Commercial Gamerooms

What does everyone want for the holidays?

What does everyone want for the holidays? 716 401 GAD Vending

What does everyone really want for the holidays? And, what do you want for your family? Fun. Wholesome play time. Best game nights ever. Keep the kids around home. Host friends with active games to play. Fill your game room with these great options and fill your home with laughter!

How about the newest Stern Venom Pinball?  

Stern Pinball, Inc. and Marvel debut an all-new line of pinball games featuring one of Marvel’s most enigmatic, complex, and iconic characters, Venom – who’s ready to wreak havoc. Venom pinball games are available at GAD in Pro, and Premium.

Venom, an alien symbiote that bonds with various hosts, including former Spider-Man antagonist Eddie Brock, first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man comic book series in the ’80s. The symbiote gives its host superhuman strength and agility, providing creative and versatile powers out of its material. With its unique and visually striking appearance, Venom quickly became one of Marvel’s most recognizable and popular characters. Venom has been an inspiration for numerous products including: action figures, apparel, collectibles, and now pinball – cementing its continual influence on popular culture in game rooms and entertainment locations worldwide.

Stern’s Venom pinball games will immerse players into the mayhem of this antihero’s Marvel Universe, featuring more than 20 characters including: Eddie Brock, Flash Thompson, Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker, Black Suit Spider-Man, Miles Morales, Riot, Agony, Lasher, Phage, Doppelganger, Venomized Hulk, Venomized Wolverine and Venomized Captain America. Venom’s arch enemy Carnage is collecting Codices to awaken Knull, the God of the symbiotes. Venom must stop Carnage by battling through his army of symbiotes and the Infected to prevent him from taking over the world.

Playing as Venom, gamers will select a host to bond with at the start of each game, altering the entire gaming experience both physically and digitally. Vertical pinball lock symbiote containment vessels located on both sides of the playfield lock and quickly release balls for constant frenetic action as players explore shots through the mechanically changing Agro-Lab and Life Foundation pathways. Players will bash an interactive, custom sculpted Carnage captive ball back into Ravencroft Institute for the Criminally Insane. Additionally, a surprise Doppelganger attack can swing into action at a moment’s notice, unveiling three uplift targets wreaking chaos.

Venom pinball games include Stern’s award-winning Insider Connected™ system, which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of players in a variety of ways. Through Insider Connected, players will be able to save their game progress through connectivity persistence, allowing anyone to become a (anti)hero as you advance through the game to reach the final wizard mode at the end, no matter how many tries it might take.

In addition, Insider Connected allows players to track progress, earn new game-specific achievements, engage with the player community, and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests. Insider Connected also provides an operator-focused toolset to drive location play through Location Leaderboards, build player loyalty, analyze performance, make adjustments remotely, and maintain the games. Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com.

Let’s Play Golden Tee PGA Home Edition

Complete Your Home Arcade, Clubhouse or Business with the all new Golden Tee PGA Tour Clubhouse Edition

New, Reimagined Cabinet
Log in to games with groundbreaking NFC check in; OR use the new 5-inch touchscreen. Plus, keep your drink secure with all-new cupholders positioned on the cabinet.

REAL PGA TOUR Courses
Play Hole 17 on TPC Sawgrass, the most famous hole in golf and six PGA TOUR courses overall. All six tournament stops were created using real topography data. Every blade of grass is accounted for!

More Than 100 Courses Overall
From the real to the fantasy, tee off on more than 100 completely original designs that will take players to courses around the globe.

Online Play Available
Unlock new games modes, courses and features by going online. A FREE subscription is included with every cabinet purchase! Gain access to exclusive Events, the all-new Club Pass and more!

Everyone Loves Darts! Why not make it digital?

The G3 Fire is the first of its kind with a glowing cabinet.

All the exciting features from the Galaxy 3 Live, including worldwide online play, tracked player rankings, and statistics. In addition to the glowing cabinet, the machine is equipped with a larger display, a better player camera, an automatic target flip, and new games! All this while maintaining compatibility amongst all other G3s already out in the world.

Galaxy 3 Fire Features:

  • Larger 24″ Monitor
  • Enhanced Player Camera
  • Automatic Target Flip
  • New Games
  • Compatible with all G3’s
  • Live Remote Play
  • Standard & Remote Leagues
  • Glowing Cabinet

Made in the USA

Looking for Classic Fun for the Family? Check out Classic-Cade!

