I'm going to try starting up an arcade... got some questions for you all

[deepbluevibes]

As for money to buy the machines, i'm pretty much set on that, so don't take that into consideration.

A few other things to remember for all questions;

-I live in Modesto, California (basically literally in the center of california, i'm about an hour from SVGL and MGL, hour and a half from San Francisco, and about 5-6 hours from Arcade Infinity

-We already have three arcades here, but they are "family" arcades and as such only have one or two music games in horrid condition, and the rest of the games are very shitty/old games (redemption games, etc.) and most of thier revenue is made off of stuff like go karts, food, etc.

so on with this stuff;

1) Arcades such as Arcade Infinity, TGA, SVGL etc. seem to be able to get games such as Drummania V2 that are supposedly "locked out" from USA.

Is this because said arcades have connections with konami, or with independent dealers, and on either occasion, how possible would it be for me, as a new arcade owner to get such machines?

2) Do you think there is a market for a "norcal TGA/AI"? (Basically having all music games by konami, a few that aren't (crackin dj'2, samba de amigo, ez2dancer, etc.), and the rest would be the latest fighting games/racing games/shoot em ups/"interactive games" etc.)

Basically, a japanese arcade.

3) Would you come to this arcade at least once, if all machines were kept in good condition, and prices were average/low (1 dollar for four songs on most games, etc.)? Would you come frequently?

My father's an electrician w/35+ years of experience, and I know basic electronics knowledge also, as well how to read game menus in japanese, so this would be a "gamer's arcade"; something's wrong with the machines, we wouldn't just slap a sticker on it saying "out of order", we'd break out the tool kit and fix it right there.

4) If i held tournaments here (like serious ones) for various games like CvS2, DDR/ITG, MvC2, and even games that don't normally have tournaments like IIDX etc., would you be even more interested in going to the arcade?

5) Where would you suggest buying arcade games in general? And where would you suggest I look to buy some of the more rarer games (Crackin Dj 2, Drummania V2/3, Beatmania IIDX series, that fist of the north star boxing game lol)

6) Finally, what about having a console set up somewhere every now and then for game tournaments? Or a room where people could bring thier own game consoles (all liability is not on us, they'd have to sign a form) and could do LAN in the back room for like 3-5 bucks an hour?

Thanks for your answers, I'm sick of all of these arcades in California (besides the golflands and AI, although the golflands are getting kinda ehh) that aren't run by gamers, and don't take into consideration their needs.

On ITG/DDR, sensor is broke, we'd replace it.
On DM, drum is broke, we'd replace it within the week or two if we didn't already have spare parts.

etc.

Plus you'd get games that you'd be unable to play almost anywhere else (esp.ra.de, crackin' dj 2, pop'n stage maybe, etc.)

If you have any questions, just ask, i'll explain what games i'm specifically looking to get for sure, etc.

[Snapps]

You have to understand that it's all about location and what the people want that are in that location. Don't push for everything you want so soon because it might not go well with the general public around you.

Also, I would suggest the arcade to be part ticket dispensing, part regular play. Tickets and tons of redemption prizes attract people.

About AI, they have their own Third-Party distributor they can get to. They don't go directly to Konami, while TGA does talk to them. I don't know who AI talks to get their stuff though.

[dj sky?]

If you could make this happen, I'd say great work! I wish I could come! but sadly, I don't live anywhere near Modesto ( I live by AI) so it'd be tough to make it there. However, if you were closer I can tell you that by your set up, I'd be there frequently.



To help you out a bit (maybe. Because I'm not to knowledgable on this stuff)...


1) I'm not sure how they do it, maybe DjP knows, but my guess is they know 3rd party dealers that sell them. I doubt Konami themselves would ever have their hand in releasing games in the US that they state shouldn't be done.

2) I have a few cousins up in NorCal that would be interested. I'm sure if you can place the arcade near a High School or College, you'd get some business.

3) Like I said, distance is an issue, if you were to open up within 30 minutes driving from me, I would go.

4) I'm not a tourny player, but there definitely is a crowd for that.

