As the family entertainment center (FEC) market continues to grow in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East, creating a compelling, all-ages amusement environment is key to profitability. From toddlers to teens to adults, the right arcade machine mix can make or break your business.
This guide outlines the best equipment types to include in your FEC layout, ensuring a high-return investment and satisfying entertainment experience for the entire family.
🎯 Why a Thoughtful Equipment Mix Matters
A successful FEC:
- Attracts diverse age groups
- Encourages repeat visits and longer stays
- Increases ROI through diversified income streams (coin play, ticket redemption, card swipes)
- Enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty
👶 Kids Zone (Ages 2–7): Safe & Interactive
Recommended machines:
- Soft play playgrounds & climbing zones
- Mini carousel, train rides
- Kiddie rides (coin-op)
- Mini claw machines for plush toys
- Touchscreen educational arcade machines
💡 Ensure all equipment meets child safety certifications (e.g., ASTM, CE).
👧👦 Family Zone (Ages 8–12): Fun for All
Top-performing arcade machines:
- Arcade claw machine / arcade claw crane machine
- Air hockey tables
- Water gun shooting games
- Basketball hoop games
- Interactive redemption games
- Dance or rhythm-based arcade cabinets
🧠 Skill-based games offer excitement and the opportunity to win tickets or prizes.
👨🦱 Teens & Adults Zone (13+): Competitive & Immersive
Key equipment to include:
- Retro arcade game machines & arcade cabinets
- Motion simulators (racing, flying)
- VR arcade setups
- Punch boxing machines
- Arcade claw grabber machines with electronics or rare collectibles
- Multiplayer video arcade games
🔥 Retro arcade cabinets and interactive VR machines are trending among Gen Z and millennials.
📦 FEC Equipment Package Recommendations by Revenue Potential
| Equipment Type | Age Group | Revenue Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Claw Machine Arcade Game | All Ages | ★★★★★ |
| Retro Arcade Cabinets | Teens & Adults | ★★★★☆ |
| VR Machines | 13+ | ★★★★★ |
| Kiddie Rides | 2–6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ticket Redemption Games | 6+ | ★★★★★ |
| Interactive Sports Machines | 10+ | ★★★★☆ |
🏭 Sourcing Tips: How to Build Your FEC Equipment Portfolio
- Partner with Experienced Suppliers
Choose certified manufacturers with global delivery experience (BLEE, for example, provides custom FEC packages tailored to each region). - Diversify Machine Types
Balance coin-op machines, redemption games, and digital experiences to meet varied customer interests. - Consider Space & Layout
Request a layout design plan to optimize traffic flow and machine placement. - Focus on Revenue Generators
Include at least one high-return machine (e.g., arcade crane claw machine or VR simulator) in every zone.
🧩 Ideal Applications for This Equipment Mix
- Shopping malls
- Indoor amusement parks
- Bowling alleys
- Cinemas
- Cruise ships
- Airport lounges
- Tourist centers
✅ BLEE Recommendation
As a leading China-based arcade equipment supplier, BLEE offers FEC operators worldwide complete turnkey equipment packages including arcade cabinets, claw machines, redemption games, interactive games，VR game machines and more. All machines are tested for quality, safety, and high revenue performance.
Need help building or upgrading your redemption zone?
👉 Contact us now for free consulting and wholesale arcade prize packages customized to your FEC.
