Well you read the title. Unfortunately, the business details aren't being disclosed, but Joybox is packing up shop.
Since it's original arcade release for Act Cadenza, Joybox has supported Melty Blood as it's main game (shared with Tekken) for years. Much of the information on the wiki and mixups we use were invented at and spread through Joybox videos, so I think it goes without saying it will be deeply missed.
Many of the top players gathered last Friday and throughout the week to see off Joybox, pictures of which I have uploaded below. Players such as Inoshi, Udonge, T.I, Garu, Niiya, Hare, Shiki, You, among others have all visited in the past week. It's rare for top players to gather outside of tournament, so the play level specifically last Friday was some of the highest Japan has offer.
On the far left: Udonge
Playing: Inoshi (Far) Shiki (Close)That being said, I wouldn't fret for the future of Melty Blood, Mikado remains nearby as the top Melty Blood arcade in the Kanto region, with A-cho in I believe Kyoto and Gamesky in Nagoya. I just thought I'd inform you guys as I believe this is a big loss to the arcade and overall melty fighting scene in general.
I will be at Joybox as much as possible the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th and try to record the venue so you guys can get a good idea of what it's like.