Ordering the machines is only one part of preparing a commercial arcade.<\/p>\n
Before equipment reaches the property, the site needs to be ready for delivery, positioning, electrical connection, payment-system integration and customer use. Poor preparation can delay installation even when the machines themselves arrive exactly as planned.<\/p>\n
That is why arcade machine installation requirements should be reviewed before the final equipment order is confirmed.<\/p>\n
At Funtime, we recommend planning the machine layout, access route, power points, networking and player clearance together. A machine should not arrive first and force the electrician, interior contractor and operations team to redesign the venue around it.<\/p>\n
Here are the main site requirements commercial buyers should check before installation day.<\/p>\n
The installation process becomes much easier when every machine already has an approved position.<\/p>\n
Do not work only from the total floor area. Create a scaled layout showing the actual position of each machine, reception, customer circulation, columns, walls and fixed furniture.<\/p>\n
You should also know which games need additional player movement.<\/p>\n
For example, a Cricket Simulator<\/a> requires far more active player clearance than a compact cabinet. Similarly, an Air Hockey Table<\/a> needs space at both ends for players and enough room around it for customers to move comfortably.<\/p>\n This is why we recommend finalising the game zone setup plan<\/a> before the machines are dispatched.<\/p>\n The floor plan should tell the installation team exactly where each unit belongs.<\/p>\n Machine dimensions do not represent the complete amount of space required.<\/p>\n Commercial installations should account for:<\/p>\n Machine footprint + player clearance + spectator space + customer circulation + maintenance access<\/p>\n This becomes particularly important for physical games involving batting, kicking, throwing, punching or multiplayer competition.<\/p>\n A machine can fit physically between two walls and still be unsuitable if the customer cannot use it properly.<\/p>\n Also consider what happens during busy hours. Friends may stand behind the player, children may gather around prize machines and larger attractions can naturally create queues.<\/p>\n The venue should still remain comfortable when multiple machines are being used at the same time.<\/p>\n The final machine position is not the only dimension that matters.<\/p>\n The machine also has to reach that position.<\/p>\n Measure the complete delivery route from the unloading point to the gaming floor. This can include:<\/p>\n If a machine is wider than the smallest doorway on the route, finding enough floor space inside the venue does not solve the problem.<\/p>\n For heavier or larger machines, also confirm whether the property has appropriate loading and service access.<\/p>\n This becomes particularly important for FECs, malls and upper-floor venues where equipment movement may be restricted to specific times or service routes.<\/p>\n Electrical planning should follow the final equipment layout.<\/p>\n Each machine should have a nearby power point appropriate for its technical requirements. Avoid designing the entire arcade around long extension cables or temporary connections after installation.<\/p>\n Before electrical work is completed, create a machine schedule showing the planned position and power requirement of every unit.<\/p>\n Commercial arcade equipment can vary significantly. A compact reaction game and a larger simulator should not automatically be assumed to have the same electrical requirements.<\/p>\n Use the actual machine specifications supplied for the project.<\/p>\n Our wider commercial arcade machine range<\/a> includes several types of equipment, which is exactly why the electrical plan should be prepared machine by machine rather than using one generic assumption.<\/p>\n Commercial entertainment equipment combines electronics, displays, controls, motors and other components.<\/p>\n The electrical installation should therefore follow the requirements of the equipment and the applicable site standards.<\/p>\n Proper earthing, suitable circuit protection and a professionally planned distribution system are important parts of site preparation.<\/p>\n Operators should work with qualified electrical contractors rather than treating arcade machines like ordinary household appliances that can simply be connected wherever a socket is available.<\/p>\n If the venue has several machines, the total electrical load should also be considered during planning.<\/p>\n The objective is to build an electrical system that supports the complete arcade rather than adding machines one by one without understanding the combined requirement.<\/p>\n Some machines may also require connectivity for payment, management or operational systems.<\/p>\n If your arcade uses cards, QR payments, RFID or another centralised payment model, decide where the payment network will run before interiors are completed.<\/p>\n You may need:<\/p>\n Do not assume every machine will work with the same payment hardware without configuration.<\/p>\n Payment compatibility should be discussed during equipment selection and confirmed again before installation.<\/p>\n A clean installation is much easier when cable routes are already planned rather than added visibly across the finished gaming floor.<\/p>\n Large commercial arcade machines need a stable surface.