Wow, any idea why is the arcade closed at Hilton Head? I thought those were fairly self-run, just reboot the entire room every so often.
Just a guess, but I can't imagine the salty ocean air was good for machinery, and the space where it used to be isn't air-conditioned. Further, even under prime conditions, it takes time and--ahem--money to update machines. I also suspect the actual amount of paid play time didn't cover the expenses and upkeep. All just supposition, but the bottom line is if it makes enough money, Disney keeps it; if not, it doesn't.
A couple more cases at HHI. . .first, the campfire s'mores/storytelling. The storytelling is mostly gone, though they do some and there are sing-a-longs, and the s'mores are back after disappearing during the pandemic. However, the Rec CMs are already on duty, so providing the actual fire and inexpensive graham crackers, etc., is a good way to build good will--plus, they often sell drinks at them now, too, and those are financially beneficial. Another example, and one likely to hit a nerve or two, the loss of Shadow. Disney simply says they went in a different direction. Possibly, but the fact is they had to pay the CM (known as B'Lou), as well as for the upkeep of Shadow. Both characters disappeared during covid, and they never came back because. . .well, it's not due to B'Lou not wishing to come back. While B'Lou and Shadow were extremely popular, they didn't bring in money, as they were simply goodwill ambassadors. Were people outraged, shocked, dismayed, even angered? Yes to all. Did they stop coming to HHI in droves? No, the resort is actually more popular now due to it opening first (and VB) before all the WDW resorts, so people discovered it, and its occupancy rate remains among the highest of all the Disney resorts.
At any rate, things like arcades and CMs (especially performers) simply aren't cost effective, at least they weren't at DHHIR.
