In the wake of the pandemic, people now can enjoy spending time together and making shared memories once more. And consumers are taking advantage of these opportunities with enthusiasm, making up for lost time. This means that, in many cases, FECs and arcades are booming again. But it has been a difficult two years, with various lockdowns and restrictions, meaning that operators faced unprecedented challenges.
Those who survived, thrived, and are now future-proofing their businesses. Many of these are FECs who were willing to innovate and adopt technology such as cashless systems.
During this time, Embed, a leading worldwide supplier of point-of-sale and revenue management systems, was on hand to help its clients, both old and new, weather the storm.
For instance, just months before COVID struck, Embed had unveiled its Mobile Wallet technology. As the impacts of the pandemic began to unfold, the company reacted quickly by making this award-winning innovation available for free, as part of its COVID-19 Relief Act.
While some FECs were challenged to adapt during COVID, others were starting from scratch. One such operator is Planet Arcade, an FEC based in Bremen, Germany. To find out about what it takes to start a new business in a global pandemic, and which solutions helped this young company along the way, blooloop spoke to Planet Arcade’s owner, Anja Manke.
Planet Arcade
Planet Arcade is a fully themed FEC where guests can enjoy a range of virtual gaming experiences. Set over 500 square meters, it features fun and state-of-the-art attractions including a full-motion VR simulator.
There is a wide variety of experiences on offer with over 45 games to choose from. These range from classic favourites to cutting-edge new titles. Games are suitable for all ages, meaning old and young can enjoy a memorable experience together. In addition, there is also a contactless refreshment area with drinks and snacks.
“Planet Arcade is the first fully themed entertainment concept for the whole family,” explains Manke. “We are a young start-up company. We opened our first FEC in our hometown Bremen in 2021, offering our visitors a planetary landscape with a variety of sports, fun and skill games, and VR experiences.”
On opening during the somewhat challenging year that was 2021, Manke says:
“We opened during the pandemic. There were a lot of restrictions in Germany because of this, which was difficult for us as a young company. Therefore, the Christmas business did not take place. Recently, it has become possible again in Germany to play with us without a vaccination certificate and test and mask. We notice the difference clearly.”
A difficult time to start a business
While it was perhaps an ambitious time to start a new FEC, Planet Arcade has thrived thanks to its unique offer.
“Our concept means that we do not require a gambling license and therefore have no age restriction,” says Manke. With no age limits, the venue is able to offer truly inclusive fun for the whole family, from grandparents right down to the youngest visitors.”
With the motto “Everyone’s a Winner”, Planet Arcade strives to make everyone welcome, whether they are a seasoned gamer or a total novice. No visitor goes home empty-handed either, with a high-quality themed and age-appropriate prize provided with every visit.
Another factor that sets the business apart is its sustainability goals, adds Manke:
“For example, our design carpet, which looks like a planetary surface, is completely recyclable. It is made from plastic bottles and used fishing nets. We only use organic cotton for our branded T-shirts and hoodies and all games are powered by green electricity.”
Contactless solutions at Planet Arcade
During the pandemic, many established businesses turned to contactless solutions in order to keep guests safe and healthy.
Now, operators may well be transitioning back from “survival mode” as the crowds return, but they must ensure they are catering to guests who have adapted to the pandemic’s low-touch, contactless economy. More than ever, guests expect quick, safe, and efficient transactions as standard when they are making decisions about which attractions to visit.
Being a new venture, Planet Arcade was able to implement a cashless system right from the beginning, meaning it was a step ahead of the game. As the FEC says on its website – “On Planet Arcade, cash is already abolished!”
Visitors can easily buy game cards when they arrive at the arcade. These can simply be topped up during their visit, for seamless gaming fun. They can also keep these cards for future visits, making the process quick and easy each time they return.
Talking about how the company has helped clients such as Planet Arcade adopt contactless solutions, Embed’s CEO Renee Welsh says that the pandemic tested the industry in ways that no one could have imagined:
“Consumers demand a low-touch, contactless, and cashless society now. I am beyond proud of the powerful demonstration of our commitment to our customers and the industry’s recovery. Now, we are happy to be a part of our customers’ transition to reinventing their business into an FEC of the future with the latest in breakthrough innovations.”
Helping FECs like Planet Arcade to thrive
It doesn’t matter the size of the business. Embed has solutions that help operators both big and small, with tools that grow as they grow. Speaking about Planet Arcade’s partnership with Embed, Manke says:
“Embed was recommended to us as a market leader. What I like about Embed is the efficiency of the system. There are a lot of reports you can access, and the people from Embed are also really nice!
