Arcade

Arcade games are available at GAD Vending in NE, IO, MO and KS. GAD stocks various arcade games including the 60 game Classic-Cade game in both a table game and console version. An excellent family arcade game.

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.

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.

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!

Happy St Patrick’s Day – Go Play
Happy St Patrick’s Day – Go Play 940 788 GAD Vending

St Pat’s is such a great day for corn beef, green beer, basketball and pinball. Go Play!

Stern Pinball locator

GAD supports commercial game rooms and arcades generally with a servicing partner. We also sell directly to general business for a single machine for a break room. And, we sell direct to consumers for home use.

Our showrooms in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri are open to the public.  We show all types of games, vending equipment and commercials equipment. Stop by or call to chat about what games you’d like to try.

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.”

A 5-Step Money Making Commercial Arcade Game Ideas (That Anyone Can Follow)
A 5-Step Money Making Commercial Arcade Game Ideas (That Anyone Can Follow) 1365 2048 GAD Vending

Arcades came in to fashion in the early 1900’s with the creation of the pinball machine. But it took until the 1970’s for video games to storm the scene. Since, there has been steady evolution of arcade games, crane games (claw games), video style games and pinball.

No longer are arcades limited to just their physical premise. With an internet connection, gamers can play their friends anywhere in the world. A player in Omaha can direct challenge their buddy in Kansas City. Join tournaments anywhere in the world. Play a local traveling tournament. And create accounts to follow the player from home to arcade.

With the wide variety of games and the connection to the internet, there is so much more to attract (and retain) customers for longer times.

Step 1 Cleanliness

Brought in with COVID, players want assurance of a clean environment to play. Make sure to clean your machines regularly during the day, have hand sanitizer stations and deep clean before opening. But be cautious with the type of cleaning chemicals you use – some chemicals can damage the graphics. Cleaning product manufacturer suggested guidelines are available through GAD.

Here are additional ideas you can use to ensure cleanliness:

  • Offer your players additional wipes for their own secondary sanitation.
  • Spread out your games for social distancing.
  • Check with your state or local health department for current guidelines.

Step 2 Location, Location, Location

Arcade machines make revenue in two ways. One, players paying to play. And, two, people staying longer to watch play and ordering more food/drinks in your establishment.

  • Choose high traffic locations that draw players over.
  • Add a game with lots of LED’s and great sound to a dark corner.
  • Capture your own “Shots of the Week” or “High Score” and promote across your TV’s through your AMI digital music system.
  • Choose games that others can watch game play from a safe distance.
  • Place games toward the back of the room to draw players further into your establishment. Make it convenient for people to stay longer.

Step 3 Consider a Table Games vs Console

When you review the floor plan for your arcade games, consider replacing a regular table with an arcade table. This creates a paying space in an awkward area.

  • Playing a console table – or not, it’s a table. (And, GAD’s newest Classic-Cade is over 60 games on one table.)
  • Consider adding a large table game like shuffleboard, or pool to utilize space toward the back of the room or fill an awkward space.
  • Add a foosball table in a space that you’d lose to social distancing regulations.

Do the math of one normal table vs. revenues from a game table. Patrons in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri tend to be active and like to play!

Step 4 Passive Income vs Active Income

Some business owners consider arcade games as a source of passive income. Or just an expensive way to entertain customers. And, that’s okay. But why not take an active approach to adding revenue and attracting repeat patrons?

  • Tournaments
    • Host a progressive tournament.
    • Golden Tee and G3 Galaxy Fire Electronic Darts run international tournaments online.
  • Leagues
  • Specials Night
  • Shot of the Week
  • Progressive Games
  • Trivia Games

Step 5 Take It Outside

Most bars and restaurants have maximized their outdoor space for eating and drinking. With social distancing, some had opened up parking lots, neighboring spaces and other creative additional spaces. And, you may be keeping these spaces open. How about adding games to those areas?

  • Basketball Shot Contest
  • Table Arcade Games
  • Foosball
  • Trivia Games through your AMI Jukebox System
  • Move your darts outdoors – adding wind could make it that much more challenging

As a business owner, it is essential to maximize floor space, follow health and safety guidelines and keep your patrons happy. Not an easy task but well worth the effort.

Need games in a hurry? ATM machine? Parts to fix existing games? GAD is a stocking distributor of pinball and games. Each of our locations have parts in stock. Our offices are located in Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City.

Electric Darts

Tradition Favorite with a Digital Twist. Think DARTS!
Tradition Favorite with a Digital Twist. Think DARTS! 2083 2083 GAD Vending

Own a bar, restaurant, arcade or lounge? Looking for better ways to engage your customers? Games with natural social distancing and easy to clean? Or just want the best digital dart game for your home? New Digital Darts bring this all-time favorite game into 2021.