5) hmm. I remember a site called Channel Beat @ www.channelbeat.com . Though I'm not sure what their shipping policy is (like availability to the US). You can find out on your own by contacting them, they have everything from Poppin', Drummania, Guitar Freaks, ParaPara, DDR, In the Groove, Pump it Up, Techno Motion, EZ2Dancer, Dance Maniax, Mambo a GoGo, Taiko no Tatsujin, Keyboardmania, Samba de Amigo, Dream Audition, Shakatto Tambourine, Flash Beats, EZ2Dj, and much more. lol. Basically, they have everything, plus upgrade kits and spare parts.

6)Maybe instead of Consoles, or even have both, you should set up a Net Cafe. They get a lot of attraction from gamers and non gamers alike. The non gamers usually go because they don't have internet access, and spend their time on Myspace, or email. Gamers usually get with friends and have LAN battles right there. (suggested to have 30+ computers).

If you want to go the Console route, you might want to have each major console right now already set up in these rooms with 4 controller availability, and just have the people bring the games. To prevent steeling, you get metal plates that cover the system, keeping it bolted down (they do this with cable boxes for hospital TVs and such if you need reference). Prices should vary depending on the console. Since PS2 doesn't have an online cost, you don't have to charge as much as you would with an XBOX because of XBOX live. You should also keep up to date with consoles as well, or even offer some nostalgic consoles, offering games for "rent" within your console areas. (Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Saturn, Atari, etc). Though this can be solved if a Wii is purchased because of their virtual console feature.





This may not help you at all, but just some ideas to think about. lol. I truly wish more arcades that are as well rounded as TGA were available in LA County. Heck, set one up in Montclare or Puente Hills and you have yourself a booming hit. Hope everything goes well for you.

[KMasaki]

Also, please keep in mind that in most states, an amusement arcade license is necessary in order to operate an arcade with a certain amount of machines in it (number varies by state; in NY it was 5). And trust me, it's a pain in the ass.

Then you need to make sure that the property is properly zoned commercially and that the board approves a creation of a new arcade in that zone REGARDLESS of what the property previously was.

And then comes the fire marshal. Oh, what FUN he is. Got to make sure that the max occupancy is determined, fire suppressant systems (whatever they may be) are in effect, and that exit signs and max occupancy signs are completely visible at all times.

Once that's done, then you need insurance for all the machines you just bought- but that's required for the arcade license, after all- along with making sure that all the machines pass a test run by one of the goonies at the state board of commerce.

I tried to open an arcade with my friend on the east coast- trust me, it's not anywhere as easy as it seems, no matter what state you're in. In this day and age, you have one of two options:

1) Take a management position at a mom & pop arcade and tweak it to your liking, or

2) Buy an arcade property going out of business but still retaining its license (as arcade licenses are mounted to the property, not to the owners) and fill it to your hearts' content with whatever obscure bemani you wish.

There's a reason why not a lot of places are into the arcade market anymore- too many damn regulations to follow and too much money up front for smaller business parties to gamble with. After all, you still have to make sure that whatever revenue you make still can pay the rent, electric, security, insurance, and the list goes on and on.

Please, make sure to think this through before you go in headfirst into uncharted waters.

I suggest the first thing you do is go onto your state's board of commerce site on the web. It'll give you a good first step and where to go from there if you really want to do this.

Good luck and godspeed.

[Adam We]

Hey deepbluevibes, I really wish you luck on this whole idea. Really, I do. I'd go whenever I could and bring my money, tell my friends about it, and maybe pull a volunteer security gig.

However, you have to think on some things before you build, put machines into, and open your arcade.

Where would this arcade be located? You can't have an arcade in Bum Fuck Egypt and expect people to go 'Hey, that looks like a good arcade, let's go to it!'. You need to advertise wherever you can. Put a coupon in a Penny Saver, use newspaper, the radio, even TV! Be general about it too, don't go "Hey, we have DDR 163rd Mix, brand new!", go "Come to Royal Family Fun Center, where fun is king!" or some sappy shit like that.

You need a mantra. You're heard "It's all about fun at Funworks". You might want to make up your own motto. It's not a requirement, and it may get unwanted small children into the arcade, but never forget -- it's the parents' money.

You need to advertise your arcade as a "buzzword" (Family Fun, Game Action, Entertainment Park, etc.) "(X) Arcade" doesn't cut it. Until your arcade becomes a household name, have buzzwords as a sidenote to your arcade.

