Ottumwa, Iowa

March 1, 2026, 9 AM

Ottumwa, Iowa

Ottumwa, Iowa, is officially recognized as the "Video Game Capital of the World" a title bestowed in 1982 by local officials and later recognized by Iowa's governor. This designation stemmed from its role as the home of the Twin Galaxies arcade, the pioneering hub for tracking high scores and hosting early, major video game competitions in the 1980s.

Twin Galaxies: Founded in 1981 by Walter Day, this arcade served as the "Intergalactic Scoreboard" and organized the first major video game championships, cementing Ottumwa's place in gaming history.

Historical Significance: In the early 1980s, the town was considered the "Dodge City" of video games, attracting top players to compete on classic arcade machines like Pac-Man and Centipede.

Legacy: The city hosted the first North American Video Olympics and established the first national video game team in 1983.

International Video Game Hall of Fame: While not yet fully constructed, the organization is based in Ottumwa to honor the industry's champions and professionals.

Although other global cities are massive hubs for modern game development, Ottumwa holds this title for its foundational role in the competitive gaming culture.