Andy Jimison, a 42-year-old from Worcester with a deep love for the 1990s, has always been a passionate fan of video games. Recalling those bygone days, he vividly remembers spending hours at malls in the 90s, engrossed in various fighting video games. His collection of video games still holds a special place, with his favorite titles showcased on the Sega Dreamcast and Sega Saturn.

The Birth of Materia Games

This ardor for video games and nerd culture as a whole led him to open Materia Games at 116a June St. The store offers patrons the unique opportunity to play classic arcade and console video games, recreating the nostalgic feelings he experienced as a child. "I had a strong inclination to do something like this," Jimison shared. "When a small shop around the corner from us became available for rent, I took a leap of faith and decided to try my hand at opening a nerd store, just like the ones I used to visit back in the day."

Expanding the Gaming Experience

Now, Jimison is taking his love for games and nerd culture to new heights by collaborating with Jay Grey, the owner of the Odd by Worcester brewery. Together, they are set to open a new arcade and retro video game store at @ the Common, formerly known as the Midtown Mall. The arcade, named MallRats, will feature an impressive array of classic games, including Dig-Dug, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong Jr., The Simpsons Arcade Game, and Tekken 3. The arcade cabinets, which were originally part of Materia Games, have been moved to the new location. However, Jimison plans to keep his original store on June Street open to serve his customers. "Now I'll have a smaller space on June Street as most of the machines have been relocated," he informed MassLive.

The Significance of the Entrance

Hanging above the planned entrance of the arcade is a sign designed by James Carie, which features a parodied version of Chuck E. Cheese. Unlike the cheerful cartoon mouse, this rodent exudes a tough demeanor with an earring in his left ear, two long buck teeth, and a raised fist. This unique touch adds to the overall charm and character of the arcade.

Beyond Arcade Machines

In addition to the arcade machines, MallRats will also sell games designed for different systems, ranging from Atari to modern-day consoles. According to Jimison, the arcade is expected to open within the next two weeks. Grey, the owner of Odd by Worcester, shared that MallRats' location will be next door to his brewery. Opened in February 2024, Odd by Worcester is a 1990s-themed brewery where patrons can enjoy their favorite drinks while playing free video game consoles from the decade. Grey first met Jimison at his store on June Street and discovered a shared love for video games. They quickly became friends, and Grey was eager to collaborate with Jimison on opening MallRats. "My dad always used to say that sometimes the people you do business with are more important than the business itself," Grey said. "I feel that way about our relationship. We want to create something cool together." Grey believes that the collaboration between MallRats and Odd by Worcester will be a perfect fit, as both will provide a cool atmosphere for customers to relive the 90s. "It's all very symbiotic," he added. "I'm excited about the future of our venture in the Midtown Mall."