The Cardboard Arcade of 9 Year Old Caine Brings an Enthusiastic Flashmob to L.A.

by Redrapper on April 10th, 2012 at 11:52 am

I wish Arcades were so much more these days, and I’m sure Caine does too. He’s a 9 year old kid from East L.A. who built an entire arcade out of cardboard boxes in front of his father’s used Auto Parts store. Its that stuff of innocence and imagination you find very rarely in the arms of adulthood. Caine captured, as best he knew, the soul of an arcade and recreated it the only way he could. It was really kind of amazing. Yet he never got one customer. Until Nirvan Mullick came along and organized a flashmob to surprise him.

This short film (directed by Mullick), chronicles the whole experience. I had a big gaping smile across my face the entire time. If not for the sight of watching a 9 year old’s eyes light up as he see the magic of his arcade come to life, then for the amount of love he has for the whole experience itself. It was said a long time ago that the spirit of the Arcade isn’t dead. I think Caine would agree. I think he proved it.

SOURCE: Nirvan Mullick’s Vimeo Channel, BoingBoing.net, Tip from S-kill

http://www.facebook.com/BlooDaBeast Manasseh Byrd Reese

It’s things like these that make great front page material. I can imagine this kid doing big things later on in his life with this idea.
http://www.facebook.com/Hagaishi215 Hagaishi Kun

Oh man this is just sad, someone please donate a arcade cad to this lil kid! Never had ive read anything on this site that made me cry! Stay stong lil homie!
- Anonymous
  
  Sad?
  
  Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
  
  What?
http://www.facebook.com/datshitcray Randall Madvillain Raborn

Someone donate a SFIV cabinet to this kid. or better yet, let him make SF with toys and have it balanced. lolol. That would add even more amazingness to this already amazing video.
Anonymous

Check mark button on the calculator.

First person to correct this kid is a BIG FAT MEANIE.

EDIT: I demand Evo be moved to this location.
- Fenaris
  
  For a 9 yr old, that’s some pretty damn inventive security checking.
  
  Damn genius, this kid.
  - http://www.facebook.com/people/Korey-Mueller/632448489 Korey Mueller
    
    Yeah, I thought the calculators were for the image of a security input system, but using the square root function to check the validity was unexpectedly brilliant.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=824428616 Saad Elmansy

some shit that’ll make a grown man cry
- http://www.facebook.com/langdon.herrick Langdon Herrick
  
  Damn, you weren’t kidding.
  *sniff*
  - Chris Vazquez
    
    Until you find out at “cainesarcade.com” that because of this kid’s imagination and enthusiasm, the support of his father, and the exposure of the internet, Caine Monroy now has a college fund of $123,000 and growing. It’s things like this that remind me how amazing this world is and the importance of games to everyone. Rock on little guy!
Anonymous

This is cute…….
http://www.facebook.com/nbuskirk Nathan Buskirk

This made me cry like a little bitch and regret all of my life decisions. Fantastic start to my Tuesday. THANKS SRK >_<
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=501909299 Chaan Niccaples Thomas
  
  For you it’s an amazing video that made you cry like a little bitch and regret all of your life decisions. For this kid; it’s Tuesday.
  - Anonymous
    
    I saw that coming a mile away.
http://twitter.com/MiguelXRivera Miguel Rivera

This video was absolutely amazing. I’m glad to see this brilliant young man is getting money for college as a product of his ingenuity.
- Anonymous
  
  You know dam well that money is going towards candy.
  - Anonymous
    
    Fuck yea. If I was that kid, I would fucking buy candy like a damn king.
    
    Maybe have a few as prizes.
    - Anonymous
      
      xD
    - Anonymous
      
      xD
http://twitter.com/novriltataki Fighting Game News

“The american arcade scene is in bad shape!”
Bob the Builder: “Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!”
http://twitter.com/CommanderPepper Humza Ahmad

This is the best thing ever!
Christopher Horns

This kid has more balls than all the OTHER arcade operators in the goddamn planet, he’s like, what, 8 years old? Give him a real arcade to run already! This video brought tears to my eyes! LONG LIVE ARCADES!
- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=501909299 Chaan Niccaples Thomas
  
  Ok, let’s be real here. He’s got 0 overhead, 0 electric bills, 0 employees, and his investment is calculators, sharpies, plastic toys and cardboard boxes. The kid’s got ingenuity, but it’s hardly a high risk business venture.
  - Christopher Horns
    
