Opening an Arcade joint

[Shibuya]

what up fellows....im thinkin about opening an arcade joint somewhere in the US (probably in an area that the scene isnt so big but still has alot of fighters desperate seeking players. i make fairly enough to pull this off.....What i need to know is...

1. Where would a good spot to put one where players could go locally and the out of towners could go and it wouldnt cost them an arm and leg to get to.

2. Whats the average price for renting a building.

3. Whats the usual cost for buying cabinets, games, etc.

4. Would anyone else be intrested in running it with me.

[Satomiblood]

Just make sure to maintain your machines. Our local arcade didn't give a shit about stick maintenance back when it had Marvel. If it wasn't DDR or Initial D, it wasn't top priority.

[Master Chibi]

Don't.

Just don't.

I mean we all reallllllly love playing, and we all have dreams of running our own arcade and having the best of times while everyone from all around joins in the fun, but as an actual business it is pretty damn futile. There are exceptions to this of course, but I can count those on one hand. Otherwise I've seen FOUR such places (arcade / console centers) close down in the past year alone, three of which were in NYC.

If you're going to do it, go for somewhere in the tri-state area that isn't out in the MIDDLE of FUCKING NOWHERE like TGA, which to me seems to be it's only real problem ;p.

[Shibuya]

its kinda like if i spend so much money in it i dont wanna go bankrupt....i have a good job now...kinda like the justin wong of it. Its kinda slow at times....for instance all of my post i do on shoryuken are at work!! Im thinkin of NC as one...or somewhere that doesnt really have a big arcade but has alot of teens/college kids.

[Sexperienced.]

If you're going to do it, go for somewhere in the tri-state area that isn't out in the MIDDLE of FUCKING NOWHERE like TGA, which to me seems to be it's only real problem ;p.

whats TGA?

[ST Vega]

How about in Virginia? I've been thinking of trying to do one too, so maybe we could get together and see what we can do?

[Saotome Kaneda]

I'll give you the same advice I gave the last guy. Take the cash you'd put into getting your arcade started. Invest in teleportation research. Demand in return that you get the first working model, and put it's counterpart smack dab in the middle of Tokyo, Japan.

[FMJaguar]

1. Where would a good spot to put one where players could go locally and the out of towners could go and it wouldnt cost them an arm and leg to get to.

2. Whats the average price for renting a building.

3. Whats the usual cost for buying cabinets, games, etc.


Part of a business plan is going to be to figure out what those costs are, and that's the easy part =P. gl

[Kayin]

Try an arcade and console cafe hybrid maybe?

[Shibuya]

Mostly I want to have fighting games like street fighter, tekken, etc. I wanted to do this is in the cheapest way possible but also effective as well. I had a few ideas . My first idea was that maybe somehow could you put a playstation 2 inside the cabinet and make it where when a coin is inserted inside the machine it is just like you hitting the start button on the controller. For example...if i were to have an arcade machine and had a PS2 inside when I put in a quarter it would play but when I lost i would have to insert another one. My other idea I was thinking is that I could load an emulator onto the cabinet and use the same method as above. Get emulators like KOF, old school streetfighters, and whatever else. I have no experience in programming the machine to do this. Where is a site I can go to to learn this skill and a site that sells used cabinets and game roms that I can buy to make my plans work. If I can buy cabinets for cheap and if there is an actual way of programming the machines to do the above then i think it would be a lil bit easier to run the business......

[DaveNK]

Why not in CT

I don't know any arcades around my area, and the last one I heard of the commute was close to a 3hr drive which I wasn't really looking forward to do.

[Shibuya]

just figured the CT people go down to CTF like myself......so i would be in competition with places like TGA and CTF (which are pretty big).