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 just 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.

If you want to play against other players, or just looking to best your high score – these games give hours of wholesome fun for the entire family.

GAD stocks both the Classic-cade table and console versions for immediate fun!

New! GAD Games Catalog

New! GAD Games Catalog 668 877 GAD Vending

Trying to figure out what to do with the kids this winter? Always wanted a pinball game but not sure what games are available? Curious what GAD has in stock? Want to learn more about our games? Check out our Games Catalog.

This pdf will give you all the games, game edition, MSRP pricing and a QR code to more information on each game.

Not ready to buy a particular game but want to play a lot of these games to figure out what’s right for you? Check out these map locators:

We love talking pinball. Call us at GAD and we’ll help you figure out what game is right for you – and why!

 

Why You Should Add Kiddie Rides to Your Arcade Game Room

Why You Should Add Kiddie Rides to Your Arcade Game Room 296 244 GAD Vending

Adding Kiddie Rides to Your Arcade Game Room

(Betson) Arcade game rooms have always been a hub of entertainment for people of all ages. From classic pinball machines to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, arcade owners strive to create an immersive and enjoyable atmosphere. While arcade games alone can attract customers, adding kiddie rides to your game room can take the fun quotient to the next level. This blog post will explore the benefits of incorporating kiddie rides into your arcade and discuss why they can be a fantastic addition for kids and their parents.

Enhancing the Entertainment Value

Urban 4X4

Arcades have evolved significantly, catering to different generations and preferences. Kiddie rides offer an additional layer of entertainment that appeals specifically to young children. Often themed with popular characters or vehicles, these rides can transport children to their favorite worlds while parents enjoy other arcade attractions. Including kiddie rides ensures families can spend more time at your establishment, boosting customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits.

Expanding Target Demographics

While arcade games primarily attract teenagers and adults, incorporating kiddie rides widens the customer base, including families with young children. By accommodating different age groups, you create an inclusive environment that caters to the needs of a broader audience. This expansion can increase foot traffic, attract new customers, and drive higher revenue.

Generating Additional Revenue Streams

Kiddie rides are not just an investment in fun; they can also be a profitable addition to your arcade game room. These rides typically operate pay-per-use, providing a new revenue stream. With proper maintenance and regular updates to the ride offerings, you can create an ongoing income source that supplements your arcade’s financial success.

Boosting Customer Loyalty

Creating a memorable experience is crucial for any arcade seeking to foster customer loyalty. Kiddie rides can play a significant role in achieving this goal. Children who have an enjoyable time on the rides are likely to request future visits to your arcade. Parents will also appreciate your effort in creating a family-friendly environment, making them more likely to choose your arcade over competitors.

Cross-Promotion and Merchandising Opportunities

Themed kiddie rides provide opportunities for cross-promotion and merchandising. You can leverage existing fan bases and increase brand recognition by featuring popular characters or franchises. Moreover, you can consider selling related merchandise such as toys, clothing, or collectibles in your arcade, tapping into the potential of ancillary revenue streams.

Creating a Safe and Controlled Environment

Octonauts

Arcades are well-known for their focus on safety and security. Kiddie Rides allow you to maintain that reputation by providing young children with a safe and controlled environment. Ensure that the rides are regularly inspected and meet all necessary safety standards. Additionally, assign staff members to monitor the rides and assist children as needed, further enhancing the overall experience and reassuring parents.

Adding kiddie rides to your arcade game room offers numerous benefits that can significantly impact your business’s success. From enhancing the entertainment value and expanding your target demographic to generating additional revenue streams and fostering customer loyalty, these rides are an investment worth considering. Creating a safe, fun-filled environment that caters to the entire family can differentiate your arcade from competitors and establish a reputation as a go-to entertainment destination.

So, why wait? Take the plunge and let the joy of kiddie rides propel your arcade game room to new heights and the GAD sales team can assist you on finding the right Kiddie Rides for your arcade, game room or restaurant.

New! Elton John Pinball

New! Elton John Pinball 497 497 GAD Vending
Chicago (October 19, 2023) – Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP) has partnered with musical icon @Elton John on its latest masterpiece, Elton John Pinball, now available for purchase!

