Simple and easy-to-use game mechanics
The basic characteristic of arcade games is that they are easy to play, simple and understandable. The truth is more than 80% of arcade games only use one button or direction key to play, according to statistics. The much simpler control system for new or old players means that the barrier to entry in actually playing well is very low, and this really shines with players fully learning one character’s light combo chain into its signature moves. Let’s Go With “Pac-Man”, for example. The original only used directional keys (four, to be exact), and that fact made this title very famous.
The game is gradually difficult and expands the challenge; it attracts many players to continue trying again and gains stickiness as a result (meaning that we keep going back), which will enhance the overall user experience. With over 400,000 arcade machines sold globally since its release in 1980 and total global revenue of the “Pac-Man” name surpassing $1 billion, I think it’s fair to say basic mechanics can go a long way.
Fast-paced and highly interactive
Arcade games are fast-paced action, and the time average playtime of most arcade-style games is between 3 to 10 minutes (played per round), making it one of the best sources for short and mind-blowing excitement. Because the designs are set in fast motion, players need to be even more attentive during gameplay and have less time for reflection, which really makes them lose themselves in the game. A single game of Taiko no Tatsujin only takes around three minutes, and the incredibly simple yet intense gameplay allows players to feel great satisfaction quickly.
Arcade games are also incredibly interactive. Players see almost every action they take has an immediate effect on gameplay, so the game registers them as one in control and winner. 70% of arcade players (and a free 6-minute or more round afterward if they pass the queue again in time). It is a combination of the high-speed pace and that it’s so interactive that this truly is what will get players coming back for more.
Strong social interaction features
Here comes one more social element of Arcade games, which I have already hinted about earlier, i.e., multiplayer gaming. Among them, mainstream classics such as King of Fighters and Street Fighter feature various cooperative or competitive multiplayer game modes that have been the choice for more than 60% of all players. The multiplayer battle mode not only enriches the gameplay and enhances the fun of playing games but also brings more opportunities for players to interact with each other in real life, thus enhancing offline communication and creating a sense of competition.
And arcade halls, as social venues outside of the home for gamers, are also in no way anachronistic. Arcade halls frequently organize competitions or give other means to get high scores on a game, drawing in many hopeful challengers. Big arcade halls draw in hundreds of players every week to compete or mingle, creating a significant social network that adds even more luster to the thrill.
Profit model and economic characteristics
Arcade games are typically coin-operated, shelling out from 1 to 2 coins per player in the way of start-function. Such an inexpensive experience enables players to try games multiple times, as well as encourages operators to keep adding gaming machines or refreshing game content frequently in order for them to engage with the product continually. As an example in the Chinese market, the national game hall gaming position form of profit model annual total income of up to 6 billion yuan by 2022 can be seen that this is a very strong vitality of profitability.
