The history of arcade gaming halls is marked by a chapter that radically changed the image of society as a whole: the golden age of arcade games.
In the early 1970s, they revolutionized the concept of "entertainment," and games like Pac-Man, Asteroids, and Space Invaders became symbols of an industry that would experience even greater growth over the decades than the film industry: the gaming industry.
Currently, family-oriented electronic gaming halls are experiencing a new wave of popularity, bringing people closer together in an ideal setting for socializing. And like any other retro concept reinvented in the collective perception, these spaces are extremely cool today.
Are you tempted to invest in an arcade gaming hall? Discover the advantages of such a location in the era of online gaming and the must-have machines for your portfolio.
A Brief History of Arcade Gaming Halls
The period spanning the late 1970s and early next decade represents a time of tremendous growth for the arcade gaming industry, thanks to remarkable technological advancements made in the gaming domain.
1.1. Limitations of Early Gaming Technologies
Although today's graphics, SFX, and gameplay of arcade games may appear rudimentary to those familiar with VR simulators or other state-of-the-art hardware-software solutions, back then, they represented technologies with tremendous business potential.
It's important to remember this, especially considering the numerous limitations concerning vector graphics, available memory, game speed, and the processing power of computers used to code. Even under such conditions, these games captivated the world with the surprising dynamics that technology offered to gamers. "Gaming" became a 2.0 concept, vastly different from what it had represented for society just a few years prior.
1.2. Most Popular Arcade Games in History
With the formation of a genuine arcade video game culture in overseas society, more and more developers began offering interactive gaming solutions to solidify their leadership in a market with potential but fierce competition.
This competition was beneficial for the entire gaming community, as some of the most popular arcade games of that era had such a significant impact on society that they remain symbols of this industry even today:
- Pong (1972)
- Space Invaders (1978)
- Asteroids (1979)
- Pac-Man (1980)
- Frogger (1981)
- Galaga (1981)
- Donkey Kong (1981)
- Dig Dug (1982)
- Street Fighter II (1992)
1.3. Decline of the Golden Age of Arcade Games
With the appearance of Sega, PlayStation, and Nintendo consoles in the early 1990s, gamers gained access to their favorite games at home. Moreover, the new, compact technologies offered a much wider range of games, as arcade solutions were as bulky as they were limited in terms of offerings.
The early 2000s marked the end of the arcade games' golden age as personal computers and the development of a new segment of the gaming industry took over. Arcade halls were replaced by computer or console gaming venues, but the famous games of the 1970s-1980s still hold a special place in the hearts of the first generations of gamers.
In recent years, arcade gaming halls have regained popularity among the young and families, their appeal based on a range of advantages.
The Greatest Advantages of Arcade Gaming Halls
The idea of investing in an arcade gaming hall can provide a variety of benefits:
2.1. Unique Space for Socializing and Play
The need for young people to socialize is an undeniable truth. Looking beyond the notion that interaction now only happens online, it's crucial to understand that kids are looking for spaces that stimulate their desire for self-expression, exploration, and spending time with peers or friends.
2.2. The Cool Factor of a Retro Arcade
Any retro technology can easily pass the coolness test, especially when adapted for the 18-30 age group. Arcade games are an excellent example, making an arcade hall the place to be seen. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok can give a retro space a fresh appeal for the new generation.
2.3. Ideal Refuge in a Shopping Mall
Arcade halls within a shopping mall's gaming area can be the perfect place for shoppers to take a well-deserved break. Easy access to easy-to-understand games and an affordable price for a few minutes of fun are compelling reasons to open an arcade hall in such a location.
2.4. More Options for Parents of Young Children
Kids are fascinated by technology and online games, but this can pose problems for parents: concerns about sedentary behavior, the need to spend time with their little ones, and the joy of seeing their children happy. Arcade games can provide solutions to these needs, making them an ideal destination for young families.
2.5. Limited Staffing Needs
Running such a venue requires only a small number of employees, trained to assist those trying out arcade games and handle other tasks specific to the role. Regarding maintenance and service, Waterboyz provides the necessary technical assistance, modern EU-made equipment, spare parts, and specialized personnel.
2.6. Unique Gaming Experience
The dynamics of arcade games are unique and can't be replicated with modern gaming setups. The textures and classic button colors and shapes, retro SFX, player position in front of the machine, and the overall ambiance in the location create a charming experience.
Must-Have Games for Your Arcade Gaming Hall
For an arcade gaming hall with coin-operated or token-operated games to succeed from the start, we offer essential recommendations below. The products in the following categories can be ordered online from our up-to-date selection.
3.1. Classic Arcade Games
These machines offer the unique experience of pixelated arcade games from the 1980s, providing moments of fun for both newcomers and nostalgic adults. These games are robust, featuring 2D graphics and retro-style sound effects.
Our selection of arcade games, along with other classic video games and simulators, can recreate the atmosphere of an arcade where gamers are more connected to the devices compared to modern desktop terminals or next-gen video consoles.
Recommended arcade games:
- Arcade Game Mix: Introduce customers to a world of video games that's 100% different from their current experiences.
- Jurassic Park Arcade™: An adventure arcade game with stunning graphics and a 9-level story where players must save over 30 dinosaur species.
- The Walking Dead AMC Arcade: The TV series The Walking Dead has finally been transformed into a video game; players must fight zombies and save those in danger using an authentic controller.
3.2. Redemption Games
Studies show that Redemption Games generate about 30% higher earnings compared to classic token-operated games. These machines dispense tickets after each game, regardless of the time spent by the user playing. Kids collect these tickets and then insert them into a "ticket eater" machine that offers various interesting prizes.
Benefits of Redemption Games:
- Reduced power consumption
- Significantly higher monthly earnings
- Easy to use
Recommended redemption games:
- Prize Cabinet: Combines ticket scanning and prize selection, making it much easier to manage the flow of rewards without additional assistance.
- Pizza Express: A fantastic blend of video games and mechanical gameplay; amazing animations are displayed on a 50" monitor, allowing players to put over 20 pizza toppings for hundreds of winning combinations.
- The Capsule Show: An interactive skill game offering plenty of prizes; based on balance and attention, The Capsule Show is easy to use but very thrilling, keeping even new players engaged for hours.
In conclusion, an arcade gaming hall is a business with high potential as it offers gamers a unique space to socialize and play. Such a venue can be located in a shopping mall, a pedestrian area, or a university campus. Arcade machines blend the retro charm of 1970s-1980s games with modern technology, resulting in state-of-the-art products with improved graphics, durable flexible buttons, and superior processing speed.
Redemption games offer the benefit of generating about 30% higher earnings compared to other token-operated games. Game tickets are offered to any user, regardless of the game duration.
Explore our range of arcade gaming hall products and don't hesitate to seek advice if you need recommendations. Contact us now to get to know us better and discover the right solutions for your business objectives!