History of the gaming arcade
Within the USA, arcade games have a rich history, adopting diverse formats including fortune-telling or pinball machines.
Still, the period in 1972 saw Atari release Pong, subsequently many believed video games would become viable gradually.
During this period, while alternative machines raked in $10, Pong raked in $40.
When the 1980s ushered in, arcade gaming became a thriving industry reaping billions annually.
Video game machines started becoming ubiquitous in grocery stores and malls.
By 1982, reading from TIME Magazine, one could find 13,000 arcades within the USA while popular games reaped $400 weekly.
Still, the burgeoning profits were short-lived.
Within the ‘70s or ‘80s, supposing you sought ultimate gaming fun, entertainment, you would visit gaming arcades. Arcades offered games which were not available on consoles.
Moreover, even for games that appeared on consoles in addition, the “best versions” got distributed inside gaming arcades.
As James Burns, gaming expert said, “It’s like going to the movie theatre versus watching a DVD on your small TV at home. The arcades were always the full/best experience.”
So, the most common insight is that home consoles replaced gaming arcades.
Still as Laura Jane has mentioned, consoles remained only 1 of several causes.
With gaming industry growth, it became inundated with low pedigree games.
Several of these were purchased with credit by arcade owners, these failed to reap profits.
Complicating the slump was a steep climbing volume of games which flooded the gaming markets, turning these too expensive for ordinary players, also sucking out cash from gaming addicts.
A rising anti-gaming hysteria (mostly from parents or politicians) claimed, “These games are corrupting our youth,” which failed to ease the anti-gaming hysteria.
Within the early 1990s there was an explosive growth of gaming arcades with the gradual release of cult gaming classics like Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, or alternative fighting, martial arts games.
Unfortunately, arcade games failed to break even during this time.
Internal hardware within consoles started advancing, providing similar gaming experiences from the comfort of home, reducing the need for exorbitant spending on high fees for each arcade gaming visit.
Manufacturers reacted by building larger arcade halls, that imitated theme parks while charging heavy gaming fees.
Industry expert, Mike Meyers observed that this was the true reason that arcade gaming became less profitable.
In the 2000s, the old arcades gradually vanished while gaming producers started to focus on the domestic market.
Still, some famous arcades like New York city’s Chinatown Fair continued operating.
Top Arcades in Singapore
Arcade | CowPlayCowMoo |
| Specialty | CowPlayCowMoo operates the Largest Amusement Carnival / Arcade stores in Singapore. With an island-wide network of 5 unique concepts, hundreds of machines and games, there is bound to be something fun for you. All Machines and surfaces are coated with SDST Anti-Viral Coating. Modern and vintage-style machines available at outlets. Services: Claw machines, fishing, Space Invaders, UFO catcher games, gaming arcade |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected]/ https://cpcm.com.sg/booking/ |
| Website | https://cpcm.com.sg/ |
| Address | 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Tower 3 & 4 #03-372, 038988 |
| [email protected]/ https://cpcm.com.sg/booking/ | |
| Opening hours | 12.30 pm to 12.30 am |
| Review 1 | Best experience here. Coming regularly especially for the claw machines. Staffs are very friendly and helpful. Great time to spend with the love ones here 🥰. They always update with new toys too so you will never get bored |
| Review 2 | Many variety of arcade games with tickets that can be exchanged for many different prizes. If you planning to frequent, better to get the membership card and purchase the epic deals for better exchange rate per coin. Also, alot of claw machines, but relatively challenging to win |
| Review 3 | Good selection of games. If you need help, look for their staff in red with the cow play cow moo logo on their backs. They have expanded and moved their ticketing counters over to the other side. They frequently change the games and move them around. Pro tip, get a membership card. $1 It’s cheaper when you get tokens. Even though you get lots of tickets, check out the # required to redeem stuff so you can manage your expectations. They fairly frequently update their prizes too |
Arcade | Arcade Planet |
| Specialty | Arcade Planet specializes in claw machines and rhythm games and has games like Bishi Bashi (just one machine though) and the fishing game popular among our older population. There are music and rhythm games: For claw machines use S$1 coin, the rhythm game machines take 50-cent coins (coin machines available). Services: Claw machines, rhythm games, plushies, multi-player fishing game, four-player Bishi Bashi |
