The Retro Revival That's Good for Business
Arcade machines have made a spectacular comeback, piquing interest and pulling in customers in a myriad of business sectors. Whether you own a snug café, a lively bar, or a chic retail store, an arcade machine can be your secret weapon to outshine the competition.
This is about more than just playing games. It's about crafting an environment where your customers want to linger, have fun, and ultimately spend more. It's about attracting fresh faces and keeping your regulars returning for more. It's about offering something unique, something that resonates, and nothing screams nostalgia like a spirited game of Donkey Kong over a pint at your local!
Rev Up Your Revenue with Arcade Machines
Here's a simple equation: More time spent in your business equals more money spent in your business. By providing an entertaining and engaging activity for customers to indulge in while they wait for their order or service, you're subtly encouraging them to stay longer, order another drink, or grab some food.
But the advantages of having an arcade machine for business aren't confined to your customers. Think about your employees too! An arcade game in your workspace can act as a fantastic ice-breaker, enhancing team relationships, promoting communication, and introducing an element of friendly competition. Additionally, it offers your team an enjoyable way to unwind after a challenging project or a hectic day, thereby boosting morale and productivity.
Not Just Fun - A Workout for the Brain, Too
Sure, video games are entertaining, but did you know they also offer cognitive benefits? Gamification, or the concept of applying game mechanics to non-game environments, is recognised as an effective learning and development method. Arcade games can help develop problem-solving skills, coordination, reflexes, and decision-making abilities.
An arcade machine in your business doesn't merely provide entertainment. It nurtures mental agility, enhances multitasking abilities, and can even help improve muscle memory and fine motor skills. Offering a fun, stress-reducing activity that also sharpens the minds of your customers and employees? Now that's what we call a win-win!
Tailor-Made for Your Business
At Arcade Depot, we understand that every business is unique. That's why we specialise in custom-built arcade machines, offering a range of games suitable for all tastes and ages. Whether your customers are seasoned gamers or youngsters seeking a new adventure, we've got it sorted.
So, are you ready to level up your business? Don't miss out on this golden opportunity. Harness the potential of an arcade machine for your business and get in touch with us today. We're geared up to supercharge your business strategy!
Always remember, in the realm of business and arcade games, it's all about securing that top spot on the leader board.....
]]>Glass is better than Perspex: The material that covers the screen of the arcade machine can greatly impact the quality of the visuals. While some arcade machines use plastic or Perspex, it's best to look for one with a glass cover. Glass is more durable, less prone to scratching (especially on a cocktail table arcade) and provides better clarity, which can enhance your gaming experience. The glass should ALWAYS be toughened safety glass and ideally be at least 6mm.
Durable control panels: The control panel is the part of the arcade machine that you'll be interacting with the most, so it's important that they are built to last. We prefer to spend a little more on our machines and use metal (mild or stainless steel) for our control panels instead of MDF wood, as it's a more durable material that can withstand the wear and tear, even from the most energetic players! 😉 But MDF also will break down over time, rather than the mechanical connection a metal alternative provides.
Thick, high-quality MDF: MDF (medium-density fibreboard) is a type of engineered wood that's commonly used in the construction of arcade machines. However, not all MDF is created equal. It's important to look for a machine that uses a good grade of MDF that's at least 18mm thick. This will ensure that the machine feel sturdy. Lots of the imported machines use a thinner 12mm MDF, or a plain MDF that’s been painted. This can fade over time, a melamine coating is much more durable and less likely to fade.
After sales support: A retro arcade machine is a big investment, so it's important to have peace of mind knowing that you'll be able to get support if anything goes wrong, even after your warranty may have expired. Look for a company that offers good after-sales support, including a warranty and customer service that's responsive and helpful.
Made In Britain: We would always recommend a British built machine over an imported model. The machine you are purchasing should comply with British manufacturing standards such as UKCA (formerly the CE mark) and any other electrical safety standards. Most imported machines wont follow these standards and can pose a risk should there be a problem down the line.
