Arcade Games

Why Adding Skee-Ball to Your Game Room Makes Sense

Why Adding Skee-Ball to Your Game Room Makes Sense 579 315 GAD Vending

Are you looking to add a classic and popular game to your arcade game room? Look no further than Skee-Ball!

Skee-Ball has been a staple of amusement arcades and family entertainment centers for over 100 years. Generations of players have enjoyed the game’s simple yet addictive gameplay. It involves rolling balls up a ramp and into various point targets to score as many points as possible. It’s a game that’s easy to learn but difficult to master, keeping players returning for more.

Adding Skee-Ball to your arcade game room can provide several benefits. Firstly, it appeals to players of all ages, making it a great way to attract families and groups to your venue. Secondly, it’s easy to maintain, with simple mechanics and durable construction. Lastly, it has a small footprint, meaning it doesn’t take up much space in your game room.

Skee-Ball machines are also available in various sizes and styles, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your space and aesthetic. From classic wooden alley designs to modern LED-lit machines, there’s a Skee-Ball machine for everyone.

In addition to its traditional gameplay, Skee-Ball machines can be upgraded with ticket dispensers and redemption counters, allowing players to earn tickets and redeem them for prizes. This can add extra excitement to the game and increase revenue for your business.

A Brief History of Skee-Ball

Skee-Ball is a classic American game that generations have enjoyed. Originally invented in 1908 by J.D. Estes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the game quickly became popular across the United States and worldwide.

The first Skee-Ball machines were made of wood and operated with a simple gravity-fed ball return system. Players would roll balls up a ramp and try to land them in various point-value holes, like modern-day mini golf. The game was an instant success, with players of all ages and skill levels eager to test their luck and try to win big prizes.

In the 1920s, Skee-Ball transformed significantly by introducing electronic scoring and automatic ball return systems. These innovations made the game more convenient and exciting for players while making it easier for operators to run and maintain their machines.

Throughout the 20th century, Skee-Ball remained a staple of American arcades and amusement parks, continually introducing new designs and features. In the 1980s, the game experienced a resurgence in popularity as players rediscovered the simple, nostalgic fun of rolling balls up a ramp and trying to hit the high-scoring targets.

Today, Skee-Ball continues to be enjoyed by millions of people around the world. From classic wooden models to high-tech digital versions, the game has evolved to suit the needs and preferences of modern players. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time player, Skee-Ball is the perfect game for anyone looking for a fun, challenging, and timeless arcade experience.

So, if you want to add a classic and popular game to your arcade game room, consider Skee-Ball. Its simple yet appealing gameplay, appeal to all ages, easy maintenance, and small footprint make it an excellent choice for any business owner.

Current Skee-Ball Games:

Skee-Ball Classic

Skee-Ball is THE original alley game. And it’s recently gone through a serious upgrade! Complete with valuable product design updates and a new look that reflects the vintage, hand-crafted style of the early 1900s, the new Skee-Ball is the real deal. Anything else is just a substitute.

Skee-Ball Glow

Patented in 1908, Skee-Ball is THE original alley game – anything else is just a substitute! Now complete with valuable product design updates and a new look that reflects the vintage, glamorous style of that time period, the new Skee-Ball machine is sure to attract attention in any game room.

Skee-Ball 1908 Alley

Meet the beautifully crafted 1908 alley, designed specifically for the home market. Engineered with the original Skee-Ball alley in mind, 1908 pays homage to the launch of the first alley roller, patented in 1908. It’s both an enthusiast’s and a collector’s dream.

If you are looking to add Skee Ball to your commercial establishment or break room, give us a call.

Unlock Promotional Potential – Arcade Games with Built-In Ad Features

Unlock Promotional Potential – Arcade Games with Built-In Ad Features 600 791 GAD Vending

Arcade games benefit businesses in many ways – bringing in extra revenue, creating a sense of community, and allowing guests to escape into a world of fun. But did you know that some games include an advertising feature? Some of these games might even be sitting in your arcade room right now.

While it may not seem like a big deal since guests playing the games are already in your establishment, having this feature can boost business and allow you to promote events, specials, and more without having the cost of printing out flyers or banners. This also allows you to do quick, pop up promotions to keep people in your place.

