Start with audience and venue constraints
Record the age groups, expected visit length, peak capacity, floor dimensions, entrances, emergency routes, ceiling height, power distribution and noise limits before selecting machines.
- Target age and group size
- Usable floor area
- Power and network points
- Staff sight lines
- Access and service routes
Create a balanced attraction mix
Combine quick-play machines with longer experiences and use visible anchor attractions to draw visitors through the venue. Prize, skill, simulator, sports and capsule categories can serve different players and session lengths.
- Prize and redemption machines
- Racing or simulation attractions
- Sports and reaction games
- Capsule or unattended vending
- Accessible family play
Design payment and redemption as one workflow
Decide whether the venue uses coin, token, card, QR or a central cashless system and how prices, bonuses, refunds and accounting are controlled. Redemption inventory, ticket values and prize counters should be planned alongside the machines.
Phase the purchase and protect service capacity
A phased opening can test demand and staff workload before the full mix is installed. For every model, record the specification, operating manual, spare parts, warranty path and the person responsible for daily checks.
- Opening-day core mix
- Expansion triggers
- Recommended spares
- Training and daily inspection
- Repeat-order specification
Buyer questions
Frequently asked questions
How many machines does a new FEC need?
The answer depends on usable floor area, audience, budget, dwell time and operating model. Build the mix from a scaled floor plan and phased business case rather than a universal machine count.
Which arcade machine types should be included?
A balanced venue may combine prize, skill, simulator, sports, reaction and unattended vending formats. Select categories according to the target audience and service capacity.
What should I send a supplier for an FEC proposal?
Send the floor plan, target audience, location, budget range, preferred categories, payment system, opening date and destination, then request a model-level shortlist with dimensions and utility requirements.