This remarkable pinball machine—designed and manufactured in the United States by JJP in close collaboration with Elton John—ushers in a new era of kinetic entertainment, featuring state-of-the-art technology, innovative design, and a dynamic music experience, including songs such as Rocket Man, Tiny Dancer, Bennie And The Jets, and many more of Elton’s greatest hits.
Hall of Fame game designer Steve Ritchie and his team have created a pinball experience that will delight casual players, collectors, and enthusiasts alike, showcasing Elton John’s legendary career through the inventiveness and quality that are synonymous with Jersey Jack Pinball. Arcades and collectors can now own a cherished piece of musical history and pinball artistry, melded into one exceptional collectible.
“Having Elton John actively involved in the creative process sets a new standard for pinball machines and showcases the passion and artistry that go into every aspect of JJP games,” says Steve Ritchie.
Featuring Elton John’s iconic songs, legendary performances, and dazzling stage presence, Elton John Pinball machine takes players on a pinball journey inspired by his illustrious career. The game is a playable masterpiece, merging cutting-edge sound, video, and game design with groundbreaking technology. Players are transported to the front row of his live performances as they groove to 16 full-length studio master tracks delivered through a 120-Watt, 2.1 stereo sound system. The game further comes to life with over 1,000 interactive LED lights and multiple LCD displays. Animations and exclusive footage from Elton’s remarkable career complete the overall package.
Elton John Pinball can be purchased directly through an authorized Jersey Jack Pinball distributor. A complete list of distributors can be found here.
Award-Winning Designs
Get ready for a fast-paced pinball experience from Jersey Jack Pinball designer Steve Ritchie, widely known as the King of Pinball and the Master of Flow. Ritchie’s celebrated and award-winning pinball designs include such titles as Star Wars, Elvis, AC/DC, and more. The machine features hand-drawn artwork packages from artists Christopher Franchi, John Youssi, and Jean-Paul De Win. Rules and software design were led by industry veteran Bill Grupp.
This game is truly music to your ears, with 16 Elton John studio master tracks with custom voice callouts by Elton himself. Platinum and Collector’s Edition playfields are packed with features, including an interactive Elton John toy, a rocket sculpture with LED flames, a Tiny Dancer motorized toy, a Crocodile Rock physical lock toy, a grand piano three-ball lock with diverter, a micro LED piano marquee, 14 multi-LED star inserts, Rocka-Box three-bank drop targets, three multi-LED Bennie and the Jets bumpers, two rapid spinner targets, and more!
Platinum and Collector’s Editions
The Platinum Edition includes Platinum metallic armor, Sparkle RadCals with an exclusive cabinet art package by artist Christopher Franchi, inner-art blades, a dual layer acrylic LED topper, 1,294+ individually controllable RGB LEDs, company founder Jack Guarnieri signature card, and an individually numbered Platinum Edition plaque. The Platinum Edition is available for purchase at $12,000 USD.
The highly anticipated Collector’s Edition includes an interactive dual-monitor “SUPERSTAR” topper with laser light show, golden metallic laser-cut armor, gold sparkle RadCals with an exclusive CE art package by John Youssi and Jean-Paul De win, inner-art blades, a sparkle playfield, a mirrored backglass, 1,570 individually controlled RGB LEDs, interactive cabinet light show with 260+ individually controlled RGB LEDs, a holographic bottom arch, a laser-cut action button plate, designer Steve Ritchie’s signature card, and an individually numbered Collector’s Edition plaque. The Collector’s Edition is limited to only 1,000 units and is available for purchase at $15,000 USD.
About Elton John
Elton’s career achievements to date are unsurpassed in their breadth and longevity. Elton is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time. In the UK and US charts alone he has 1 diamond, 33 platinum or multi-platinum, and 22 gold albums as well as over 85 Top 40 hits. He has sold more than 300 million records worldwide.
He holds the record for the biggest-selling physical single of all time, “Candle in the Wind 1997”, which sold over 33 million copies. Released in 2017 ‘Diamonds’ the Ultimate Greatest Hits album, became Elton’s 43rd UK Top 40 album and has spent over 300 consecutive weeks in the top 75 of the UK album charts, over 190 of these in the top 20. This release celebrated 50 years of his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin. It reached a UK peak position of No. 2 in July 2023, achieving 4 times platinum status in the process and is the longest charting album of Elton’s career 62-deep catalogue.