Promote Future Events – Theme events and tournaments based around the game you’re using to promote or get the message out about your upcoming trivia night.

Boost Your Social Media Followers – A unique way to promote your pages and entice guests to tag and share with friends & family.

Food & Drink Specials – Boost revenue in other areas by creating food & drink specials that will keep guests staying in your establishment for a longer time.

Pop Up Promotions – Pre program pop up promotions during band breaks or when you’ve noticed the night can turn slow (and people leave). This generates excitement to stay for “reverse happy hour”, “Tuesday two-fers on apps”, “Arcade Happy Hour” or “free play” on your AMI juke box.

Games With Advertising Functionality and How to Set Them Up:

BIG BUCK HD WILD

To unlock the advertising feature in Big Buck HD, you must first sign up for a CoinUp account. The CoinUp website will allow you to create, edit and change advertisements on the Big Buck cabinet screen. If you have questions about how to set this up, GAD can help.

*Note: Once advertisement creation has started, do not use the browser back button if you need to go back to a previous step. Use the Back button beneath the ad creation interface.

  1. Details – Give the advertisement a name and start/end dates.
  2. Graphics – Upload the graphic(s) to display. Ensure the image(s) file adheres to the specified format and size constraints.
  3. Game Machines – Select which game units will display the advertisement. Only applicable game machines will be displayed in the list.
  4. Once you have everything set, you’ve reviewed the advertisement settings, and you are satisfied, click Submit Advertisement.

WORLD’S LARGEST PAC MAN & SPACE INVADERS

Space Invaders Frenzy and World’s Largest Pac-Man have an advertising feature that can be played during the game’s attract mode.  To use this feature correctly, please take note of the following steps and recommendations:

  1. On your personal computer or laptop, upload 1 to 3 images via a USB drive that you would eventually like to have displayed on your Space Invaders screen.  Image files should be TGA, .PNG, or .JPG format type.
    After you have your images picked out, sized, and uploaded onto your USB flash drive, you are now ready to upload the images into Space Invaders Frenzy.
    ***Important*** Make sure your flash drive is inserted when the game is in attract mode.  Do not insert the drive when the game is during boot-up or when it is in the test menu.
  2. Open the coin door and find the service bracket that has the test menu and service buttons.  You will find a USB slot on this bracket to insert your flash drive.
    Once your USB flash drive is inserted into the USB slot on the service control panel, you can then press the TEST button to access the main menu.
  3. Select ADVERTISING from the main menu to access the upload feature.  You can select an ad slot for your image from this menu.
    After you are in the AD SLOT MENU, you can select LOAD IMAGE, which generates a list of the file names of the image files that are on your USB drive. Navigate to the file name you would like to upload and select it.
  4. When you select the image you would like to upload; you will be presented with a preview of the image, which you can accept or decline.  If you accept the image, you will be taken back to “AD SLOT MENU,” allowing you to load a different image, adjust the ad brightness, preview the image again, clear your image or exit the menu.

PAC MAN BATTLE ROYAL CHOMPIONSHIP

Namco’s Pac-Man Battle Royale Chompionship offers an advertising feature on the Deluxe cabinet. Follow the steps below to start advertising on your Deluxe Chompionship machine.

Images should be RGB color model and no bigger than 1280 x 720 pixels. Extra space will be black if the aspect ratio of the loaded image isn’t the same as 1280 x 720. The files must be JPEGs and the file name must end in “.jpg”.

If you have questions how to program your Pac Man Battle Royale that you purchased at GAD, give us a call. We are happy to help you with training and support documentation.

SKEE BALL GLOW

The Skee-Ball marquee is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity for use by the business owner. Use with the Bay Tek GO app, available for download on iOS and Android. This feature allows locations to program the scrolling marquees of each game to customized messages, such as birthday announcements and daily specials.

The N17 menu does not effectively change Bluetooth settings but shows scrolling messages and the status of the app settings if it has been used previously.

 

 

DON’T FORGET THE MUSIC

If you have an AMI Jukebox (and if not, GAD can help you get one), they are all compatible with the AMI Ad Manager Tool, which is a promotional tool that transforms your AMI products into robust digital signage systems. You can create, edit, and schedule ads from the palm of your hand using AMI’s Co-Pilot app, or from a computer.