| Pricing | Request a quotation:[email protected]/ https://cpcm.com.sg/booking/ |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arcade%20Planet%20At%20Cow%20Play%20Cow%20Moo/280410442675455/ |
| Address | Suntec City, West Wing #02-409 Singapore, Singapore |
| [email protected]/ https://cpcm.com.sg/booking/ | |
| Opening hours | 12.30 pm to 12.30 am |
| Review 1 | It is a great place for me. When I stress, I always will go there and play to release my stress. It really help me to release my stress:) and is easy now because there is qr code beside every game machine. Scan the qr code, then wait for the assistance to come and help u to solve the problem. It is easy, don’t even need to walk over to the assistance and tell the assistance. Just wait at where you seat. Will come often after my exam |
| Review 2 | The mega claw machine was very easy to win. I won a bear 🐻 |
| Review 3 | Great place to spend time with your family and friends. Staffs are helpful must give them time to come and assist you especially during peak period. Keep it up. |
Arcade | Fat Cat Arcade |
| Specialty | The newest and largest arcade in the East with over 6600 square feet located in Djitsun Mall Bedok level 2. Their second outlet is now opened in [email protected] level 5 with over 9500 square feet. For those in the West, their arcade is also found at Hillion Mall level 1. Services: Largest Arcades, Fat Cat card, 50 tokens, gaming machines, toy prizes, Nintendo games |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://fatcatarcade.com/ |
| Address | 313 Orchard Rd, #05 – 05, Singapore 238895 |
| [email protected] | |
| Opening hours | 11 am to 11 pm |
| Review 1 | The biggest Arcade in Orchard Rd. There are lots of arcade games as well as claw machines around for you to try and have some fun. Its a great place for family fun thrill,entertainment and to de-stress yourself.You can try all kinds of games here cater for all ages to enjoy.The redemption items corner where they store and displayed the items are very spacious too.So collect your tickets and go exchange for the wide selections around. I can reassure you that its gonna be a hard time for you to choose which items to redeem as they are all so nice and awesome.There will be a promotion period for the purchase of tokens.The more you purchase extra tokens will be given.There is also cashless payment machine token available.So come down with your family and friends to have some fun here.Its conveniently located at 313 Somerset level 5. |
| Review 2 | They have some very nice rewards, mostly branded merchandise. Nice games as well. Food republic right outside the entrance so can grab food easily when hungry. |
| Review 3 | It has so many machines to play and try. especially the claw machine and you can get many different prizes as well as the other machine and you can get other prizes with the ticket. It just really fun arcade place. |
Arcade | Virtualand |
| Specialty | Creating An Urban Wonderland. “東方紅魔郷 x WACCA” in-game events staged at times. SOUND VOLTEX EXCEED GEAR now ready at Virtualand. MAIMAI DX SPLASH coming to Virtualand. RHYTHMVADERS × WACCA」第2弾 events. Chunithm now ready at Virtualand. Chunithm Super Star game. WACCA games. Services: Fish machines, Arcade games, Basketball machines, Claw Machines, Drumming machines |
| Pricing | Pricing: Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/virtualand.sg |
| Address | 23 Serangoon Central, Singapore 556083 |
| Telephone | +65-6634 2623 |
| Opening hours | 10.30 am to 11 pm |
| Review 1 | Love the choices of arcade games there for people of various age to enjoy. |
| Review 2 | One of the rare remaining arcades in Singapore with retro games. Nowadays, most arcades are either filled with claw machines or “casino-like” games where gamers have to accumulate vouchers to exchange for prizes |
| Review 3 | I played there for maimai and there is alot of cabinets. There’s also WACCA and Chunithm. |
Arcade | TIMEZONE |
| Specialty | Timezone is the world’s leading fun family interactive entertainment centre with state-of the-art games and a wide variety of attractive prizes. Timezone games come from world-class amusement brands such as LAI, Sega, Bandai Namco to name a few. Their best-in class store design, well trained FunSquad guarantees a fun-filled experience. Services: Minecraft Dungeons, flashy LED-lit bumper cars, state-of the-art games, LAI, Sega, Bandai Namco |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.timezonegames.com/ |
| Address | 68 Orchard Rd, #07-02 03 Plaza, Singapore 238839 |
| Telephone | +65-62564106 |
| Opening hours | 11.30 am to 9 pm |
| Review 1 | Timezone has always been a favourite arcade for the family. There are games suitable for both kids and adults. Do note that the PS outlet is smaller than its other outlets, hence the variety of the games are lesser. But nonetheless, it’s great for a short session of fun especially while waiting to go for a movie next door. |
