Electronic "1 vs 1" games allow players to enjoy leisure time together, having fun in a space that feels as real as possible, away from smartphones, laptops, and televisions. Thus, the concept of "socializing" gains new meaning in a fully digitized society.
When it comes to setting up a room with electronic or arcade games, one of the most profitable gaming solutions in such a space cannot be overlooked: Air Hockey games. Find out about the benefits they provide, how they are played, and what other games garner similar interest.
What is an Air Hockey game?
Air Hockey is a highly popular electronic game found in Game Centers in large shopping malls. It's exclusively played in a "1-vs-1" system, and the main goal of a match is to defeat the opponent by reaching a certain number of points before them.
Therefore, the end of a match is not determined by time but by the skill of the Air Hockey players or the real-time strategy they devise to capitalize on their opponent's disadvantage.
Why is the game called "Air Hockey"?
If you spent your childhood or adolescence in arcades with token-operated electronic games, you've likely played Pong at least once, as it is one of the iconic names from the gaming industry's romantic era (1970s-1990s). In terms of dynamics, Air Hockey is quite similar to the arcade game Pong, earning its name due to specific game elements:
• Playing surface - smooth, glossy, and very slippery, allowing minimal friction for the puck and low control over it;
• Air holes - allowing the puck to move autonomously (often) apart from players' actions, so each contested point adds its own dose of dynamism;
• Puck - a game element found only in classic hockey, used to score valuable points in the opponent's goal;
• Mini mallets - elements used to strike the puck towards the opponent's area or to block shots placed by the opponent, aiming to score. They are designed to fit the hand, similar to a joystick;
• Air Hockey table rails - similar to those surrounding a classic ice hockey rink, influencing the paths the puck takes following players' strikes.
How is Air Hockey played?
This electronic game offers a straightforward gameplay:
• Players must score a total number of points (3 - 5 - 7, depending on settings) before their opponent. To score, the puck must be hit towards the opponent's goal so that it falls into its hole;
• To maneuver the puck on the air hockey table, only the two plastic mallets are used. The puck's trajectory can be directed straight towards the opponent's goal or with the help of the rails (both on the sides and along the goal line);
• After a point is scored, the puck is automatically put back into play through the game's electronic system. Audible and visual signals can indicate moments of scoring as well as the start/end of an Air Hockey match;
• If the puck leaves the playing surface, it will be manually placed back in the designated area in the middle of the field. The air holes will influence its trajectory toward one of the halves. The player guarding the half the puck is transitioning to will strike it;
• Additionally, players are only allowed to hit the puck when it's in the half of the goal they are defending. Only one hit is permitted. In case of intentional errors, the puck is placed back in play from the half, or a point can be awarded, depending on additional rules agreed upon.
What benefits does this game provide?
Air Hockey falls into the category of sport amusement arcade. Its high popularity is based on a series of clear benefits observed by both players and venue administrators. Here are these benefits:
It's a highly dynamic game that stimulates real-time reaction speed, the ability to strategize based on the opponent's style, hand-eye coordination, as well as the muscles of the entire body.
Air Hockey is recommended for both children and adults, making it an ideal game for socializing through play. Moreover, the visual and audio effects, supported by the specific elements of the air hockey game, ensure a unique experience.
The design of an air hockey table can have a modern (even futuristic) feel, adapted or not to a popular theme among children and teenagers (e.g., Angry Birds). Choosing its design based on the style you've opted for in the game room layout contributes to defining a unique decor.
Air Hockey stimulates the desire to win, and the simplicity of scoring goals encourages players to repeat the same experience to seek revenge or offer it. Therefore, this token-based electronic game is one of the most profitable in such a venue.
What other electronic games are equally profitable?
Do you want to run a business that can generate profit based on the popularity of the games you provide? Make sure to add the following categories to your list:
• Video games and simulators (dynamic gameplay, attractive retro atmosphere);
• Redemption games (with a 30% higher prize rate compared to other games).
Read our article about must-have games for a successful business and find out more information about solutions that can generate profit right from the moment of the venue's inauguration!
We invite you to our website with a diverse range of Air Hockey games, so you can choose a product variant tailored to your venue's specifics, budget, and customer preferences. Check out other token-operated electronic games in our updated stock to diversify your offering!