Try before you buy: Finally, if possible, try to find a showroom where you can try out the arcade machine before making a purchase. This will give you a better sense of the build quality, performance, and overall experience of the machine.
At Arcade Depot, we take these factors into consideration when designing and building our retro arcade machines. Our machines feature toughened safety glass covers over the screens, metal control panels, and high-quality 18mm MDF that’s melamine coated. We also offer a full 12 month warranty and responsive customer service to ensure that our customers are satisfied with their purchase.
Who doesn’t love coming to try before they buy!? We have a lovely showroom where customers can come and try out a range of our machines before making a purchase. This allows them to get a feel for the gameplay, and choose the machine that’s right for them, along with seeing our top notch build quality first hand. Ask any questions you have over a nice brew!
]]>The reasons each business chose an arcade machine for their space varies. But in general, they all see it as a great way to boost morale and productivity. Not only that but also it impresses visitors to their business and who doesn’t want that!? 8)
First and foremost, an arcade machine in the workplace is an excellent way to provide your employees with a fun and interactive way to unwind during their breaks or downtime. It provides a great outlet for stress relief and can help employees recharge their energy levels.
In addition to providing a fun way to unwind, an arcade machine can also help to promote team building and collaboration. Playing games together can create a sense of camaraderie and can help to break down barriers between employees. This can improve communication, collaboration, and a promote a more positive work environment overall.
An arcade machine can also help to boost productivity. Studies have shown that taking short breaks throughout the day can actually help to improve focus and productivity. Providing employees with a fun way to take a break can help them to come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle their tasks with renewed energy.
Furthermore, having an arcade machine in the workplace can help to attract and retain top talent. In today’s competitive job market, employers need to find ways to stand out and differentiate themselves from their competitors. Offering unique and fun perks like an arcade machine can help to make your company more attractive to job seekers and can help to retain current employees.
Another benefit of having an arcade machine in the workplace is that it can help to improve employee health and wellness. Sitting at a desk for long periods of time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can have negative impacts on overall health and wellbeing. An arcade machine provides a fun and interactive way to get up and move around, which can help to combat the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.
Additionally, an arcade machine can help to promote creativity and innovation. Playing games can help employees to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative ideas. This can lead to increased creativity and innovation in the workplace, which can ultimately lead to a more successful and profitable business.
At our Arcade Depot business, we offer a wide range of arcade machines that are perfect for any workplace setting. Jam packed with up to 3000 games there is always something for everyone to enjoy!
Built in Britain by us you have confidence that our machines are designed with the highest quality materials and components, ensuring that they are durable and long-lasting. There is no set up required, plug them in and they are ready to enjoy immediately. No It support required on day 1 or day 301 😊
Not sure which machine suits your business the best, or perhaps thinking of custom branding a machine? We can help with that too! Give us a call on 01538 767779 or drop us an email (sales@thedepot.uk) and we’d be happy to help.
]]>We’ve spoken to many Airbnb landlords and discussed how they have increased their booking rates. They all tell us that making their property unique in some way has made a huge difference. Many holiday let properties look the same and have similar features. To make your property stand out, think about adding unique features or décor. For example, you could create a themed room, such as a beach or safari room, or add a statement piece of furniture that catches the eye. Another idea is to incorporate local art or crafts into your décor to give guests a sense of the area's culture and heritage. Guests are usually looking at least 5 or 6 properties at a time, having a unique element in your description and your photos make your property memorable when it comes to the important time of booking!
One of the unique challenges that holiday let landlords face in the UK is the unpredictable weather. While the UK has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and outdoor activities, the weather can often put a damper on things. Making provisions for indoor activities to ensure that guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, no matter what the weather is like outside should also be an important consideration.
