FECs catering to younger audiences seeking physical and social entertainment have superseded the traditional amusement arcade.
Family entertainment centers have experienced significant growth worldwide since consumers have become more confident about treating themselves to more leisure opportunities since the pandemic.
However, the growth precedes the pandemic, as amusement machine manufacturers have introduced more immersive experiences and contactless and cashless payment methods that cater to today’s audience.
The family entertainment center market estimates a market value of $21.05 billion per the latest market report by Technavio, a market researcher.
In addition, the research projects the market to progress at a combined annual growth rate of 12.29% through 2026.
Audiences seek new experiences.
According to the research report, the growth of FECs has been primarily driven by an increase in the number of teen and adult customers who are shifting from playing video games at home toward collectible action strategy and war-based arcade gaming.
The FECs catering to younger audiences seeking both physical and social entertainment have superseded the traditional amusement arcade, Kevin Williams, a Vending Times contributing editor based in the U.K., said in a recent interview. Other venues catering to this audience include mixed-use leisure entertainment centers with karting and bowling, boutique bowling venues, mini-golf, and “containment” — venues that add social entertainment to the theater scene.
“The traditional arcade did not decline; it failed to adapt and was superseded by what a video-console-savvy new audience wanted. They wanted mini theme park style approaches and a high level of engagement and fun,” said Williams. “The FEC and MULE (mixed use leisure entertainment centers) have evolved to offer this and are evolving again to entertain the new ‘kidult’ market with social entertainment venues and competitive socializing.”
Game technology evolves
Innovations in game technology have changed gaming from 2D gameplay on a screen, which only requires gamers to use their hands, to virtual reality, in which the gamer can experience the virtual world of gaming, the Technavio report noted.
The rising integration of VR in games is one of the key FEC market trends expected to impact the industry positively in the forecast period. The main goal of VR is to stimulate the user’s physical presence in a virtual environment.
For example, in 2021, Sega Corp. introduced a “VR Agent,” an action game where players travel around several scenes as an agent sniper and eliminate terrorists with a pistol, shotgun, and machine gun.
To enhance the customer experience, gaming technology vendors have also developed games where gamers can stand up and move around naturally instead of playing games on a screen using gaming peripherals. One recently introduced VR laser tech arcade game offers players a platform to move around and play.
“Video amusement has been supported by VR amusement pieces and mid-scale amusement such as simulators and 4D theaters,” said Williams, who has reported extensively on the introduction of VR, along with artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies that enhance FEC games’ immersion experiences.
Valo Motion’s recently introduced ValoArena platform offers an immersive enclosure for up to six players to share various game experiences. The “motion capture” captures their physical movements and places its representation into the action, steering the game’s outcome.
“Motion capture” has also been deployed in VR attractions like VEX Solutions, Hero Zone, Lightning VR, Creative Works, Dreamscape, and SandboxVR, with environments created virtually where multiple players compete. Tracking systems capture their physical movements.
In addition, “FEC has seen an explosion in redemption and ‘redemption’ machines, with prize centers,” said Williams.
Global trend
FEC growth has been international, according to the Technavio report
Over one-third (36%) of the FEC market’s growth will originate from North America during the forecast period, as the U.S. and Canada are the key markets for family entertainment centers in North America. Market growth in this region will be faster than in South America, the Middle East, and Africa.
While traditional amusement arcades have declined, Williams pointed out they have not disappeared. Through consolidation, large chains like National Entertainment Network continue to operate conventional arcades in malls and truck stops.
A new, dynamic young industry has replaced the traditional amusement sector.
“However, this growth is not from the traditional industry but from a new infusion of smart investors,” he said. The new players are using the latest frictionless technology to engage with their audience, employing new immersive entertainment offerings, updating their offerings based on guests’ data capture, and looking at new engagement models.
