The odd part to me is that back when I was a kid Chuck E Cheese _did_ have a play area section, with at least a tube climbing thing, ball pit, etc. When I took my daughter there a few years ago though it was nothing but arcade games, and I think it was the same one my parents used to take me too.

IMO this is an extra bad move for them because it means they're directly competing with all the arcade places near me and those are much better maintained (and/or have various other attractions).