    Ok, let’s be real here. When was the last time you made a cardboard arcade and was successful? Oh, right, NEVER.
    - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=501909299 Chaan Niccaples Thomas
      
      What’s that got to do with anything (including your original “point” that fails to hold true). Drive, and ingenuity yes, balls no. He’s a kid making stuff out of cardboard. There’s no risk involved, and this isn’t some sort of “lesson” for arcade owners to take notice of… do you also believe in unicorns and the tooth fairy?
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1341129325 Xavier D Culver
        
        dude…not all risk involves money. The kid did something that many would find silly. The kid risked being laughed at. He risked being called pathetic. It takes balls to do that, especially at that age.
      - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=501909299 Chaan Niccaples Thomas
        
        Except that’s not relevant to what was initially said. His comment was obviously directed at monetary risk.
  - http://twitter.com/MaximoLorenzo Maximo Lorenzo
    
    Please be quiet.
  - http://twitter.com/MaximoLorenzo Maximo Lorenzo
    
    Please be quiet.
- Anonymous
  
  I think you’re going off track there. A kid usually isn’t influenced by all of the hang-ups, and fears in regards to self-image, and putting on airs, the way people are as adults. So fear has nothing to do with it, and likewise, having balls has nothing to do with it. He’s just letting that creativity flow.
http://www.facebook.com/langdon.herrick Langdon Herrick

This kid is proooobably going to be a millionaire genius in about ten years.
http://www.facebook.com/Rickard86 Rickard Holmström

Sitting here feeling sorry for myselft, hahah, Caine picked me up!
LunarEdge

I should donate my Street Fighter vs. Xmen cabinet to this kid. I ain’t using it XD
http://twitter.com/ForRevGreen Michael Carbajal

This is awesome.
Anonymous

i tried hard not to cry cause i watched this with my gf this is def tear jerker but really cool and inspirational a nice breath of fresh air.
http://www.facebook.com/djbeatmongrel Allec Johnson

God damn that got me tearing up. That kid is awesome
Anonymous

Cute story but lame cabs
- http://twitter.com/MssngPrsnC4NT Corey Lanier
  
  Not everyone can get candy’s from your Asian wife.
Anonymous

Awesomeness! Props to the pops for supporting Caine’s imagination and creativity.
- Anonymous
  
  Yeah I was gonna say that dude. His dad giving that kid space to grow his imagination and do what makes him happy? Thats great to see and a shining example of what a father should do for his kids.
http://twitter.com/EDarkness British ED

Some called Kotaku yet?
Anonymous

I actually posted this in the video thread earlier today. I don’t know if it’s because I have so much of my roots embedded in arcade culture but this video choked me up. At one point or another almost all of us dreamed of having our own arcade and some of us still do (I know I do). This kid made his dream a reality and did it with little resources. I don’t care what it looks like or what it is made out but this arcade is beautiful. It’s good to see that some of the arcade culture is still alive within a few of the new generation of kids. I’m glad somebody was able to see the greatness in this and turned it into a short documentary and one hell of an experience for Caine. If I lived in the surrounding area I definitely would go get my pass. This kid has a great future ahead of him and I hope he one day gets to own his very own full scale arcade.

-DJ-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Geoffrey-Tasker/100000736219876 Geoffrey Tasker

seriously teared up, this nine year old made something happen out of cardboard I dreamed of doing my whole life, well done son, well done
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=501909299 Chaan Niccaples Thomas

This kid is either going to be a business tycoon, or a hobo living on the side of the road that no one ever wants to talk to.

There is no in between.
Tan-Tan O’valle

Hot damn, that’s amazing and truly inspiring. Its kids like these that will never let arcades die. I even choked up a bit and that rarely ever happens.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002891777713 Ahijah Holland

This little bugger neads a real cab yo. I think he desreves it.
Anonymous

Awesome, this things make me believe that after all the 1st to 3rd world problems… There is still a God!
http://twitter.com/dougfunnie87 doug

fucking awesome.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Korey-Mueller/632448489 Korey Mueller

Yeah, this story was incredibly touching, even to a nearly heartless bastard such as myself. Good luck out there Caine! If I’m ever in L.A, I’m going to burn a few quarters on that claw machine!
http://twitter.com/MiGaOh Michael G. O’Hair

Did he just build a redemption machine?
Burn.
It.
Down.
That isn’t the spirit of the arcade. It’s the spirit of Chuck E. Cheese.
- http://www.facebook.com/people/Jason-Greeson/100000071645358 Jason Greeson
  
  Bitch ass
  - http://www.facebook.com/antyv2k Anthony Vu
    
    lolol
- Anonymous
  
  Burn your own stuff….except I doubt you own anything. Get off the library computer and read a book!
- http://twitter.com/MssngPrsnC4NT Corey Lanier
  
  Let’s see what you’ve made, huh?
  