[frogg609]

Mostly I want to have fighting games like street fighter, tekken, etc. I wanted to do this is in the cheapest way possible but also effective as well. I had a few ideas . My first idea was that maybe somehow could you put a playstation 2 inside the cabinet and make it where when a coin is inserted inside the machine it is just like you hitting the start button on the controller. For example...if i were to have an arcade machine and had a PS2 inside when I put in a quarter it would play but when I lost i would have to insert another one. My other idea I was thinking is that I could load an emulator onto the cabinet and use the same method as above. Get emulators like KOF, old school streetfighters, and whatever else. I have no experience in programming the machine to do this. Where is a site I can go to to learn this skill and a site that sells used cabinets and game roms that I can buy to make my plans work. If I can buy cabinets for cheap and if there is an actual way of programming the machines to do the above then i think it would be a lil bit easier to run the business......

while this would seem t o be cheaper financially, if the companyes such as SNK, Capcom, etc find out you are using emulators to make money, they will take you to court, ASAP. I think even Sony would, for using their PS2 as a way to make money for yourself.

Emulation is great for home use, but for profit-making you will need real arcade cabs.

[Shibuya]

youre right on the emulation thing....but i know alot of places that charge like 10 bucks an hour to play a playstation...

[Overworld]

Yeah you may do better trying to go consoles rather than arcade cabs, since it's a whole lot less money involved. Having a hybrid is quite possibly better than just straight arcade, though only if you have crowds that mix well. (So perhaps not a Cafe, cause people who sit and sip coffee aren't necessarily the type to want to sit around a bunch of teenagers howling at videogames.)

There are pros and cons of putting it somewhere where there isn't any other arcades around. Of course the pros being there isn't much competition, but one of the cons maybe that you'll quickly find out why that area doesn't have an arcade, as they are hard to support.

In the end it may be easier to buy some cabs, set it up in your basement and just meet people and invite them to your house, haha.

[Henaki]

It's not worth the investment. The reason arcades generally still operate is because they don't have to pay for new machines they payed for years ago when Arcades were financially stable in the early Marvel era, and then they just had to pay upkeep fees and for a few new games here and there. That and old arcades are likely paying less for real estate since they've been around for so long.

You could try a Dave and Busters route, or open up a lan/console cafe (although both aren't exactly the most sound of investments either, but less of a risk on your pocket).

[evilmuffinmanX]

step1:get alot of money
step2:buy chinatownfair
step3:njoy! \o/

[goodm0urning]

There is a really cool new/used game shop in my area that has several arcade machines. Since several people have proposed a hybrid traditional arcade/console arcade, maybe this approach could work for you. A game shop where players can both buy games and play console/arcade games would be like an oasis... theoretically, you could build a scene in your place simply by attracting walk-in customers.

Of course, that might be a case of trying to be all things to all people. But it's just an idea. Personally, I'd love such a place.

[dbostick]

Mm, that doesn't sounds like a good idea, starting your own arcade and all.

We all know the scene has been dying a slow, miserable death and it's just no use anymore, like others have stated. Plus, you don't want to be opening up shop on the colored part of town where murders and graffiti would sully your business in the worst possible way.

[Kayin]

Why not in CT

I don't know any arcades around my area, and the last one I heard of the commute was close to a 3hr drive which I wasn't really looking forward to do.

Yo you live it CT? How close to New London are ya, man?

[Master Chibi]

Yeah, take your money and buy fucking Chinatown Fair, please.

@ Sexperienced:

Tokyo Game Arcade.

It's out in Boston somewhere, and I really mean out there in the middle of nowhere. Not even closely accessible by bus / train / plane. It's an all japanese cabinet arcade right in the middle of a bowling alley.

:\

[Shodokan123]

unless you are up for running shit for like halo and other massivly played games as well... then don't bother.

[TempestFox]

I had this idea too, but it's largely inconcievable unless you're willing to put a large amount of money in a project that's most likely going to fail. Your best best is to open up some sort of LAN center and build an arcade around THAT. I wanted to have computers, arcade cabs, tables for Magic:TG games, and daily tournaments and all. The works. Pretty nice pipe dream, huh?

