Running a bar, café, or venue today means finding ways to stand out. Great drinks and food bring people in, but what keeps them staying longer and spending more, often comes down to the experience. One of the simplest and most effective ways to boost both customer engagement and dwell time is by adding arcade machines to your space.
This playbook walks through why arcades matter for modern businesses, how to design the perfect setup, and practical steps to turn gaming into a revenue driving centerpiece.
Why Arcades Work for Venues
Arcade games have always been more than just entertainment, they’re social anchors. From timeless cabinets like Street Fighter II to modern systems like the Polycade Sente, arcade machines invite competition, conversation, and repeat play. For venues, that means customers don’t just visit, they linger, engage, and come back with friends.
Bars, cafés, and even co-working spaces across the country are rediscovering the value of creating “micro-entertainment zones.” Guests may come for a drink, but when they see an arcade machine glowing in the corner, the atmosphere instantly feels more inviting and interactive.
Takeaway: Arcades add a layer of social energy that encourages customers to stay longer and spend more.
The Business Value of Arcades
When customers stick around, they naturally order additional food and drinks. Arcade machines spark conversations among strangers, provide a fun way to engage with friends, and turn passive visits into interactive experiences.
For bar owners, arcades can help establish a “destination” reputation. Instead of being just another spot on the block, your venue becomes the place where people go to play and socialize. Venues with arcade setups often report stronger customer loyalty and higher event attendance, since games provide a built-in reason to return week after week.
Event nights, from casual high-score competitions to themed tournaments, transform arcades into consistent traffic drivers. A weekly Tekken night or a “retro gaming throwback” can bring in a completely different crowd, one that discovers your venue for the first time and returns later for the vibe.
Choosing the Right Setup
The type of arcade machine you select depends on your audience, floor plan, and the personality of your space.
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Wall-mounted systems: Perfect for smaller venues that need to maximize square footage. With designs like the Polycade Wall Mounted Multicade, you can add an arcade without losing seating or bar space.
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Freestanding systems: Ideal for venues that want to make arcades a centerpiece or create flexible layouts. Explore the full Polycade Arcade Machine collection to see options that fit different environments.
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Multiplayer setups: Fighting games, racing titles, and co-op retro classics drive group participation and encourage customers to compete or team up.
Pro tip: Position machines near the bar or in a visible corner, where they become part of the ambiance rather than tucked away.
Designing the Player Experience
An arcade machine is more than a box with buttons, it’s a social magnet. To get the most from your investment, design the space around it:
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Lighting: Add accent lighting or neon signs near the arcade area to create an inviting glow.
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Seating: Provide stools or casual lounge seating so groups can gather while friends play.
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Sound: Keep volume balanced. Games should add to the energy, not drown out conversation.
- Cupholders: While many arcade machines are built to withstand spills, it's best to provide obvious places for people to place drinks in order to avoid unnecessary cleaning.
By curating the arcade corner as part of your venue’s identity, you create an immersive experience that feels natural and intentional.
Engaging Customers With Events
Arcades shine brightest when they’re not just “there,” but actively integrated into your calendar.
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Weekly tournaments for classics like Street Fighter, Tekken, or NBA Jam.
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High-score leaderboards posted at the bar, encouraging repeat visits to claim the top spot.
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Theme nights that combine drink specials, playlists, and specific game rotations.
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Private bookings where groups can rent the arcade space for parties or team-building.
These events don’t just fill seats, they transform your venue into a community hub where customers feel connected beyond food and drink.
Keeping Arcades Fresh & Reliable
Arcades are built to last, but reliability matters. A broken joystick or blank screen leaves a negative impression, so regular upkeep is essential.
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Use modular systems like the Polycade Sente, which allow easy upgrades, repairs, and customization.
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Rotate your game library. Mix retro staples with modern indie hits to keep things exciting for regulars.
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Schedule quarterly maintenance checks to ensure buttons, joysticks, and screens are in top shape.
Customers notice when a machine is well-maintained. A polished, functional arcade setup signals quality and care throughout your entire venue.
Action Checklist
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Choose between wall-mounted or freestanding arcade systems.
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Select 2–3 games that fit your audience’s taste (retro classics, competitive titles, or casual multiplayer).
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Design the arcade corner with lighting, seating, and decor that matches your brand.
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Promote arcade-related events and tournaments across social media.
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Refresh your game lineup regularly to keep customers coming back.
FAQ
Q: How much space do I need for an arcade machine?
Wall-mounted systems fit into as little as three feet of wall space. Freestanding units need around five to six feet of clearance. Click here for the Polycade Sente Multicade tech sheet.
Q: Will arcade machines fit with my venue’s aesthetic?
Yes. Modern designs like the Polycade Sente blend seamlessly with upscale interiors, while still offering authentic gameplay.
Q: Do I need multiple machines?
Not necessarily. Even a single well-placed machine can transform the vibe of your space. With that said, when a customer considers a venue for their outing, multiple machines will help give them confidence that there will be unoccupied games to play, and their whole group will be able to play.
Q: Can arcades work outside of bars?
Absolutely. Coffee shops, coworking spaces, ice cream shops, event venues, and more all benefit from adding interactive entertainment.