  Doodoo in your underpants? Well done, troll! GOLD STAR!
Christopher Horns

GO FUCK YOURSELF
Anonymous

Why can’t all kids be like this boy? Laugh at this kid now but he’ll be looking down on you 10 years from now.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jason-Greeson/100000071645358 Jason Greeson

Can’t fap to this
http://www.facebook.com/people/Orion-Lauda/16907321 Orion Lauda

Kid makes me think of how i talk to my friends about starting an arcade of my own since all the ones around my city have closed since I was a kid
Anonymous

so there is a future…
http://www.facebook.com/people/Stanley-Seymour/694256223 Stanley Seymour

Wow, right when I thought my Tuesday couldn’t get any better than this. Skullgirls finally dropped for PSN and now I’m happy enough to watch a little kid do his best to live out his dream of owning an aracade. Wish I could’ve been there to support him but I live in the Bahamas. But all in all I am proud at the success he was able to accomplish because one customer’s heart was touched by his determination. Now that is an encouraging story if I ever heard one, it makes you appreciate life all the more because of something like this.

Hopes he grows up to be successful in what he sets his heart to do, both him and his dad.
- Rico Johnson
  
  ay yo get at me dude im trynna assist in startin up a ssf4 ae/umvc3/sfxt fightscene over here in nassau,if u hav any friends hu decent at any a those games let em kno too…gtettin sick of playin online all the time lol
http://profile.yahoo.com/65KTKSJSH3ETSPLQOSYLW7VF54 Adit

Keep creating your own arcade machine little one…
you surely made me proud…*cried*
http://twitter.com/RylosAU Mark

Oh geez…he has a Caine’s Arcade shirt & everything! Excuse me, I think I have something in my eye…*sniff*

Amazing stuff! And shout out’s to his dad for not discouraging him and letting him have his fun!
Nicholas Shuman

God damn dust storm, why the fuck wont you let me watch inspirational internet videos??
http://mystady.com/ MY STADY — mystady.com

“I had a big gaping smile across my face the entire time.”

Redrapper is missing all his teeth: confirmed.
Anonymous

The 99% has failed. A true american capitalist making something out of nothing and getting paid for it
http://twitter.com/WeFlyForever HiL Alcee

This kid reminds me of my self when I was young. Sniff*
http://www.tyler2k.com/ tyler2k

Shout outs to Reddit
http://twitter.com/Hipno El Tavo Tavo.

Thats amazing, i actually shed a tear.
http://twitter.com/Hipno El Tavo Tavo.

Thats amazing, i actually shed a tear.
Pingback: Caine’s Arcade: Jogos de Papelão | Intermobs
http://www.facebook.com/people/Joe-Silva/100000213446318 Joe Silva

This little kid deserves a “Fun Pass” for EVO!!!
- Anonymous
  
  Yea that’s a great idea. Hey Shoryuken guys, you think you can make that happen. All expenses paid. Maybe you can get one of the sponsors to cover the expenses for him and two guest for 3 days, 2 nights. Plus dinner passes.
- Anonymous
  
  Yea that’s a great idea. Hey Shoryuken guys, you think you can make that happen. All expenses paid. Maybe you can get one of the sponsors to cover the expenses for him and two guest for 3 days, 2 nights. Plus dinner passes.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Joe-Silva/100000213446318 Joe Silva

This little kid deserves a “Fun Pass” for EVO!!!
http://twitter.com/H_Magnus Fernando Velasco

Manly tears…

They have been shed.
http://twitter.com/H_Magnus Fernando Velasco

Manly tears…

They have been shed.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001376408756 Kyle Talbot

Currently crying like a little bitch.

Carry on, Caine.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001376408756 Kyle Talbot

Currently crying like a little bitch.

Carry on, Caine.
http://unessential.livejournal.com/ unessential

This may be one of the only times I’ll support a redemption game.
http://unessential.livejournal.com/ unessential

This may be one of the only times I’ll support a redemption game.
http://twitter.com/Razentsu Paolo Jardiolin

Man… I’m tearing up. This little dude is awesome, long live arcades!
http://www.facebook.com/shmickmik Michael Nash

I clicked on this thinking that i would watch the first 1 min or so and turn it off.. i was crying 5 mins in and have realised i have wasted my life.