August 2018 saw Elton named as the most successful male solo artist in the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart history, having logged 67 entries, including nine No. 1s and 29 Top 10s. ‘The Lockdown Sessions’, an album of collaborations recorded during the COVID-19 Pandemic, was released in October 2021 and went straight to No. 1 in the UK album Charts, becoming Elton’s 8th UK No. 1 album in the process. Its lead single “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) with Dua Lipa” became a bona fide global hit, reaching No. 1 in over 20 charts world-wide, including the UK and Australia. Its success meant that Elton became the first ever solo artist to score a UK Top 10 hit single in six consecutive decades. In America, he holds the record for longest span between Billboard top 40 hits at 50 years. He currently has logged 71 entries, including nine No. 1s and 29 Top 10s. Elton also holds the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart record with 18 No. 1s and 76 total songs. Summer of 2022 saw another global smash single, as Elton and Britney Spears released ‘Hold Me Closer’, a Top 5 hit in the UK and a No. 1 hit in the Australian single charts.
Elton announced the ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour at New York’s Gotham Hall in January 2018. The tour kicked off on 10th September 2018 in North America and subsequently saw Elton play 330 shows to over 6.25 million fans across the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia. The shows marked his retirement from touring after more than 50 years on the road. In 2019 it was named Billboard’s Top Rock Tour and Pollstar’s Major Tour Of The Year. The U.S. leg of the tour concluded with 3 sell out shows at Dodger Stadium. The concert was live streamed on Disney + in every single territory the channel broadcasts in, a global first. Elton headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June 2023, the final UK show before the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour concludes. The Sunday night closer was widely heralded as one of the greatest performances in the festival’s rich history, attracting one of the largest crowds ever witnessed at the festival. It also received the biggest ever televised audience for a Glastonbury set, reaching 7.6m overnight on BBC1. Elton has delivered more than 4,600 performances in more than 80 countries since launching his first tour in 1970.
2019 also saw the release of ‘Rocketman’ and global bestselling autobiography, ‘ME’. An epic fantasy musical motion picture of Elton’s life, ‘Rocketman’ has been a commercial and critical hit, taking close to $200m at the box office. It has won an Oscar, two Golden Globe Awards and a Critics’ Choice Award and garnered four BAFTA nominations .The soundtrack was also nominated for a GRAMMY Award.
Among the many awards and honours bestowed upon him are six GRAMMYs, including a GRAMMY Legend award, a Tony and two Oscars, a Best British Male Artist BRIT Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Kennedy Center Honor, Legend of Live Award, 13 Ivor Novello Awards and a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II for “services to music and charitable services”.
In 1992, Elton established the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which today is a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. So far the Foundation has raised more than $565 million for HIV/AIDS grants, funding more than 3,000 projects in over 90 countries. In June 2019 President Emmanuel Macron presented Elton the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest award, for his lifetime contribution to the arts and the fight against HIV/AIDS. Elton was awarded the Companion of Honour in the 2021 New Year Honours list in the UK. The highest acknowledgement in the list, Elton became one of only 64 people to hold the Honour. September 2022 saw President Biden awarding him the National Humanities Medal in recognition of his storied career and advocacy work to end AIDS.
Always a tireless champion of new artists, Elton has been a leading industry voice in lobbying the government for young artists visa-free touring rights in Europe post Brexit.
About Jersey Jack Pinball
From its founding in 2011, Jersey Jack Pinball (JJP) has earned its reputation as the industry leader in collectable pinball machines, creating the most desirable titles in the modern pinball era. Designed and manufactured in the USA at its Chicago headquarters, JJP is led by an award-winning design team. Easy to play, difficult to master—JJP’s games both honor the rich history of pinball and lead it into the future, with uncompromising standards of design and engineering that are certain to entertain players both old and new.
Industry-Leading Innovation
JJP introduced several industry firsts, including the use of LCD screens, RGB LED lighting, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, camera integration, and other innovative technology. From its first offering, The Wizard of Oz, JJP has continued to revolutionize the pinball experience with groundbreaking releases, including: The Hobbit, Dialed In!, Pirates of the Caribbean, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Guns N’ Roses: Not In This Lifetime, Toy Story 4, The Godfather 50th Anniversary, and now, Elton John.
Learn more about Jersey Jack Pinball at jerseyjackpinball.com. 
Order yours today with authorized Jersey Jack dealer – GAD. 