| Review 2 | Good place to spend some time with friends before a meal or a movie, because it’s right beside the cinema and above the food court! Timezone never ceases to please with it’s variety of games and entertainment, that is updated frequently to give you the best arcade experience. 5/5 would ddr again |
| Review 3 | We always come here for family fun! Love the variety of game arcades they have! My kids all love it! Great family fun always!! 🙂 |
Arcade | Zone X Singapore |
| Specialty | ZONE X is a leading player in the amusement and entertainment industry in Singapore, with different major outlets around the island. They provide different leisure and entertainment play facilities such as arcade gaming and claw machines. Nintendo Switch Pikachu & Eevee edition, Lets Go, Eevee! game card, Poké Ball Plus. Services: Taiko no Tatsujin, maimai, WMMT6, Ichiban Kuji, Ichiban Kuji Pokémon |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.zonex.com.sg/ |
| Address | 21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4, #05 – 01 / 02 / 03, Singapore 689812 |
| Telephone | +65-69806218 |
| Opening hours | 11 am to 10 pm |
| Review 1 | I always play wangan here is fun |
| Review 2 | Pretty fun arcade experience |
| Review 3 | Amazing arcade love everything about it |
Arcade | Prize Station |
| Specialty | A place where you can learn toy catching & make more friends. With friendly service crew helping to change coins & organize the toys. New toys are often added as game catches, prizes. Enjoy catching & playing on their machines to win some soft toys to bring home & collect. At Bugis + or Iluma. Services: Coin games, toy prizes, arcade games, Toy Story, Aliens, Games |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/prizestation.sg |
| Address | 201 Victoria St, 03-25 to 26, Singapore 188067 |
| [email protected] | |
| Opening hours | 10 am to 10 pm |
| Review 1 | Come come for some fun catchq. Lots of claw machines and other physical games. Leave your mobile phone behind and spend time with your love one or friends. Don’t feel disappointed if you don’t manage to catch a toy … but I’m sure you can at least catch one or a few. Group together with a $50 to get 150 tokens. You’ll get more chances for your buck. Just enjoy the game and your friends for a good day or night out! |
| Review 2 | Has the games that I want to play and they are smart with the positioning of the Maximum Tune machines |
| Review 3 | People who say that the games are rigged are kinda wrong. Arcades are a game and game requires a certain amount of skill. Compared to many arcades I’ve visted this one has been the most rewarding and thus I think this is the best arcade in singapore and I’ll be back |
Arcade | Hollywood China Arcade |
| Specialty | A hidden gem nicely tucked away from the mainland city; this arcade is spotted in the Universal Studios of Singapore. The arcade is big and posh with marble tiled floors, it has three separate sections with Daytona at one side, claw catchers on the other and arcade games with tickets. Services: Daytona, arcade games, claw catches, coin slot game machines, Kung Fu Panda |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.rwsentosa.com/ |
| Address | 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269 |
| Telephone | +65-6577 8888 |
| Opening hours | 12 pm to 7 pm |
| Review 1 | This is the best place for daredevils and tourists who are vying to try out the most thrilling rides in Singapore. USS has rides which none other parts of Singapore have. Also, it is convenient to have meals at the restaurants there if you are staying at USS for the whole day👍👍 |
| Review 2 | Going here was so magical. For an hour or so of stay here is wonderful. I just love the place and ride. I don’t mind walking around and just explore the whole place and just to experience the best of everything in this place. For a moment, I feel like I’m a kid again. Such an incredible experience. I will definitely go back over and over and ride all the same ride again and again.. |
| Review 3 | A must visit when you are in singapore. Buy the express ticket to skip long queues and to enjoy maximum rides . Shows are very entertaining, rides are thrilling. Plus enjoy universal studio characters like minions, Jurassic world, transformers etc more enjoyable with family and plan for the whole day. Go early morning so you enjoy the whole day. |
Arcade | NINETEEN80 |
| Specialty | A retro snack & arcade bar paying homage to all things 80s by A Phat Cat Collective. Be like Mario or play a game of Mario and slide down their tunnels for a company of sips and throwback games, only at #NINETEEN80. Retro arcade machines, feel the 80s fantasy vibes. Services: Nintendo games, Super Mario Brothers, Mario games, Retro games, throwback games |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.nineteen80.sg/ |
| Address | 21 Tanjong Pagar Rd, #01-05, Singapore 088444 |