“With Embed, we have an experienced partner on our side and have a closed, cashless system in our Planet Arcade. Through the Embed reports, we have an accurate overview of the sales and frequency of each game, as well as the inventory.”
Planet Arcade uses Embed’s TOOLKIT solution, an all-in-one engine that drives entertainment businesses. This unique software suite prioritises a superior guest experience and was developed with input from operators on the ground. The fully integrated technology means that business owners can achieve greater operational efficiency while reducing costs and increasing profitability.
TOOLKIT allows for real-time visibility and control across the entire business so that operators can make informed business decisions.
“Our ‘customer first’ approach focuses on solutions that enable the optimum guest experience. It’s the driver behind our development efforts because when the customer thrives, the operators thrive! Helping our customers lower their operating costs while driving higher profit and achieving their business goals is the core of everything we do at Embed,” says Welsh.
Safe and seamless experiences
Embed has been chosen by a wide range of customers around the world in the entertainment, leisure, amusement & FEC industries. It works hand-in-hand with its clients to provide the right solutions to take the business of fun to the next level.
“While consumers are on a revenge-spending spree to make up for two years of pent-up demand for connections and entertainment, now more than ever, family entertainment centres should deliver the promise of a safe and seamless guest experience,” says Welsh.
After a long-lockdown period, consumers are more conscious about hygiene. So, they will be more likely to visit businesses that they perceive as safe.
“It is unmistakable that people don’t want to touch cash, coins, papers, or anything that transmits viruses,” explains Welsh.
Thanks to innovations such as Embed’s Mobile Wallet and all-in-one TOOLKIT solution, operators can adapt to what their guests expect in this ‘new normal.’
The Mobile Wallet, for instance, is a virtual game card. Guests can add it to Apple Wallet or Google Pay, allowing them to top up seamlessly on the go.
Recently, Embed has also added new Breakaway Game Cards to its offerings as well. These combine RFID wearable media with the traditional game card. With the tagline “SNAP. STRAP. PLAY!”, Breakaway Cards are a fun way for guests to get playing.
Planet Arcade plans to grow
While Planet Arcade is a young business, Manke says that it has big ambitions:
“We still have a lot of plans. We are in contact with many shopping centres and are also working with other partners on further entertainment or retailtainment concepts.”
She adds: “We would like to open two FECs per year in the next few years.”
And, as Planet Arcade expands, Embed will be there with tools that grow with it. As smaller businesses, such as this German-based start-up, enter the market, they can also now benefit from the new Embed Help Centre. This is a smart knowledge base that allows operators to access the information they need in order to maximise their Embed system.
The Embed Help Centre includes a new customer Welcome Pack and almost 500 articles and guides. There are also 50 help videos and training tutorials. This latest tool from Embed is powered by Zendesk, a leader in online web support.
Meet the Embed team
Throughout the pandemic and beyond, Embed continuously works closely with its global customers, helping FECs to thrive and to create memorable experiences for their guests.
Recently, the company has been attending trade shows around the world, allowing the team to connect with operators.
“Given yet another transition in the consumer landscape, trade shows are great avenues where business solution providers like us can keep a finger on the pulse of the industry – and spend quality time with our customers, partners, and friends,” explains Welsh.
“In-person events are highly effective avenues to listen to our customers. While we have our 24/7 support around the world, nothing beats real-time exchanges, knowledge transfer, cross-pollinating tech development ideas, and more.”
The company recently attended Amusement Expo in Las Vegas. Here, the team hosted a two-day Embed 101 seminar, helping existing customers to learn top tips on maximising their current Embed system.
Presenting KIOSK+ and more at SEA Expo 2022
Embed also showcased its latest product at Amusement Expo in Las Vegas, as well as at DEAL in Dubai: the KIOSK+. This self-service kiosk features one of the sector’s biggest touchscreen displays, alongside a streamlined design and expandable modularity.
“Embed aims to enable, empower, and ease the business of fun, transforming it with our technology innovation. We have a clear vision of the FEC of the future, and KIOSK+ is a product that will transform what FECs are willing to accept from their business solutions providers – no more space-consuming bulky kiosks,” says Welsh.
“Business solutions should enable operators to optimise the consumer experience while driving greater revenue and profit per square foot. This is the design purpose of KIOSK+. We are excited to help operators maximise their game room floor with revenue-generating games, lower their costs, and achieve their business goals through this innovation.”
Next, Embed will be heading to the Saudi Entertainment & Amusement (SEA) Expo in Riyadh, which takes place from May 16 to 18. To book a meeting, please click here
