Let’s be real—home gaming is incredible these days.
4K graphics, immersive sound, instant multiplayer action with friends halfway across the world. Consoles are faster, cheaper, and more accessible than ever. And with cloud gaming, you don’t even need the console anymore. So why are families still lining up at their local Family Entertainment Center (FEC) to swipe a card, win some tickets, and high-five a stranger over a game of basketball?
Because arcades aren’t just about the games anymore—they’re about the people, the connection, and the experience.
The Shift: How Home Gaming Challenged FECs
Let’s rewind a bit. As home consoles surged through the 2000s and 2010s, arcades and FECs took a hit. Why go out when you could stay in and play Call of Duty with friends on Xbox Live?
Operators had a choice: compete with home systems or evolve.
Smart FECs—including many Player One Amusement Group (P1AG) partners—chose to lean into what home setups couldn’t offer:
- Tangible rewards and ticket redemption
- Large-scale physical attractions like laser tag, bumper cars, and VR
- High-energy social atmospheres you can’t stream from your living room
Arcades Are Back: A Growing Trend in Out-of-Home Entertainment
That evolution is paying off.
Arcades and FECs are experiencing a serious comeback as families, teens, and adults look for social, screen-free entertainment. With the right game room mix and atmosphere, these venues are seeing record growth.
Consider this:
- IAAPA reports strong year-over-year growth in out-of-home entertainment attendance.
- Google Trends shows a 35% increase in arcade-related searches over the past three years.
- Operators are reporting that redemption, skill-based, and physically engaging games are outperforming traditional video games in most locations.
New FECs, theaters, bowling alleys, and even malls are all investing in modern arcade game rooms to drive traffic and increase time-on-site.
Why? Because the arcade experience offers something consoles can’t: real-world fun, face-to-face competition, and memorable moments.
The Real Difference: Shared Play, Not Just Gameplay
Today’s top-performing FECs offer more than just a lineup of machines. They deliver experiences that encourage competitive socialization—real-time, in-person fun that naturally brings people together.
Whether it’s a group of teens cheering on a dance-off at StepManiaX, or a family laughing through a four-player game of Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, these moments can’t be downloaded or streamed.
This shift is backed by data:
- A 2024 Eventbrite study found that 67% of Gen Z and Millennials prioritize experiences over products.
- YPulse research shows 72% of Gen Z prefer in-person entertainment that encourages social interaction.
- IAAPA reported a 9% increase in redemption and skill game earnings in 2023 alone.
The best game rooms strike the right balance—redemption games, skill-based challenges, nostalgia pieces, and immersive attractions all working together to create fun for every demographic.
It’s Not All About VR—It’s About Game Room Variety
VR is a great tool in the arcade toolbox, but it’s not the be-all, end-all.
What keeps guests coming back is variety:
- Physical movement – games like basketball shooters and dance machines
- Spectator-friendly gameplay – crane games, air hockey, and racing simulators
- Group attractions – laser tag, spin zone bumper cars, mini bowling
- Classics and nostalgia – for parents who still have their Time Crisis reflexes
A well-balanced arcade setup ensures players of every age have something to enjoy—and something to come back for.
Why FEC Arcades Still Outshine Home Gaming
There’s no substitute for:
- The buzz of a busy arcade
- The sound of a jackpot hitting
- The smell of pizza and popcorn from the concession counter
- The feel of real controls in your hands—not just a controller
- The thrill of cashing in tickets for an amazing prize at a well-stocked redemption counter
- The shared cheers, laughs, and even playful trash talk from in-person play
That’s the real advantage arcades have over home systems—it’s not just about the game, it’s about the memory attached to it.
Revenue Sharing: A Smarter Way to Build Your Arcade
At Player One Amusement Group, we work with venues of all sizes—FECs, theaters, trampoline parks, bowling alleys—to help them grow without the need for massive upfront investment.
Our revenue sharing model gives partners the ability to install a high-performance arcade with:
- No large capital outlay
- Full service and support
- Ongoing reporting and performance tracking
- Game rotation strategies that keep the experience fresh
And we don’t just stop after setup. We continuously analyze results, update the game mix, and optimize the layout to make sure your arcade is doing what it’s meant to do—drive revenue and keep guests coming back.
Because at P1AG, we’re not in the business of transactions—we’re in the business of long-term partnership. And we never lose sight of the big prize: your success.
Ready to Bring a Winning Arcade Experience to Your Venue?
Whether you're launching a brand new location or upgrading an existing space, the right game room can set you apart—and we’re here to help make it happen.
Contact Player One Amusement Group and let’s build something unforgettable—together.