| Telephone | +65-9183 6073 |
| Opening hours | 5 pm to 10.30 pm |
| Review 1 | Very cool atmosphere! Nice place for some drinks |
| Review 2 | Beautiful place with amazing retro vibes. A must visit. |
| Review 3 | Quite a nice themed bar/club serving music from the 80s to 00. Priced well. Has plenty of free-to-play arcade games from the 80s to 90s. |
Arcade | HADO Singapore |
| Specialty | HADO is the first-ever active esport that uses AR tech and motion sensors without requiring the player to be tethered to a gaming system, controllers, or cables. The digital experience is enabled by an AR device that players wear on their heads and a motion sensor the size of smartphones. Services: Augmented Reality Sports, Games, AR tech, motion sensors, active esport |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://hado-asia.com/ |
| Address | 456 Alexandra Rd, Singapore 119962 |
| Telephone | +65-88027527 |
| Opening hours | 24/7 |
| Review 1 | Very fun activity! An engaging and very effective workout for the whole body! |
| Review 2 | Very fun. Good for corporate team building |
| Review 3 | Cool place. |
Arcade | Sandbox VR |
| Specialty | Opened here in 2018, Sandbox VR is the most popular location-based Virtual Reality experience centre in Singapore. They combine Virtual Reality, Motion Tracking, and Haptic technologies to create a fully immersive experience for you and your group. Amazing team-building opportunities. Safe VR experience at Sandbox VR. Travel to alternate worlds. Services: Virtual Reality, Motion Tracking, Haptic technologies, fully immersive experience, VR gaming |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://sandboxvr.com/sg |
| Address | 181 Orchard Road, #05-31 Orchard Central, 238896 |
| Telephone | +65-9832 5988 |
| Opening hours | 10 am to 9.45 pm |
| Review 1 | Amazing experience definitely must try! Went on the star trek adventure, and it really was quite amazing. Gear is quite heavy thus might be too overbearing for kids. Headset might be a little big for kids too. As ling as you book before hand, process is quick and easy. Best thing is a video is also given free at the end and is really fun to watch after. |
| Review 2 | We went there on 28th Mar and the lady with red dyed hair was very informative and helpful as it was our first time as well. She made it an very pleasant experience overall. Please send our compliments to her. We didn’t manage to ask for her name. |
| Review 3 | Second time I’ve been there. First time (2 years ago) was really fun, very immersive experience with tons of excitement! We went back this weekend and the tech kept falling – half of our team couldn’t move their virtual hands (an important part of the game), and they had to reset the program twice. Maybe the equipment needs an overhaul? |
Arcade | Level Up |
| Specialty | The One and only Arcade Bistro Bar in Singapore. Level Up is a unique lifestyle concept aimed at providing a comfortable and relaxed social setting to promote conversations and interaction. Combining a wide array of retro arcade games and drinking games with live entertainment from key local musicians, pub fare. Services: Retro arcade games, Arcade Bistro Bar, arcade games, button smashers, racing heads |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://1-levelup.com/ |
| Address | 3A River Valley Rd, #02-04 Block A, Singapore 179020 |
| +65- 6266 2276 | |
| Opening hours | 5 pm to 10.30 pm |
| Review 1 | One of my favorite places since I like table games and fun nights! Its a hidden spot at Clark Q and It is going to be a wonderful experience for you too! You can get there by walk from the taxi stand near CQ or 10 min from Ckark Q MRT. Music is always fun and staff are very friendly and helpful! Drinks are fine too! We usually go for wine or beer! See you next time! |
| Review 2 | Arrived at Level Up at just after 5pm. Place was empty aside from my friend and I. Prior to entry, the staff informed us that the arcade machines were yet to come online as it was still early. As a general rule of thumb, it is common decency to allow consumers to make decisions based on complete information, so two thumbs up for the staff at Level Up. The cocktails were decently priced at 2 for $25, which seemed to be the going rate for cocktails at the bars littered around Clarke Quay. The piña colada was delicious, and I thought it interesting that condensed milk/regular milk was used, although it was just a tad on the sweet side. Still pretty well-balanced. The lime margarita was standard and well-made too. Overall, it was a pleasant experience having drinks at Level Up, will be back for more. |
