BeefJack and VersusCity reported that Cave, a Japanese developer, is exploring a new business model for arcade machines with the release of their title DeathSmiles II.

Besides having a ridiculous name, the game will be shipped to select arcades for free with the vendors and Cave splitting the profits from the quarters dropped in.

Considering how much these machines cost and how the console gaming experience has grown, this is an interesting approach. A full on Street Fighter IV cabinet could run upwards of $20,000 and for an arcade vendor to make that kind of investment to not have it pay off ... well, you can see why a lot of arcades have gone under.

While it's highly unlikely the arcade scene will ever be restored to what it once was, this might help keep the current scene around awhile longer. One also may wonder if Capcom will look at doing this with future Street Fighter titles.