What about providing indoor entertainment for guests by having a retro arcade machine? Not only is it a unique feature that sets your property apart, but it's also a fun and engaging activity that guests of all ages can enjoy. With a range of classic games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong, an arcade machine is sure to keep guests entertained for hours.
At Arcade Depot, we’ve supplied lots of our various machines to landlords and they tell us that they are perfect for their holiday lets. Our machines are brand new, sturdy and include a variety of classic games. Plus, we offer delivery anywhere in the UK and Europe, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
Need a quick fix? Then why not provide board games, books, or puzzles. These are inexpensive and easy to source, but they can make a big difference in the guest experience. They provide a fun and relaxing way to pass the time, and they're great for families with children or groups of friends.
I love it when a place we go to has those little creature comforts of home like a home theatre system or a collection of movies (especially access to Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime etc) at the property? A great way to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, especially on rainy evening in. Guests will appreciate the home from home experience, especially if they're looking for a relaxing getaway.
Aside from indoor activities, there are other ways to make your holiday let stand out. For example, you could offer a unique welcome package for guests, such as a basket of locally sourced snacks or a bottle of wine from a local producer. This is a great way to make guests feel special and to show that you care about their experience and that you’re passionate about your local area.
What about making a local guidebook or brochure that includes recommendations for local attractions, restaurants, and activities. This is a useful resource for guests who are unfamiliar with the area, and it shows that you're invested in helping them have a great stay. Who doesn’t love a great restaurant recommendation when they travel somewhere new?
In conclusion, making your holiday let unique and providing provisions for indoor activities are essential ways to attract more bookings and ensure that guests have an enjoyable stay. By incorporating features like a retro arcade machine, board games, books, or a home theatre system, you can provide guests with a fun and engaging experience, no matter what the weather is like outside. Offering a unique welcome package or local guidebook, you can show guests that you care about their experience and help them make the most of their stay.
]]>The origins of cocktail table arcade machines can be traced back to the early days of video gaming in the 1970s. At that time, arcade games were primarily played on upright cabinets, which were bulky and took up a lot of space. However, as the popularity of gaming grew, manufacturers began looking for ways to make their machines more compact and user-friendly.
One of the earliest attempts to create a more user-friendly arcade machine came from Japanese manufacturer Taito, who introduced the first cocktail table arcade machine in 1977. This machine, called the "Tabletop Space Invaders," featured a flat surface with two sets of controls on either side, allowing two players to sit opposite each other and play the game together.
The popularity of the Tabletop Space Invaders led other manufacturers to develop their own table top arcade machines, and soon they were a common sight in arcades, hotels, pubs, youth clubs and even chip shops around the country.
By the early 1980s, cocktail table arcade machines had become a fixture in UK arcades, with manufacturers such as Atari, Williams, and Namco all producing their own versions of the popular machines. These machines were particularly popular in pubs, where they became a common sight.
One of the key reasons for the popularity of cocktail table arcade machines in the UK was their accessibility. Unlike upright cabinets, which required players to stand up and face the machine, cocktail table machines could be played while seated, making them ideal for casual gamers and social gatherings.
In addition to their accessibility, cocktail table arcade machines also offered a unique playing style. With players sitting opposite each other and sharing a single screen, the games felt more like a social experience than a solitary one. This made them ideal for pubs, where they became a key attraction and a way for people to gather and socialize while enjoying a game.
The early games were played with a single player at any one time, which is why, starting with Space Invaders high scores were added to the game to give players a reason to play more (and spend more).
Although their popularity isn't what it once was in arcades and public places, cocktail table arcade machines remain a beloved part of the gaming industry. The trend for these chunks of nostalgia have simply moved away from public and commercial spaces and into peoples homes instead.
In addition, there is a thriving community of collectors and enthusiasts who continue to cherish and preserve classic cocktail table arcade machines. These collectors often restore and refurbish old machines, ensuring that they continue to provide hours of entertainment for future generations.