| Review 3 | A rather new watering hole in Clarke Quay area with decent potential. The place could simply be described as an arcade cross-bred with bar. There were approximately 20 arcade machines covering darts, basketballs, boxing speed bag, table soccer, air hockey, beer pongs, and a pool table. The crowds were all younger working class. In-house bands play daily from 2030hrs onward (some day they start later at 2130hrs). Drinks menu was nothing out of ordinary albeit they could do special order (not on menu) when requested. Drinks taste were on the diluted side, pretty unremarkable. Price was pretty standard. Place is good for groups and company functions. Solo visitors could expect to be sharing table with strangers (which is great!) If the place is packed. |
Arcade | Carnival Guru |
| Specialty | As one of the leading arcade machine rental Singapore, they ensure that their clients can choose from a wide range of arcade games for your parties and events. Keeping customer game preferences and new additions in the arcade section, they provide you with best-in-class arcades for gamers of all ages. Services: Arcade Machines Rental, Claw Catcher Rental, arcade games, customer game preferences, arcade machine |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.carnivalguru.com.sg/ |
| Address | 39 Woodlands Cl, Singapore 737856 |
| +65-9657 6519 | |
| Opening hours | 9 am to 6 pm |
Arcade | Arcade Rental |
| Specialty | Arcade Rental has been the Singaporean’s go to for video arcade game rentals for corporate events, parties, trade shows and break rooms. Looking for answers to your event planning and entertainment needs? – Arcade Rental SG may just be the answer. Respected in arcade game business, extensive variety of games. Services: Retro Arcade Machines, Space Invaders, Defender, Robotron, Centipede, Paperboy, Donkey Kong, Pac Man |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.arcaderental.sg/ |
| Address | 39 Woodlands Close, [email protected], #06-66 Singapore 737856 |
| +65 9116 1235 | |
| Opening hours | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Review | Very friendly & professional! |
Arcade | Centrum Leisure |
| Specialty | As Singapore’s largest supplier in pool and game tables, they devote themselves to providing a one stop solution for all your billiards and gaming needs. They carry the widest range of pool tables, foosball tables, table tennis tables, arcade machines, dartboards and more in Singapore. They set, meet industry standards. Services: Arcade machines, foosball tables, billiard, home leisure, dartboards |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://www.centrumleisure.com/ |
| Address | Ubi Techpark #01-13, Lobby B, 10 Ubi Crescent Singapore, Singapore 408564 |
| +65- 6841 9989 | |
| Opening hours | 10.30 am to 6.30 pm |
| Review 1 | Always a pleasure to deal with. Advice is top notch. Transactions are smooth and their showroom is well equipped. |
| Review 2 | Excellent services and well equipped showroom for all your Pool cue needs… |
| Review 3 | Purchased the V Force Air Hockey table a while back…Find that it is really a durable table even after so many rounds of playing. The strong wind sure adds so much more excitement to it! Value for money. |
Arcade | Virtual Room |
| Specialty | Virtual Room is one of the world’s best team-based virtual reality experiences and is now in Singapore. Blending the escape room concept with a full 3D cinematic experience to deliver a unique, immersive, and mind-blowing adventure. Played in groups of 2, 3 or 4 players solving 3D riddles, puzzles together. Services: VR Adventure, VR gaming, game studio, location-based entertainment, virtual reality |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | http://singapore.virtual-room.com/ |
| Address | Basement 3, Lucky Chinatown, 211 New Bridge Road Singapore, Singapore B3 |
| Telephone | +65- 6966 8060 |
| Opening hours | 10 am to 10 pm |
| Review 1 | It was our first VR experience. We researched what to expect and were excited about the experience. The game master was professional in helping us with our gears and telling us the instructions of the game. As I could not see clearly due to my glasses, the game master had to help me to loosen and tighten the headgear. He was friendly and professional. Overall, the experience was awesome and we are looking forward to our second trip soon! – Vivian & Justin |
| Review 2 | Interesting experience! We bought tickets online. When we got there, the staff was friendly, explaining about everything. We can put our bags in lockers. Each person has their own room equipped with a headset and 2 hand controllers. Mouth mask can be taken off during play. It was our first time and we were suggested to take the easiest level about time travel. Sometimes it took quite some time to find out what exactly we needed to do to achieve something but in the end all ended well. Mission completed 100%! Would go again to try a different level! |
| Review 3 | Good fun activity. It was quite easy to go through the stages but it was still very entertaining. The venue was very very cold but once you get to move around it’s not so bad. It is tucked in a basement of a once flourished mall but it’s not a problem for us to find the place. Highly recommend. |