The newest digital darts give you expanded player benefits thru the internet. Allows players to remote play, join tournaments or just play a local game with friends. Individual score tracking is available across machines. And players can enjoy worldwide rankings, statistics and competitions – from home and their favorite social establishment.

Darts do require space – but this traditional games gives you natural socially distancing. Many serious players bring their own darts. Or you can provide (or sell) disposable darts for maximum cleanliness.

One of the premier digital dart games is the Arachnid G3 Fire coin operated dart game. The G3 Fire is a revolutionary dart machine – and here’s how!

  • Larger 24” monitor for easier play.
  • Enhanced camera for better scoring.
  • Automatic target flip.
  • New games to keep the players engaged.
  • Live, remote play available with internet access.
  • Supports standard and remote leagues. (Printable brochure.)
  • Glowing, red, attention getting cabinet.

Looking to get a new digital dart game in NE, IA, MO or KS? GAD Vending stocks new and refurbished dart games at our warehouses. Call us to arrange for your new games today!

Retro Raccoons Review
Retro Raccoons Review 947 875 GAD Vending

Arcade Heroes Review Excerpt:

Today we can get you up to speed on those improvements thanks to the information passed along to me by Adam Wray of Glitchbit. This enhanced build will better fit into arcade (non-bar) locations, with a broader appeal, while still working for those venues that serve adult beverages. These improvements came along thanks to feedback that was heard at that show (as a note to any indie devs out there – that’s a great reason to attend an industry trade show with your product, as you’ll talk with potential buyers and might find out why they will – or will not – purchase your game) along with feedback obtained through location testing.

Let’s start with the animated gif that was sent my way, then I’ll break it down in case you don’t catch it all:

Here are all of those features in a handy bullet point list of this new cabinet design:

  • Drinks mode (for bars)
  • Cash mode (for non-bar arcades)
  • Higher splash guard
  • New cash door & cash acceptor vault
  • Improved control panel design with new art & controls layout
  • Custom liquid tray
  • New Handles
  • Wheels
  • Leg levelers

With all of that, the cabinet is still going to be “under $5k” on the price point and begins mass manufacturing for arcades to pick up soon. A precise date hasn’t been given, but I would venture to guess that Retro Raccoons will be available before the summer is over.

If you have played the game already, what did you think about it? If not, what do you find appealing?

GAD Knows Retro Raccoons
GAD Knows Retro Raccoons 947 875 GAD Vending

What a blast to the past! Retro Raccoons takes players back – and in a great way – to past arcade games.

Retro Raccoons is a retro styled, patented arcade that entertains up to 4 players with dozens of unique minigames. Each player has their own joystick, button and cupholder. New content and minigames are added periodically to ensure gameplay stays fun and fresh. Updates require Wifi or Ethernet access.

Retro Raccoons features the patented “Cheers” mode for bar and barcade locations. Requires players to place their drinks in the cup holders to participate, ensuring customers purchase a drink. Additionally, there is a traditional Cash Mode (bill acceptor) which makes it great for family friendly arcade locations.

Features include:

  • 40+ minigames
  • 2-4 player
  • New content added periodically
  • Large cup holders for bottles, cans or glasses
  • Light up marquee
  • For bar, restaurants, arcades, family friendly locations, homes and private establishments

Retro Raccoons is made in America featuring quality parts and an Intel CPU. This game is ETL Certified for both commercial and home use.

Sensational Retro Fun For Arcades, Bars & More!

  • Installed Dimensions: H: 72″ W: 38″ D: 27.5″ Weight: 245lbs.
  • Shipping Dimensions: H: 79″ W:46″ D: 32″ Weight: 256lbs.
  • Electrical: 120V @ 2A, 240W
  • Condition: New
  • Manufacturer: Incredible Technologies

  • 1
  • 2
GAD Vending

Greater America Distributing (GAD Vending) is your premier marketer of vending equipment and amusement games in Mid America.  The company has been operating for over 30 years with offices in Omaha, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; and Grimes, Iowa, a suburb of Des Moines.

Omaha

6161 Grover Street, Omaha,
NE 68106

1-402-553-2812
jerry@gadvending.com

1-402-553-2812
andy@gadvending.com

Kansas City

3230 Roanake Road, Kansas City,
MO 64111

1-816-531-4300
brettz@gadvending.com

1-816-531-4300
matt@gadvending.com

Des Moines

2105 SE 37 Street, Grimes,
Iowa 50111

1-515-278-4455
noah@gadvending.com

1-515-278-4455
bill@gadvending.com

Greater America Distributing

© 2023 Gad Vending. All Rights Reserved.

Enter your
text here