The lasting impact of cocktail table arcade machines can also be seen in the gaming industry as a whole. Many of the design principles and gameplay mechanics that were popularized by these machines continue to influence modern games. From multiplayer games that encourage social interaction to compact, user-friendly designs that prioritize accessibility, the legacy of cocktail table arcade machines can be felt throughout the gaming industry.
Cocktail table arcade machines have had a great impact on the gaming industry as a whole. They still have an incredible amount of nostalgia attached to them, I remember as a child seeing them in the hotels we stayed at in Blackpool and pestering my parents for a few 10p coins to have a go!
That love and nostalgia has meant that a modern version of these table, with multiple games are ever popular. Especially as they can usually fit in with most homes unlike the larger upright cousins.
Have you seen our cocktail table collection?
]]>As a small business, building arcade machines to order from our factory in the UK, we love the flexibility that this gives us. In 2021, we invested heavily in equipment, machinery and our own processes to bring as much of the build under our own roof. We feel like this gives us a very strong reason for our customers to buy from us. We can be much more flexible than if we were buying in cheaper Chinese mass produced machines in bulk.
To give you a great example of how we implement this, over the last year, we have made some fantastic custom themed machines for our wonderful customers. Including corporate branded arcade machines, custom themed machines (like Marvel, Only Fools and horses and many more) and also adding more of our own eye catching 'off the shelf' themes.
Here's just a very small sample of our latest creations based on what our customers have asked for:
You can find our complete games list available on our website - Full Games list
Many people think that our standard 60 game machine would naturally have such a memorable classic game like Defender included. Or that upgrading to our larger game package with 516 will allow them to play the game.
It's a very valid question, the game was released in 1981, the same year as Frogger, Qix, Gorf, Galaga, Donkey Kong and many other classics of the era. So why is it not included? Is it an error?
Quite simply it's down to the era of the games, most games of the time were available in either an upright style, or a cocktail sit down arcade machine. The difference with Defender (shown in the picture above) is that the screen is rotated and played in a portrait orientation. If you look at the Pacman cocktail arcade machine below, this is played in a portrait screen, just like most of the other games of the time.
Putting Defender on a machine with a portrait orientation like most of our standard cocktail arcade tables means that they playing area will be shrunk down, leaving "tram lines" at the top and bottom of the screen. They playing experience would be terrible. This is also true for other games of a similar era such as Asteroids, Track & Field and Joust to name a few that we get asked for.
You might be thinking that there must be a solution, and yes there is! We developed our Horizon retro cocktail arcade machine for this exact reason. As it packs in over 3000 retro arcade classics to choose from. Not only is Defender included on this machine, so is a huge range of other classics such as Pacman, Space Invaders, Street Fighter, Super Mario and MANY more besides.
The Horizon arcade also gives access to more modern classics, along with the ability to play with 2 players at the same time (where it was intended on the original game).
]]>This shows our commitment to designing and making our arcade machines in the UK, when a large portion of our industry is importing low grade machines from China.
For our customers, this means not only will you be getting second to none build quality from your machine, but also the ability to customise your machine, because everything is built to order, just for you.
Over the next year we are planning to expand the line of products that we manufacture in house, which we expect to create additional jobs for local people and also give our customer more reasons to come back and see what we are up to!
]]>As a small British business with currently 4 employees we've managed to remain open throughout the pandemic. Building and delivering fantastic retro arcade machines to our wonderful customers.
We have been so popular over the last year we have been able to re-invest heavily into our setup. Allowing us to complete the majority of our manufacturing onsite. Firstly we were able to bring the printing of all graphics in house. Allowing custom graphics to be designed and printed with zero impact on turn around time.
This month, (after much waiting) we have taken delivery of our first CNC machine. This will allow us to make all of our cabinets on site. But more importantly it will allow us to bring new products to market much faster than we have been able to previously. We're really excited to see what we are able to come up with and share with our customers in the coming months. We have had our full safety training from our supplier and have already made a start putting the machine to great use!