Arcade | Zero Latency |
| Specialty | From Melbourne, Zero Latency Singapore is the global leader in multi-player virtual reality and the largest virtual reality gaming arena in Singapore. It is widely regarded as one of the world’s best gaming experiences that has catapulted onto the world stage. Their equipment is custom-made and designed for maximum immersion. Services: VR Games, free roaming arena, multi-player gaming, VR Simulation, Immersive gaming |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.zerolatencyvr.com.sg/ |
| Address | 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-346/347 Suntec City Mall Singapore 038983 |
| Telephone | +65-6931 0331 |
| Opening hours | 12 pm to 9 pm |
| Review 1 | Played one of the zombie games a couple of months ago. Had great fun and heard from my friends that this is one of the best VR places in Singapore. Would be great for team-building activities as well. |
| Review 2 | My bros(and sistas) and I went to check out Zero Latency. Enjoyed the VR game which I estimate was about 30minsThe equipments are clean and well maintained. *For those wearing glasses, you can either wear contact lens or use the VR googles directly (accordingly to the staff it can be use until about 500 degrees). After the games, you will be able to see your scores to see how you faired (it will be emailed to you as well) Good indoor social activity for those who prefer aircon. |
| Review 3 | Bring video gaming to a whole new level. Leaderboard makes it worthwhile to go a second time. Interestingly, it is not as giddy to be using the VR. |
Arcade | Apple Arcade |
| Specialty | Best collection of mobile games — Arcade Originals, Timeless Classics and App Store Greats. 180+ games with more added all the time. There is something for everyone on Apple Arcade. Brain teasers, magical quests, endless runners, sports games, beloved classics and more — with amazing new games and updates added every week. Services: Brain teasers, magical quests, endless runners, sports games, beloved classics |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: http://www.apple.com/support/feedback/ |
| Website | https://www.apple.com/sg/apple-arcade/ |
| Address | 270 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238857 |
| Telephone | +1800 699 2824 |
| Opening hours | 10 am to 10 pm |
| Review 1 | Wonderful Apple Care service. Upon checking you in street level, you are greeted by Apple Store staff every step of the way. I made an appointment online for service, and came back a few days later to get my MacBook Pro. Staff is attentive and courteous. This is strong brand value and they do a great job of it in the Orchard Store. |
| Review 2 | Went there to checked on my air pod. The Security n Service staff handling the crowd was excellent. Went in and was attended by the Service staff who handled my query very well. Left the place feeling satisfied, happy that all went well. Keep up the good work 💪 |
| Review 3 | Outstanding service! I came here to service my iPhone, I was greeted by a friendly man assisting me to a seat upstairs, and the repairman came shortly. Overall, the experience was very quick, and excellent customer service! The repairman tried to start a conversation with me, and it’s really the little things that made a huge difference in a customer’s experience. Kuddos Apple! |
Arcade | Virtual Reality Rental Co. |
| Specialty | As the premier provider of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, VirtualRealityRental.co works with your company to provide the best in VR entertainment for your events, including parties, exhibits, trade shows, and conferences. Using extensive event experience combined with latest VR technology, they help plan and implement unique experiences for event attendees. Services: VR Equipment, VR Rental, VR Set up, VR delivery, VR Strategy |
| Pricing | Request a quotation: [email protected] |
| Website | https://www.virtualrealityrental.co/ |
| Address | 15 Beach Road Singapore 189667 |
| (+800) 216-0254 | |
| Opening hours | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Review 1 | The virtual reality experiences were so much fun. All guests that attended the event really enjoyed it! The guys that worked our event, Adam and Daniel, were awesome. I definitely want to work together again! |
| Review 2 | Our group had a blast with the VR Rigs (Plank and Racing). While the plank challenge was definitely something to experience first hand, it was so much fun watching everyone else too! Just loved it! |
| Review 3 | I just want to thank VirtualRealityRental.co for your amazing work on our event. The experiences went off so wonderfully! Robert was just incredible- please pass along my thanks to him! We really appreciate all you did for our team! I hope we get to work together again! |
Evolution of the gaming arcade
Beyond just gaming, more perks, highlights of arcades are the gaming interactivity.