If you’re not tech-savvy, the Manager Tool features over a thousand pre-made templates to choose from and an easy-to-use interface, taking just minutes for business owners or designated staff to build ads. GAD can help train you on how to use the Manager Tool features.

With over a thousand pre-made templates to choose from and an easy-to-use interface, it takes just minutes for installers, business owners, or designated staff to build ads.

GAD Stocks Pinball and Games

GAD Stocks Pinball and Games 661 377 GAD Vending

At GAD, we stock a wide variety of commercial games, pinball and arcade games for purchase by the trade, commercial business’ and for home game rooms.

In stock or coming in are over 16 different titles of pinball, Golden Tee PGA commercial and home versions, Galaxy Fire digital dart systems, a range of arcade, and crane games. Plus we have digital jukebox, speaker systems and ATM’s all available to finish a game room or break area.

While we don’t reflect price or which warehouse on our website, we do have an inventory posted each month to provide a glimpse at what we have available.

We are often asked why we don’t show prices on our website. The answer if actually simple. Our customers have a variety of options that change the price on equipment. For example, we deliver in some areas. Sometimes we are asked for a special order that changes the amount of freight. Or customers are buying multiple pieces of equipment across the range of products we offer. However, we are also happy to give you a quick budget estimate and a firm quote depending on your needs.

Our equipment is located in different warehouses across the Midwest. We service Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. Plus North and South Dakota for certain types of equipment.

Bored with Game Night? Classic Cade can Solve That!

Bored with Game Night? Classic Cade can Solve That! 1080 1080 GAD Vending

Before home TV gaming consoles and PCs kept gamers playing in the comfort of their own homes, there used to be long nights by the arcade cabinet located at your local arcade, amusement park, bar or restaurant. Pouring quarter after quarter in, see if you could beat your friend’s high score; it was all exhilarating. Not only was the experience one of a kind, but the games you could play were unlike anything players had seen up to that point. Remember hours playing Pac-Man? Galaga? Millipede? Space Invaders?

Gone are those days of  one game, on one console. In the early development of arcade games, the hardware to run one game was the full console. Today, the size of the console or table is about the people comfort – not the need to house lots of hardware.

Want to relive those great games? At home? At your favorite establishment? Classic-cade is the answer to your need for fun, retro arcade games. With over 60 games available in stand up console or sit down table, no gamer should be without.

GAD sells Classic-cade for home free play or we can add payment acceptors for commercial game use. The table version replaces a table – so it pays for its space. The stand up console is a convenient size to not take too much space. Perfect to light up a dark corner!

Classic-cade Game List:

  • Pacman
  • Ms Pacman
  • Jr Pacman
  • Super Pacman
  • Pacman Plus
  • Galaga
  • Glaga 3
  • Frogger
  • Donkey Kong
  • Donkey Kong Jr
  • Donkey Kong 3
  • Galaxian
  • Dig Dug
  • Crush Roller
  • Mr. Do
  • Space Invaders
  • Gyruss
  • Tank Battalion
  • 1942
  • Ladybug
  • Burger Time
  • Mappy
  • Centipede *
  • Millipede *
  • Super Breakout *
  • Arkanoid*
  • Pengo
  • Phoenix
  • Time Pilot
  • Super Cobra
  • Hustler
  • Space Panic
  • New Rally X
  • Qix
  • Juno Frist
  • Xevious
  • Mr. Do’s Castle
  • Moon Cresta
  • Pinball Action
  • Scamble
  • Bomb Jack
  • Shao-Lin’s Road
  • King and Balloon
  • 1943
  • 1943 Kai
  • Van-Van Car
  • Dig Dug 2
  • Amidar
  • Zaxxon
  • Pooyan
  • Pleiads
  • Gun Smoke
  • Jumping Jack
  • Congo Bongo
  • The End
  • and more….

(*) Trackball Game

GAD stocks the Classic-cade for both commercial and residential gamers. In two styles, table or console. With three warehouses in the Midwest, call us to arrange pick up or delivery today!

InterGame: On the flip side

InterGame: On the flip side 586 584 GAD Vending

InterGame is a magazine for pinball and arcade operators. If you are in the business as an operator or selling our games and pinball to operators, this is an interesting read.

