Jan. 13, 2025
In an era dominated by digital gaming experiences and home entertainment systems, one might wonder if arcades still hold a place in the hearts and wallets of consumers. Recent industry data suggests that the arcade business is not only alive but thriving, experiencing a resurgence that challenges the notion of their decline.
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According to the US market size data from -, the arcade, food, and entertainment complexes have witnessed a significant revenue growth at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.2% over the past five years. This upward trajectory has propelled the industry to an estimated $3.2 billion in revenue in , showcasing a robust and prosperous landscape.
Dispelling any doubts about the profitability of arcades in , industry sources reveal that a well-executed arcade business model can generate substantial profits. On average, an arcade can rake in between $1,100 and $2,000 per week in profits. However, the exact figures depend on factors like location, operational costs, and the ability to attract repeat customers.
Are arcades profitable? Do arcades make money? These are just a few of the questions I get when discussing arcade profitability. And the answer is a resounding YES…but…
Like anything, owning and operating arcades and arcade games can be highly profitable if you know what you are doing. Just like any investment, you want to engage experts in the subject as there is a real science behind it. Just like realtors can advise on the real estate market and financial advisors can advise on the stock market, buying and operating games can be complicated if you don’t know the ins and outs of the business.
First, there are several types of arcade game operators. Some owners purchase or lease a location and then purchase or lease their own games, often with other attractions or offerings. Then there are route operators who typically don’t own their own locations but rather own equipment placed at your location on a revenue split. How you decide to align your own business will depend on how much of the daily operations and initial investment you want to take on.
Pros of owning your own equipment:
Pros of using a route operator:
Speaking of game repair, as with everything now, the old adage ‘They just don’t make things like they used to’ also goes for autos, homes, and games. Even brand-new games will break. These games are costly and take a beating. Daily use often abuses computers, screens, buttons, switches, and mechanical parts. The good thing is often, that means you are busy and making money, but it also means that you need to be able to repair your games and do it quickly.
If, by luck, it does last, the resale/trade-in value will be highly diminished by your lack of maintenance. Even a brand-new car can have issues right off the lot. Your games are the same way. You either need to be able to repair and maintain your games, hire a mechanic (aka game tech) to do it for you or find an operator who will do it for you instead of a portion of your profits. This is simply a cost of doing business, and you need to budget and account for it.
Okay, so you have decided you want to own your own games and take on the repair and maintenance that goes along with it. You will plan ahead, be well-stocked on parts and tools, and hire or train a game tech at your facility. Now what? What games do you choose? How do you decide what games to pick?
Let me digress and tell you a quick story….When I owned my own facility, I loved going to trade shows and playing all the new games (truth be told, I still love that!). But I would go to my distributor rep, and I would tell him that I just played the most amazing game, and it was so much fun, and I just HAD to have it! And he would do his best to talk me out of it if it wasn’t a good-earning game.
Now let’s start talking about Return on Investment (ROI). Not every location will be the same. Your game selection and how you price your games, ticket payouts, etc., will depend on your market. Who is your primary audience? (Please don’t say 2 years old to 99). Of course, you will likely have people of all ages visit your facility, but you must build it with a specific age group in mind.
Next, we need to discuss redemption. Besides games, toys are my next favorite part of this industry. In my FEC, I wouldn’t allow my employees to open the redemption boxes until I arrived, as it was like Christmas every week. Again, this part of the business goes towards the value the customer feels and their likelihood to return.
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The arcade industry, once thought to be on the brink of extinction, has defied expectations and is experiencing a renaissance in . With profitability, growth, and a diverse array of gaming experiences, arcades are proving to be a wise investment choice. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt to the preferences of modern gamers, the arcade remains a beacon of entertainment and social engagement for both the young and the young at heart.
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