic games, including NBA Jam, Street Fighter and Ms. Pac-Man. It also includes an original game created by Kaye Galang.
Kalin Richardson, a junior majoring in software engineering and minoring in information security and policy, took on the role of project manager at the recommendation of her instructor Jon Humphreys.
“I wasn’t familiar with working in such a tight time constraint,” Richardson said. “This was the biggest challenge, but it’s also what I enjoyed the most.”
The team of nearly two dozen students was divided into several subgroups, each with a specific role: fabrication and assembly, electronics, microcontrollers, art and lighting and 3D modeling.
The fabrication and assembly team was responsible for cutting and shaping the physical components of the arcade. To begin the project, they cut a full-scale model out of cardboard, which allowed the team to identify and address problems early. From there, they used a CNC router and tools in the school’s Makerspace to create the actual arcade, which they designed using a large wooden cabinet. Richardson worked closely alongside the fabrication and assembly team to ensure the process went smoothly.
After initial assembly was complete, the electronics team designed and implemented the systems that power the control panel, including wiring, soldering and configuring circuits to ensure all buttons, joysticks, flight sticks, spinners, roller balls and screens worked together. The microcontrollers team then installed LED strips with programmed lighting effects to enhance the user experience. The art and lighting team created stunning custom artwork for the machine’s control panels and exterior, and the 3D modeling team used CAD to assist with model design throughout the assembly process.
The end result is remarkable. The Corgicade has retro game controllers that can be plugged in as well as two flight sticks, two joysticks and various buttons, all of which are reactive to the game you’re playing. When the arcade programming is officially complete, it will feature over 3,000 arcade games.
“This opportunity allowed me to hone my skills and gain valuable experience in team development and management,” Richardson said. “I oversaw the project’s progress, coordinated tasks and ensured our goals were met.”
The Corgicade’s stunning design, vibrant graphics and immersive gaming experience have made it a popular attraction on campus, drawing in current and prospective students, parents and faculty.
This project is also a testament to the ingenuity of Chapman University’s students, and the team has created a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future gamers and engineers.