Galaxy 3 Plus – In Stock

Galaxy 3 Plus – In Stock 390 503 GAD Vending

The newest Galaxy 3 Plus (and Galaxy 3) are in stock and ready for pick up.

An easy game to add to your home game room. Great stand alone game for all ages or adds easily to a game room full of pinball and Golden Tee.

The Galaxy 3 Plus has all the great features plus:

  • Larger 24″ Monitor
  • Enhanced Camera
  • Automatic Target Flip
  • New Games
  • Compatible with all G3’s
  • Live, remote play

An excellent game to add to your family game night.

The Mistress of the Dark Returns! Stern Announces Elvira Blood Red

The Mistress of the Dark Returns! Stern Announces Elvira Blood Red 940 641 GAD Vending

Iconic Stern Elvira gets a remake – Blood Red.

While the classic Elvira has never left production (an amazing pinball legacy), this new version looks amazing.

If you are looking to play Elvira while you await this newest version, check the Stern Pinball Locator to find a game near you. Have always dreamed of getting the classic Stern Elvira? GAD has Elvira Premium in stock today.

#Sternpinball #elvira #elvirapinball

Are You Looking to Create an Ultimate Game Room?

Are You Looking to Create an Ultimate Game Room? 851 588 GAD Vending

Arcade Game Room Design Basics

Are you looking to create your business’s ultimate arcade game room experience? If so, there are a few essential elements to remember when designing your space. This article will cover critical factors in organizing a game room, such as the necessary square footage and game types. Arcades games and prizes, done well, will add significant incremental revenue and an experience that will drive return visits.

Square Footage & Cost

Firstly, consider the size of your space and how many games you want to include. A moderate game room of 1,500 to 2,000 square feet can typically fit 20 to 30 games, costing the proprietor or supplier $250,000 to $350,000. It’s worth noting that the industry has seen incredible growth in recent years, and manufacturers are now offering larger-scale attraction pieces, which have increased the average cost per game and square footage requirements.

Key Figures*

  • Average Per Game Budget: $12,000-$15,000
  • Average Per Game Revenue: $250/Week
  • Average Per Game Space Allocation: 65 Square Feet

Layout & Sightlines

When designing the entrance to your arcade space, it’s crucial to create a welcoming and comfortable environment that draws people in. Consider using glass doors or wide entrances with plenty of windows to encourage visitors to come inside while still feeling cozy and comfortable. We typically place “see-through” or low games at the entrance to create an exciting atmosphere, while high-activity simulators or virtual reality games can generate a buzz.

Unattended virtual reality (VR) attractions have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering customers an immersive experience without staff supervision. These attractions often involve high-tech equipment such as VR headsets, controllers, and other interactive devices that allow customers to explore virtual environments and engage in various activities.

To mitigate risks, it is essential to have unattended VR attractions near employees who can maintain the equipment and ensure it functions properly. This can involve regular checks of the equipment and prompt response to any issues or malfunctions that may arise. By having employees nearby, customers can be assured that the equipment is well-maintained and reliable, leading to a more enjoyable and satisfying experience overall.

When it comes to the layout of your arcade game room, think about grouping similar games to make it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for. Place specialty games in a safe but visible area in the back of the arcade to draw traffic in. Use sporting and alley games against side or back walls to encourage customer flow and highlight games near each other.

Plan a bank of Pinball games. There are amazing games that attract all ages. And with code updates and interactive apps from the pinball manufacturers, they just need power and internet to keep attracting players.

Crane games can also bring people back in with prizes such as gift cards and free play. Keeping Crane games stocked with colorful and highly desired merchandise can help this equipment producing profit.

Solid wall space is crucial, especially for new games such as ball, carnival, and sports-themed ones continuously being introduced into the market. These games are most effective when played against a sturdy wall. Placing them in the center of a room can obstruct sightlines and create barriers, which can be a hindrance. Also, loose balls can be a concern if they roll away in the middle of the arcade.

Grouping Games

When it comes to the types of games to include in your arcade game room, consider a mix of video, premium video, and activity/sports games. Video games for gameplay and high scores, shooting, driving, air hockey, and pinball are other popular choices. Premium video games like King Kong of Skull Island VR and Asphalt 9 are also great options, as are activity and sports games such as Connect 4 Hoops, Rock the Rim, and Baseball Pro.