<\/p>\n Uneven flooring can affect machine positioning and, for some equipment, gameplay itself.<\/p>\n Air hockey is a simple example. The table needs to sit level so puck movement remains consistent rather than naturally favouring one side.<\/p>\n Racing, simulator and other larger equipment also benefit from a stable, properly prepared floor.<\/p>\n Before installation, inspect for:<\/p>\n Any required correction is easier to complete before heavy equipment occupies the space.<\/p>\n Arcade machines contain electronics that may remain powered for long operating hours.<\/p>\n Do not block vents or place equipment so tightly against walls that intended airflow is restricted.<\/p>\n Some machines may contain fans, computers, power supplies or other heat-generating components that depend on suitable ventilation.<\/p>\n The exact requirements vary by model, so follow the installation guidance supplied with the equipment.<\/p>\n Ventilation is also one reason we advise against packing the gaming floor too tightly.<\/p>\n A little additional clearance can improve both customer comfort and maintenance access.<\/p>\n Installation should not make future maintenance difficult.<\/p>\n Before placing a machine against a wall, check where its service panels are located.<\/p>\n If technicians need rear access, make sure the machine can be reached or moved appropriately. If controls or electronics are accessed through a side panel, avoid placing another cabinet directly against it.<\/p>\n Because we handle equipment through our own arcade manufacturing operations<\/a>, we recommend thinking about serviceability during installation instead of waiting for the first fault.<\/p>\n A strong installation allows customers to use the equipment comfortably while still giving technicians practical access when maintenance is required.<\/p>\n The site preparation should also include the operating infrastructure around the arcade machines.<\/p>\n Depending on your business model, reception may require:<\/p>\n Position the counter where customers can find it easily without blocking the entrance.<\/p>\n Staff should also have reasonable visibility across important sections of the gaming floor.<\/p>\n If the counter is installed before the machine layout is finalised, it can consume valuable space or create poor customer flow.<\/p>\n Treat reception as part of the complete arcade layout rather than a separate interior-design decision.<\/p>\n Before equipment leaves the manufacturing or storage location, conduct a final site-readiness review.<\/p>\n At minimum, confirm that the machine positions, electrical points, delivery route, flooring and required network connections are ready.<\/p>\n Also check whether any property-specific restrictions apply to installation timing.<\/p>\n For example, malls may require equipment movement during particular service hours, while commercial buildings may need advance approval for loading or electrical work.<\/p>\n A simple readiness check can prevent the installation team from arriving while civil work, electrical work or access preparation is still incomplete.<\/p>\n A machine reaching its final position does not mean installation is finished.<\/p>\n Each unit should be tested before it is handed over for customer use.<\/p>\n Testing should confirm that the machine powers on correctly, gameplay works, scoring responds, payment activation functions and relevant controls or sensors operate properly.<\/p>\n For a physical game, test the complete player interaction rather than only confirming that the display turns on.<\/p>\n If the equipment includes card or payment integration, test the full customer journey:<\/p>\n Payment \u2192 Machine activation \u2192 Gameplay \u2192 Score\/result \u2192 Reset<\/p>\n This helps catch installation-related issues before the venue opens.<\/p>\n The team running the game zone should know how to operate the equipment from day one.<\/p>\n They do not need to become technical engineers, but they should understand basic startup, shutdown, customer operation and fault reporting.<\/p>\n Staff should know which issues they can handle through approved basic checks and when they need to contact technical support.<\/p>\n This is particularly important for venues installing several machine categories at once.<\/p>\n Clear handover reduces unnecessary service calls and prevents untrained staff from attempting repairs they should not perform.<\/p>\n Once equipment is installed, keep a basic record for every machine.<\/p>\n This can include the installation position, date, model, identification details and important technical or support information.<\/p>\n These records become useful when maintenance is required later.<\/p>\n They can also help if machines are repositioned or the arcade floor is expanded.<\/p>\nMeasure the Complete Operating Space<\/h2>\n
Check the Delivery Route Before Installation Day<\/h2>\n
\n
Plan Electrical Points Around the Machines<\/h2>\n
Do Not Ignore Earthing and Electrical Protection<\/h2>\n
Plan Network and Payment-System Connections<\/h2>\n
\n
Check the Floor Condition<\/h2>\n
\n
Allow Proper Ventilation Around Equipment<\/h2>\n
Leave Access for Future Servicing<\/h2>\n
Prepare the Reception and Payment Area<\/h2>\n
\n
Confirm That the Site Is Ready Before Dispatch<\/h2>\n
Installation Day Should Include Testing, Not Just Positioning<\/h2>\n
Staff Should Understand Basic Operation Before Handover<\/h2>\n
Keep Installation Records<\/h2>\n