[00000000]

Mm, that doesn't sounds like a good idea, starting your own arcade and all.

We all know the scene has been dying a slow, miserable death and it's just no use anymore, like others have stated. Plus, you don't want to be opening up shop on the colored part of town where murders and graffiti would sully your business in the worst possible way.

I agree with not opening it in a "bad" part of town but damn... the "colored part"? Maybe you mean colorful.

I lol'd though,

[Devil X]

good luck, youre going to need it.

i would just say cater to the players. every arcade ive seen fail in la just didnt give a damn about player concerns. an arcade in LA used to be the spot for city players to go to. the owner was a dumb asshole and pretty much ruined his business though. He would never run tournies, he would say shit to me like "tournaments are for arcades that don't get any business". then he would jack up the costs of the games, put on high damage , never fix anything until he completely chased everyone out. Then he would try to run tournies were he would charge money to enter, then give you tokens as prizes! obviously the guy went broke cause no one went to his shit arcade. just respect your customers!

[caliagent#3]

just open up a pool hall/arcade

[DaveNK]

Yo you live it CT? How close to New London are ya, man?

Yes, I live in CT, probably 1hr, to a 1.5hr drive.

I'm guessing being that I don't go to New London

[Zaelar]

Buy a ps2, game, tv, two sticks, a cup that says 25 cents per game, and a cheesy cardboard cutout to make it look like an arcade.

[spudlyff8fan]

Yeah, unless you open it up in frickin NYC, LA or Houston you simply aren't gonna get the business to keep going, realistically. You're even less likely to be able to do it WITHOUT EVEN ACTUALLY HAVING ARCADE CABINETS!!!!

But really, all ya really need is a few DDR machines, and a handful of fighting games. Used DDR machines, as well as motion sensor-type machines go for 11k. And this site: http://www.moneymachines.com/usedgames.html has some fighting games for 1500- 2200.

But yeah...ARCADES ARE DEAD AND YOU CAN NEVER BRING THEM BACK.

[Henaki]

lol "Capcom Marvel Vs. SNK $1,499.00"

how can you even tell what game that is :[

[Sonic_Reaper]

Man, arcade cabinets hiding PS2s and computers running emulators, how fucking ghetto is that?

People would be busting open your cabinets and stealing all your shit.

[dog-face]

There's an article in Domination 101, called like "Living The Dream."

It details the rise and fall of Starcade in Texas, and all the pitfalls the owner encountered. You should check it out.

[The Green Trench Coat]

Yeah, take your money and buy fucking Chinatown Fair, please.

:\

Tried that a while back. They werent Intrested in selling. Though I wonder if now they have changed there mind.

[EVERDRED]

someone needs to open a real arcade in miami, florida like... yesterday.

[N_paul]

If you're asking these questions then I don't think it'd work out. And to be quite realistic, arcades are even worse than Restaurants. And Restaurants have a 50%+ failure rate. Now, imagine that, except people don't have to eat anymore.

Though, if you're going to try to do it, make sure not to make your dream arcade. Put it in a easily accessible area for walk-ins and make it so most people would like it. Sadly, no one has good taste in games so to make any money you'd need to cater to the masses with things like Halo and Mortal Kombat.

[Harkonis]

Crossroads of America ;)

Indianapolis, IN. It's easy to get to and the cost of leases is low. Problem is keeping the equipment working so people keep coming and getting word out so people come in the first place.

[Shibuya]

seems like its a pretty tough thing to do......me personally love going to arcades to play games...u also meet people and get better at games. i know people from SRK are spread out so i have to find a way to reach the others that play games like RPGs or DDR Heads

[evilmuffinmanX]

Tried that a while back. They werent Intrested in selling. Though I wonder if now they have changed there mind.

how much $$$ did you offer? :rolleyes:

at least million?:looney:

[Hentai]

I looked into this about 2 years ago, and it's just not cost feasible.

That is, Unless you can A) get an awesome deal on rent and B) get a prime location

it’s nearly impossible to break even, much less flip a profit.

