For decades, coin-operated game machines known as arcade games have been popular in public spaces like restaurants, malls, and amusement centers. A dedicated gaming area with top arcade equipment can be the best way to boost revenue and give visitors a recreational experience making them visit again. It can be the most lucrative area of your establishment with the right game selection. So here is all you need to know about arcade games:

Types of arcade games
Pinball, Skee-Ball, and Pac-Man are some of the most popular games you can find at an amusement center. However, no two game rooms are the same due to the large variety of arcade games available today. Here are a few popular types:

Video game: Most people are familiar with arcade video games, which offer amusement, competition, and high scores through fighting, racing, and driving sequences. These have historically been coin-operated, but most games have switched to card readers. The top video game categories are competitive, driving, shooting, outside, fighting, simulators, and pinball.

Redemption: Redemption games typically reward you for getting high scores in skill-based challenges. The goal is to earn e-tickets and trade them for premium rewards at the redemption center, but you can play just to compete with other players. Redemption games include coin pusher or collectible card games, sports, stop the wheel/light, video redemption, carnival/alley/ball, water gun, whacking, and more.

Merchandiser games: These are a variation of redemption games where you can get prizes right out of the machine. You test your abilities to grab targets but primarily play to get tangible, premium prizes or products. Crane or claw machines, picture booths, and candy or bulk vending are examples of merchandiser games.

Choosing the best games
Factors to consider
If you are looking for the best games for your amusement center, you should do your research and consider the following aspects:

Business plan: Do you picture your venue as a large family entertainment complex featuring a restaurant, bowling alley, laser tag, and a space for other recreational activities, or as a more modest classic or old-school style arcade? You should try to figure out the budget, space, and type of equipment and seek the help of an arcade equipment service provider for the perfect execution of the plan. If you do not have a site for your arcade yet, consider the overall costs of acquiring equipment and the space you need to hold them. Also, consider the number of games you can fit in the space without making it look cramped.

Competitors: Before setting up the gaming room, visit nearby amusement centers, check out arcade equipment auctions, and observe the types of games people enjoy the most. This may help you gain an edge over your competitors.

Mode of acquisition: When it comes to acquiring arcade equipment, you have to know your options. You can choose between buying new equipment or getting arcade equipment rentals. When renting arcade games, learn about everything that goes into maintaining older machines, such as replacement parts and professionals who specialize in servicing game machines. To ensure success, you must offer the ideal combination of the best types of arcade games. Explore the three main categories: video games, redemption games, and merchandiser games, and try finding a couple of games for each type.

Profitability: Consider the arcade equipment cost and the profit you can expect from games. Analyze the market demand and update your business plan based on consumer behavior.

If you are trying to find opportunities in the amusement industry, setting up an arcade can be one of the best choices. You can find service and game providers to help you understand the best arcade equipment. Observing other players in the industry can help you plan the layout of the game room and understand what brings game enthusiasts to amusement centers.

Top games
Here are some of the best arcade games that everyone can enjoy:

Skee-Ball: Here, you compete to win tickets or defeat friends in a one-on-one game, where the ball should land in one of the holes. You can anticipate a lot of cheering and excitement in large groups during the game. A pinball machine can never go wrong in an arcade.
Boxing: Here, your group of friends can play a match to determine who is the toughest.
Air hockey: Here, you can fully immerse yourself in action. The aim is to score goals using the puck and defend your own goal in the process.
Rides: From cars to trains and everything in between, you can find a variety of rides and even simulators for a perfect racing experience.