Finally, remember the importance of refreshing your game room regularly. Refreshing 10% to 20% of your room each year, evaluating the health of your game room, checking the age of the games, and moving your room around at least once a year can help keep your arcade game room engaging and exciting for your customers.

Arcade layout and design should not be approached with a one-size-fits-all mentality. While incorporating these tips can enhance the guest experience, working with the customer’s vision and the architect’s design is crucial to create a unique space. GAD has helped design thousands of commercial game rooms for arcades, hotels and business’. And, GAD is an authorized dealer for the best in class manufacturers of games of all kinds. Start by contacting our GAD sales team near you.

Stern Announcement: Stranger Things Is Back!

Stern Announcement: Stranger Things Is Back! 589 620 GAD Vending

After being lost in The Upside Down… Stranger Things Pinball has returned.

Join Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will and Eleven as they try to uncover the events occurring in Hawkins, and maybe take down a few Demodogs along the way. Don’t miss out on the return of Stranger Things Pinball and El-evate your game room this holiday season!

Can’t wait to add this to your game room? Contact GAD for the latest shipping availability.

Darts – Not Just One Game to Play

Darts – Not Just One Game to Play 400 400 GAD Vending

Darts have been popular since, well, forever. An easy game to explain but a difficult game to master.

If you want to learn more about how to play G3 Fire darts, learn from the experts. “How to Play Our Games” is a 50 page tutorial on everything darts.

Learn the basic from set up to how to use the G3 Fire. Then move on to various games – how to play, rules and scoring. From Cricket games to Speed Games and many more. This will wow your friends with new games to play.

GAD has electronic darts in stock available in both new and refurbished games.

 

The Importance of a Game Room Refresh

The Importance of a Game Room Refresh 851 588 GAD Vending

The initial decision to invest in an arcade is a significant one involving capital outlay, planning, and other valuable resources. Creating a successful arcade must factor in the room’s layout, the right mix of games, the selection of enticing prizes, the marketing of offerings, and many other variables. With all that work, you have created a successful arcade, but it’s vital not to underestimate the importance of developing plans for a ‘game room refresh.’ This practice will enable you to maintain and grow your game room earnings through consistent reinvestment in new games.  

Why should you refresh your game room?

Technology changes, game trends evolve, assets depreciate, and consumers want diverse entertainment experiences.

How do you decide which games to remove, when to remove them, and which to add? This starts with understanding your card system reports.

Consistent analysis of the 6-week, 3-month, 6-month, and annual trend reports helps identify game assets that may be declining in earnings, provide redundancy (too many lanes, hoops, cranes, etc.), or are just not appealing to your customer base for other reasons. At that point, sharing data with your GAD distributor rep to determine fair market value trade-in prices will help you narrow down the games to swap out. Trading in late-model games before they’ve become “old” provides a ripe time to offload an existing game and minimize the capital outlay to maintain a fresh game room.

Ask your GAD rep if the existing game can be refurbished or otherwise updated. New game graphics on the side. Replacing worn surface areas and upgrading joy sticks, buttons and other parts can refresh your investment for many more years of entertainment value.

As for new games, work with your GAD salesperson to find suitable hot releases to fill those spots. You also want to maintain your arcade’s optimal mix of video, redemption, and merchandisers. That mix will be unique to your specific location but should still follow general guidelines within the industry.

Keeping your arcade game titles updated is critical to attracting repeat customers, as the desire for a competitive and immersive experience drives many players. More manufacturers offer unique features such as virtual leaderboards and console crossover to incentivize return play. Although they may not generate as much revenue as redemption titles, video games are vital to the arcade experience.

Leasing games is also a great way to provide a built-in reminder that it is time to refresh. Many locations and operators will lease some of their game rooms for this reason.

Marketing Your Games

What is the benefit of a new game if your customer doesn’t know about it? Don’t forget about marketing. Not all locations have the budget for TV or radio advertisements. Still, card systems and loyalty programs give locations incredible marketing power to speak directly to their player base. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok are all low-cost avenues to bring awareness of new offerings to your customers. Let your customers know that a game is coming, then create excitement and promotion around its arrival.

Lastly, a new game is an excellent opportunity to rearrange your room. Simply moving some games from the front of the room to the back will make your room feel newer, even if you have only added a few new titles.