In the February edition there is a really interesting article on pinball. “Flip or Tilt? A look at pinball’s enduring popularity.”

Perfect Game Room Ideas for 2022

Perfect Game Room Ideas for 2022 526 526 GAD Vending

There’s a reason why pinball, arcade games and pool tables are popular. No matter our age, we just want to have fun at the end of the day (or all day and all night long). And reallocating space, for having your very own game room is, well, a game-changer.

It’s important to create a game room that surpasses everything your family expects!

First, decide on what space to transform. Unfinished basement? Unused attic? Garage? Maybe a shed that begs for a new life?

Design your space. Take into account lounge spaces, music, and kitchen/bar. Add fun elements like an indoor swing, slide or climbing wall. Create a gym area. Consider painting a wall with chalkboard paint. Add TV’s on the walls. Make sure to add extra comfortable seating for game console play, movie watching or cheering for your favorite team.

Then, look to GAD for your home game room equipment. GAD carries pinball, pool, foosball, shuffleboard, Golden Tee, and arcade games. Commercial and residential game versions and all for sale to the public.

New for home game rooms 2022:

  • Pac Man Air Hockey
  • Stern Pinball newest Cornerstone or select any of the incredible Stern pinball line
  • American’s newest Legends of Valhalla or (our favorite) Hot Wheels
  • Golden Tee Home Edition
  • Galaxy Fire Darts

GAD has warehouses with games in Omaha, KC and Des Moines. With many games, pool and pinball in stock, GAD is ready to give you quotes and arrange pick up or delivery.

What’s for Summer? Classic-cade Multicade

What’s for Summer? Classic-cade Multicade 750 591 GAD Vending

Want a family fun game that everyone can play? Host family tournaments? Keeps the kids entertained for hours? Challenge each other to a game? Or just play yourself.

Classic-cade Multicade is an amazing choice. Comes in both a table or a stand up console option. Both have over 60 classic games programmed and ready to go.

Just some of the popular games included are:

  • Pac Man
  • Ms. Pacman
  • Frogger
  • Asteroids
  • Donkey Kong
  • Mario Bros
  • Space Invaders
  • Centipede
  • Galaga
  • Pong
  • Galaxian
  • 1942
  • Pinball Action
  • Super Pacman

Classic-Cade is in stock in both the arcade and table versions. Purchase for home set to free play. Buy for a bar, restaurant, arcade or other commercial location, we can add on a money and/or digital payment acceptor.

Contact the office closest to you. We are located in Omaha, Kansas City and Des Moines.

 

Preview NEW 2022 Golden Tee Home Edition Courses

Preview NEW 2022 Golden Tee Home Edition Courses 940 788 GAD Vending

GAD has Golden Tee Live Home Editions in stock and available for pick up or delivery.

Have a Stern 4th Weekend

Have a Stern 4th Weekend 940 788 GAD Vending

Have a fantastic 4th of July weekend. GAD offices will be closed on Monday, July 4th.

If you are looking for great pinball to play try using the Stern Pinball locator map – https://sternpinball.com/pinball-locator/  

 

Entertainment Tie In’s

Entertainment Tie In’s 940 788 GAD Vending

 

So many amazing big blockbuster tie ins with our pinball machines. Some are not currently available for new purchase but are in arcades around the region for play.

Try Stranger Things pinball as an amazing reminder what the past sessions of the Upside/Down has to terrorize us. Check on the Stern Pinball Map locator to find one near you. And – don’t forget to sign in to your Stern Insider to play for points and keep your score.

Coming out now is Toy Story 4 from Jersey Jack. Just getting unboxed at various locations and GAD can help you find a game to play.

Loved Jurassic Park World Dominion?  Jurassic Park Home Pinball from Stern is available at GAD warehouses. Call us for a price quote and schedule your pick up.

Avengers: Infinity Quest is an amazing machine to experience all the Marvel characters. While we don’t have any in stock at the moment, it is available to play in the area or call us to check if we can special order.

And these are just the titles that tie in to current movies! Doesn’t take in the amazing rock ‘n roll band titles like Rush, Led Zeppelin, Guns ‘n Roses and Iron Maiden. Or all the Star Wars games – Star Wars, The Mandalorian, Star Wars Comic Edition and Star Wars Home Edition.

Lots of great games to play – so get going