That smile on his face when pulling up to the crowd of people was enough to set me off lol
http://www.facebook.com/shmickmik Michael Nash

I clicked on this thinking that i would watch the first 1 min or so and turn it off.. i was crying 5 mins in and have realised i have wasted my life.

That smile on his face when pulling up to the crowd of people was enough to set me off lol
http://www.facebook.com/shmickmik Michael Nash

I clicked on this thinking that i would watch the first 1 min or so and turn it off.. i was crying 5 mins in and have realised i have wasted my life.

That smile on his face when pulling up to the crowd of people was enough to set me off lol
Anonymous

Fun Pass FTW!
Anonymous

Fun Pass FTW!
Anonymous

His face when he realizes the crowd is there for him.

Ahmahgawd. Grinchy heart growing two sizes…
http://profile.yahoo.com/UPH2W6CF2KVRDI4GGMJYP75KBY Guitarist

This kid is just what Apple needs in the future. Steve Jobs would be proud.
http://www.facebook.com/UNdesTROY Troy Dalton

You realize what’d happen if everyone who shelled out $50 for soulless cash-ins like SFxT or SSF4 donated this kid a dollar? He’d have enough to both put away for college and buy a real, massive arcade of his very own. Food for thought.
http://www.facebook.com/UNdesTROY Troy Dalton

You realize what’d happen if everyone who shelled out $50 for soulless cash-ins like SFxT or SSF4 donated this kid a dollar? He’d have enough to both put away for college and buy a real, massive arcade of his very own. Food for thought.
http://www.facebook.com/UNdesTROY Troy Dalton

You realize what’d happen if everyone who shelled out $50 for soulless cash-ins like SFxT or SSF4 donated this kid a dollar? He’d have enough to both put away for college and buy a real, massive arcade of his very own. Food for thought.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Gonzalez/100000802975759 Mark Gonzalez

Wow. I am touched. This reminds me of when I was a kid and I used to make board games out of cut up cardboard for my family and friends to play. Wish I lived in that area. I would love to pay that arcade a visit! I’ll definitely remember this if I’m ever in L.A.

Best of luck, Caine! Pursue your dreams, little man!

Manly tears.
http://twitter.com/josharebored Josh Hourie

Story of the year
http://twitter.com/josharebored Josh Hourie

Story of the year
Pingback: The Cardboard Arcade of 9 Year Old Caine | Talent Marketing & Consulting
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000848425227 Luis ‘Rab’ Yanez

this made me happy as fuck
Anonymous

Alex Valle please take this kid to Super Arcade and show him around, maybe get him going on something like MVC3 or something easy like that and don’t let Mike Watson eat him. He’s in the East LA area if I heard correctly, I think this kid deserves to hit up a newly renewed and well run arcade to keep him aspiring.
Anonymous

Throw in some machining and mechanical engineering classes and he could probably come up with some pretty interesting things.
- http://www.facebook.com/people/Almeson-Hoku-James/100000479628267 Almeson Hoku James
  
  Virtua-on 2020 Caine Inc.
- http://www.facebook.com/people/Almeson-Hoku-James/100000479628267 Almeson Hoku James
  
  Virtua-on 2020 Caine Inc.
Anonymous

Throw in some machining and mechanical engineering classes and he could probably come up with some pretty interesting things.
AugustAPC

I was scared I was the only one crying like a bitch, haha. Would’a bought the funpass in a heartbeat!
- RenaTurnip
  
  I think I would have humoured him by being one of those customers who thinks she can win with the $1 buy, then constantly buying more of them because I keep losing. By the time I win something, that would be like $6 for little Caine
  
  Seriously though, this was such a cool video to watch.
Arion Johnson

Amazing.
Anonymous

Teared up at work. That kid is my hero.
Anonymous

Teared up at work. That kid is my hero.
http://www.facebook.com/beholdoblivionisathand Jared Bernardi

I wanna build a SSFIVAE2012 cabinet out of cardboard for this kid.
http://twitter.com/chacmool06 krzysztof grzadko

I love stuff like this, me and my gf teared up a bit watching it. Put a huge sht eating grin on our faces.
http://twitter.com/chacmool06 krzysztof grzadko

I love stuff like this, me and my gf teared up a bit watching it. Put a huge sht eating grin on our faces.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GJDFHL2NHBEWW7BYQJ3UTOVBEA Micael Chino de leon

Cheap ass dad!hahaha.But, guess caine grows up more creative than most dumbass 40 yrs.olds on xbox or PS.
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