[.¤ skitz ¤.]

the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger: Do it Now!

[Omski2k4]

there are ways to minimize the risk and make money on arcades, you just have to do it right, most people don't and the 'cade sinks.

now for answers:

1. Where would a good spot to put one where players could go locally and the out of towners could go and it wouldnt cost them an arm and leg to get to.

first, a city area where there is a huge glut of people. if you want to open it somewhere, open a thread in the respective community discussion & matchmaking thread for input from those players. take a poll, and ask them to ask others in the area. take a small consensus if you can, it's important. don't guess the numbers, FIND OUT, there are ways, and those suggestions are a good start.

2nd, if you find a good place, make sure you get help from those people and ADVERTISE ADVERTISE ADVERTISE !!!! you think commercials and advertising glut is is for fun or doesn't work ? WRONG ! it works hella good, use your resources, advert at gaming stores such as EB gamestop, and the like, an family friendly places like wal-mart. do some sort of grand opening and kick off with a tournament, and let the current game community there, help you, if they want it as bad as you, they'l at least help out with this.

2. Whats the average price for renting a building.
depends on the area, just not in the middle of nowhere, in a city area, make sure you can offset the initial business loss that all businesses face, arcades aren't unique in initial net loss, t hapens to everyone. what is unique is how poorly the arcade is run. you have to trump, KEEP THE PLACE LIT PROPER ! you don't want to scare non gamers away, they will be most likely, 20-30% of your daily earnings, if not more. also make the palce accessible for tournaments, so a tourney heavy area would be good, not only is it good advertising when you hold one, but it's also great for the representative community.

3. Whats the usual cost for buying cabinets, games, etc.
depends as well, eBay is one source, but you can also buy them from bankrupt arcades, which are...everywhere. BANRUPT ARCADES< look around for them, again they are everywhere. ask people to look around for oyu in their respective areas. if you do that the cost runs at about 1300 tops for the machine but that's if its pristine, it depends on how the machine is kept, there are HIDDEN charges as well such as maintaining and repairing the machine. this is integral.

4. Would anyone else be intrested in running it with me.

...depends on how well those previous steps were followed. What i said sounds easy, but it's not. It's not difficult work to do, but it is time consuming, and annoying to wait for, waiting is the hard part, getting those responses is the hard part. here's an idea: try alphaISM radio, talk to ben, and get a spot on and talk about opening it and hear the listeners' response to your idea and relative locations, when you get something conclusive with that, THEN start the thread in the discussion and matchmaking thread. ALSO try catering to mroe than just the fighting gamer, there are some DDR pplz who will oour money into your 'cade. this is a business, so the bottom line is your top priority, but don't let that dilute the concept of this cade, shut DDRing down when there's a Fighting game tourney, and hey, throw a DDR tourney for all thse DDR players, maintain ALL arcade scenes because there is more to an arcade than just the fighting game( but it's the best part :D) so yeah, good luck, and I hope it all works out for you.

[Fadedsun303]

Yeah, take your money and buy fucking Chinatown Fair, please.

@ Sexperienced:

Tokyo Game Arcade.

It's out in Boston somewhere, and I really mean out there in the middle of nowhere. Not even closely accessible by bus / train / plane. It's an all japanese cabinet arcade right in the middle of a bowling alley.

:\

It's not even in Boston. It's an hour away from Boston which is even worse, and it's still not accessible by bus from Boston. I don't know what they were thinking.

[kofiend]

if tga was on main street, flushing, fobs would live there

[Shibuya]

Thanks for the input guys....seems to me running an arcade place is tough work and the outcome/sucess is 50/50. My jobs pays a good amount of money and going back to school/college after being out of high school for 4 years and not picking up a book in 4 years seems tough....i wasnt like a geek in highschool by no means...just made it by with Cs Ds and a few Bs....i am at the time in my life where i can start over and do something that i find worthwhile....