Stay tuned.....
]]>However there is an limitation to the number and type of games that are available on this kind of a machine due to their design. The game must be played in portrait mode and then rotate between player 1 and player 2 taking turns. Which was only really a 'thing' in the late 70's and early 80's.
Arcade classics like Defender, 1944, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat and MANY more are all played with 2 players either co-operating or playing against each other. So, the screen display was rotated to become horizontal and both players playing next to each other.
With this in mind, we have remodelled our ever popular classic cocktail arcade machine. Removed the side control panels and added a side by side control panel to the front of the machine. In addition, we have also added the Pandora Box DX, which has a HUGE catalogue of 3000 games and the ability to add your own games via a USB socket. It still has the classic games you'd expect too!
Some other great features include:
You can find our Horizon arcade machine available with all of our other traditional table arcade machines. Prices start from just £899.
Got a question or suggestion? Get in touch and let us know!
]]>Today we started off with the new stools. (which are available to purchase here)
The stools have been designed by ourselves to perfectly compliment our multigame table arcade machines and are available in Multigame(retro arcade), Space Invaders, Pac Man, or there is an Oak and plain Black variants.
They are made from melamine coated MDF, except for the Oak which is a quality Oak veneer over MDF. The stools not only aesthetically match but are the perfect height to use with our Cocktail and Coffee arcade machines.
They are very sturdy, weighing in a 9Kgs each, and can be wiped clean. Those with the artwork are laminated so that it won't wear off.
These arcade stools can be purchased separately, or in pairs, and we even have a range of matching side tables available.
Anyone visiting our showroom will be able to see just how sturdy and well made our quality arcade machine stools are, whilst testing our Cocktail table arcade machines.
We have been asked for these by loads of people for quite a while.
The problem it seems is that whilst our cocktail table arcade machines are very popular, finding a decent stool to go with them was quite a challenge. In the end we just made our own.
The Arcade Stool is the perfect height for our machines, they are also a perfect match as we make them out of the exact same materials and trim. We have even covered them in matching artwork.
First off the production line is the multigame theme with blue trim. There will be pac man, space invaders, and more coming soon.
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We are developing a range of themed Marquee Lighboxes, which are really cool units to add a retro arcade vibe to any bar or man cave. They are made from 18mm mdf and t-molded just like our arcade machines. The Marquee lightbox can be wall mounted or placed on a shelf. Current themes include Space Invaders, Pac Man, and Outrun, but we will be adding a few more to the lineup.
This is a reworked version of the flat bar top arcade machines originally developed by myself (and quickly copied by others !) But Arcade depot has refined the design so that the units are even more robust and better looking than all of the copy cat products. Again they can be purchased in a range of themes, with the usual suspects Pac Man and space invaders being the most popular.
Something that we get asked for all the time are stools to go with our cocktail table arcade machines. The typical stools out there are either super cheap and accordingly flimsy, or over priced and ugly. We have therefore designed our own elegant and sturdy stool which are the perfect companion to our retro arcade cocktail tables. You can even choose the trim colour and we will match it to your machine.
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built this Space Invaders themed retro 60 arcade as a one off for a customer.
We can customize most of our product and are always happy to discuss one-off projects.
So if you want anything bespoke give us a call.
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Due to Covid-19 lockdown all the UK toughening plants closed down and we were caught with low stock which soon ran out.
This situation has now been resolved, and glass is now available once again.
]]>We are using Pandora's box 9 which has over 1000 awesome games.
Due to most of the games requiring a horizontal mounted screen, the option is limited those machine that feature the horizontal screen.
]]>However to make sure that we can continue to deliver machines to our customers we switched to a thinner acrylic product instead.
We have now finally been able to source a batch of toughened glass manufactured and delivery is scheduled for the middle of next week.
Back to business as usual getting our high quality arcade machine out quickly to our wonderful customers!
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