Have you run out of ways to make sure family night is as memorable and unique as the last? Are your family members getting bored with the same games being played over and over when the clock strikes 6? You might want to sit tight, relax, and read further.
This article will break down all the ways you can improve your family bonding nights with one simple solution: owning an arcade machine!
Is It Possible to Have an Arcade Machine at Home?
Yes! In fact, many people have successfully set up arcade machines in their own houses or apartments.
Having an arcade machine at home can be a fantastic way to generate family fun and create lasting memories. There are several options available to make this possible, including full-sized arcade cabinets, compact arcade machines, and multi-game machines you might usually see in game centers.
No matter your preference and choice, the point still stands: arcade machines are more than tools for nostalgia. The reason they’ve worked for a large audience in the past is the reason they’re still working now, even with the rise of other entertainment devices at everyone’s disposal. And that is that they will always put family entertainment at the forefront of their core.
So, without further delay, here are some useful tips you can do to make family game nights more meaningful with an arcade machine by your side:
Ten Tips on Amplifying Fun with the Whole Family with an Arcade Machine
Choose the right arcade machine.
There are various options available, including classic arcade cabinets, multi-game machines, and even do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Consider your budget, space availability, and the types of games you and your family enjoy playing. Look at all the factors at your disposal before choosing the arcade machine that would stay in your home for, possibly, many years to come.
To get a feel of how much arcade machines cost, you may want to look up the prices of these machines, especially within this generation.
Decide on the games.
Select a collection of games that cater to different tastes and ages within your family. Classic arcade titles like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter are always popular choices, but you can also include modern favorites and multiplayer games for added variety. This adds excitement and familiarity at the same time to your usual gaming times.
If you have family members who are below the age of 10, shooter games and other violent video arcade games might not be best. For this type of audience, go for child-friendly arcade games like sports machines and pinball machines.
To help you figure out the best arcade games on the market, here’s a roundup of the top 10 games in history worth checking out.
Set up the arcade machine.
Find an ideal location for your arcade machine at home. It should have enough space for players to stand or sit comfortably while playing. Ensure the machine is properly assembled and securely anchored, as some arcade cabinets can be quite heavy. Also, make sure electrical cords and other hazardous materials associated with the machine are kept out of reach by children and pets.
A pro tip? You might also want to keep a list of professional phone numbers you can call for maintenance purposes. This can help you for any arcade setups or fixes in the near future.
Create a gaming area.
Transform the space around the arcade machine into a dedicated gaming area. Decorate the walls with gaming-themed posters, install appropriate lighting, and consider adding comfortable seating or stools for spectators. Whatever you do, try to set up a comfortable tone within the room you’ve designated as a game area.
Establish game time rules.
Establish rules for when and how long family members can play on the arcade machine. Encourage fairness and sharing by setting specific time limits for each player or implementing a rotating schedule to ensure everyone gets a chance to play. This also enforces discipline within your younger family members.
Organize tournaments and challenges.
Host friendly competitions and challenges within your family. Create leaderboards to track high scores and award prizes or incentives to motivate everyone to improve their skills. You can even invite friends and extended family over for larger-scale tournaments.
Gaming offers stress relief and various other health benefits, so take it seriously with some friendly family competition.
Encourage multiplayer experiences.
Many arcade machines support multiplayer modes, allowing family members to play together. Cooperative games or competitive multiplayer experiences can be a great way to foster teamwork and friendly rivalry among family members. It’s also an ideal way to get to know each other better while having fun.
Incorporate other gaming elements.
Expand your family’s gaming experiences by incorporating other elements. For example, you can set up a console or PC gaming station nearby for additional gaming options, or integrate virtual reality (VR) gaming into your setup. Take note, this is appropriate if you’ve got a larger budget.
Host themed gaming nights.
Create themed gaming nights to add excitement and variety. For instance, you could have a retro gaming night where everyone dresses up in 80s-style attire or a sports-themed night where you focus on games like basketball or racing simulations.
For young children, this can be a good way to improve creativity. And as for the adults, it’s nice to play pretend once in a while!
Document the memories.
Capture the fun moments and memories created during family gaming sessions. Take photos or record videos of exciting gameplay or victorious moments. You can compile these into a scrapbook or create a dedicated digital album to reminisce about the fun times you’ve had together.
You’ll look back on these moments with a fond smile on your face. So, don’t miss it!
Conclusion
Remember, the key to generating family fun with an arcade machine at home is by creating an inviting and engaging environment that encourages active participation and healthy competition while fostering togetherness. With the right considerations and practices in place, you can easily enjoy the excitement of gaming and the shared experiences it brings to your family! What are you waiting for?