James Burns refers to games like Daytona USA that allowed 10-player multiplayer access as an example of heightened interactivity.
Such interactive experiences were not easily replicated in a home environment.
Offering extra non-video game entertainment, arcades provided a carnival atmosphere.
To look at instances of Bandai Namco and Mikado, incorporating an interactive gaming experience became one factor with others which enabled Japanese arcades to bring in bigger profits.
Outside Japan one could observe similar interactive gaming experiences.
Several of these, might be deemed contemporary incarnations of traditional gaming arcades.
An example of such evolutions are appearances of LAN cafes within Asia.
Consider such cafes as a blend of internet cafes with arcades.
Resembling much of old arcades, these also featured dimly lit dens, containing clusters of mid-range gaming PCs, that contained some games loaded within them.
Resembling internet cafes, one might stroll in, book a PC, then pay a hourly charge for gaming for extended gaming periods, staying as long as you liked.
To most in developing countries, such LAN cafes provided an easy access to gaming.
Regularly for just under $1 an hour, you then gamed for hours in a LAN café.
To cite Neville Lahiru, “In a sense, they were a physical representation of Netflix for gaming.”
So, many kids and school mates found themselves gaming for hours in internet cafes.
Armed with soda drinks and snacks, kids immersed at length in Call of Duty 4, Counterstrike 1.6, or Dota LAN matches.
Upon the advent of eSports, such gaming cafes started gaining popularity as sites for competitions or training sites of professional gamers.
Still, the trend was riddled with problems. LAN cafes eventually gained a bad reputation.
Riding on the anti-video game hysteria, these were viewed as sites where kids skipped classes or withdrew from friends to immerse long hours playing arcade games.
Though the idea came from China, ripple effects spread very quickly.
Many neighborhood LAN cafes put out some posters that said, “No entry for anyone in school uniforms during school hours.”
Despite such issues, LAN cafes turned into trends featured in the gaming landscape of Vietnam, India, Myanmar, and Asia.
Retaining the trend of social interactivity, LAN cafes were an enhancement of old gaming arcades.
Still, the future remains uncertain with the economic destruction brought about by the coronavirus piling up, and the fast, accelerating rise of mobile games.
This being considered, there is still hope, as a LAN café gamer in the Chinese forum Zhihu has commented, “How is playing by yourself at home as comfortable as playing in an internet café with friends?”
The future of arcades
Presently, you may conveniently access many classic arcade games on your phone without charges, possibly with caps on market access for the Neo Geo MVSX, Astro Mini, or similar hardware for diehard gamers.
Certainly in practice, these mobile games do not replicate interactive gaming experiences in arcades.
Still, COVID-19 simply speeds up arcade closures.
The arcade with the racks of old games is becoming outdated.
Also from Japan, in which the trend of arcades survived, gaming industry was already following a rising decline prior to pandemic onset.
Still, one might alternatively note there remains certain glimpses of hope within these depressing times.
Sensations of nostalgia with older gamers now drive the search for retro arcade gaming.
Outside the arcades, retail volumes of the NES Classic or SNES classic testify to the reality of such demand.
Also, humans remain social beings who are drawn to social sites like bars or restaurants — even when these are not beneficial or safe for them.
Reading from the above trends, one may project that we could still see more evolution of gaming arcades in the future.