You also need security. In every neighborhood there is at least one dumbfuck person that wants to destroy your investments in any way possible, whether it is by yanking your machines' handles or kicking them to hell or Matrix Walking. Ask MGL. They lost an entire 2nd player side to a vandal on their BMIII.

Restrooms, drink machines, food machines, the repairmen for each, and a few employees. That's a good start for your arcade. Then there comes the problem of finding a plot of land to put your arcade in. Should it be near a freeway? How about just visible from a major landmark in town?

Also, don't be an asshole owner. We all hate the asshole that shuts off card capability on the card-taking car game or doesn't put in a code to unlock (x) number of new songs on the latest dancing game.

Also, people are going to want updates soon after the game is released. Will you be able to handle people talking behind your back about how you didn't put in the newest game?

Choose a flooring before you even put machine one into your arcade. Weigh the pros and cons of concrete, tile, carpet, etc.

Also, buy plenty -- PLENTY -- of Febreze. People stink and they track god knows what into your arcade.

After that, have fun and good luck. I'm rooting for you.

[tensai]

all i want to say is there are NO good bemani arcades in southern cali. NONE. AI is the nearest one, and it looks like your located even farther north of AI deepbluevibes. that makes me sad

[BemaniJhoto 7.5]

Building? $1,000,000.
Arcade games? $1,000-15,000 apiece.
Employees? About an estimate of $1,500 a year.
Insurance and safety? Probably $10,000.
Ripping your hair out of your head like a mad man? Priceless.

There are some things money can't buy. [/cheezymastercardreference]

I know another website that sells Japanese VG cabinets.

Manjiro?

[Rickjames]

"Employees? About an estimate of $1,500 a year."

If you plan on paying only one employee at about $60 every paycheck to run the fucking place.

[DeusExMachina]

3 words for opening an Arcade

BEER BEER BEER

[angrywalrus13]

*didn't see this topic before*

Hmm... Good luck with it all, but I'd be willing to bet there's not much of a market for an arcade like this in Modesto.
Like, the only music game enthusiasts in Modesto are the Modestoans on here, plus a few more. I'm assuming you'll have quite a bit more than music games, which would be the key to your success, but I'd say it's a matter of getting everything up and running successfully.
I don't know what kind of funding you have, but...hey, you got a shot, and I hope you make it.

Just don't be surprised if you don't profit.

[Phil ver0]

Originally Posted by BemaniJhoto 7.0

Building? $1,000,000.
Arcade games? $1,000-15,000 apiece.
Employees? About an estimate of $1,500 a year.
Insurance and safety? Probably $10,000.
Ripping your hair out of your head like a mad man? Priceless.

There are some things money can't buy. [/cheezymastercardreference]

I know another website that sells Japanese VG cabinets.

Manjiro?

Rent cost 1 million?

[DeusExMachina]

Originally Posted by Phil ver0

Rent cost 1 million?

I think hes referring if you were to get an empty piece of land, bust out your hammer nails and boards and start building a brand new building from scratch (that would cost about a million dollars). I don't think DBV is doing that, I think he plans to lease an empty building inside a shopping mall/center that has already been constructed. Correct me if I am wrong

In Rowland heights, leasing business property its about 6 dollars a square foot per month (no clue about modesto). An Arcade DBV wants Id think would require at least 3000 square feet.

[deepbluevibes]

Originally Posted by DeusExMachina

I think hes referring if you were to get an empty piece of land, bust out your hammer nails and boards and start building a brand new building from scratch (that would cost about a million dollars). I don't think DBV is doing that, I think he plans to lease an empty building inside a shopping mall/center that has already been constructed. Correct me if I am wrong

In Rowland heights, leasing business property its about 6 dollars a square foot per month (no clue about modesto). An Arcade DBV wants Id think would require at least 3000 square feet.

i'd only need space the size of AI, however big that is.

i'm basically trying to make AI, norcal version.

[DeusExMachina]

AI is about 1500 square feet.

[deepbluevibes]

Originally Posted by DeusExMachina

AI is about 1500 square feet.

ok, then i need 1,500 sq. feet