How To Open Your Own Arcade

[@ThePhilocypher]

I just watch the video for the first time since publishing five years ago. It's crazy how much has changed since then and how much this video has impacted so many people. I can't yet put it into words but I want to have a follow-up video on this topic. Since publishing this video I have managed to start my own successful business in the gaming industry and I feel like it's time I get back to my roots and keep helping other small businesses.

[@gingersonacrucifix5221]

This channel is very underrated.

[@ThePhilocypher]

Thanks man.

[@dane.2010]

Do you think an arcade on Main Street of a small town would do good?

[@Jam_Lamb]

This is cool . Someone just sent me this and said he says a lot of similar things . Love that helps others boot up and shares his model . I do the same with my spot . It's 100% about the community , getting others to get with this movement of what we call Underground Arcades . Bless him for what he does . I still need to take my crew up north to his spot . A lot of our players drive a couple hours south to get to us that go there .

[@DigitDevi]

I loooooooooved the video!! I'm currently a junior in high school taking AP classes with a near 4.0 GPA, and so far I've never had a set idea on what I'd like to do once I graduate. Always, whenever I proposed to my parents that'd I'd like to move out to teach English teacher in Europe or Asia, or any ambitious idea for a job, they tend to shoot down my ideas and suggest that I stick to a STEM field solely for the purpose of money. I'm not trying to demonize my parents, I love them very much and we help each other alot, but if I were to go into a STEM field, it just wouldn't be a choice I'm making for myself. It'd be one that my parents did for me. I don't think I'd reach fulfillment if all I ever did in life was just do as I have been told. I'd like to take my own approaches, and learn from them, using what I've learned to do better the next time. I just wouldn't grow as an adult, yeah? ... I'd like to run an arcade. There's an arcade by when I live called Arcade Odyssey. It's fairly small. But when I go there to spectate my friends when there's a Smash 4 tournament going on, the entire place is crowded with passionate about their hobby. College students, highschoolers, I even saw some parents play with their little kids on days where a tournament wasn't being hosted. What I'm saying is. Opening an arcade, I feel, is what I'd like to do in life. I don't know if it'll bring in money like a STEM field, but if It'll bring a magic similar to that talked about in the video, then I'm up for it. Sorry I got a little preachy eheh I'm really sleepy and my future career is something that I've been extremely uncertain of for the longest time goodnight, sleep well, and again, awesome video

[@die9o737]

Bumbgin Kahuna hope you make it come true.

[@DigitDevi]

Mr. Sour thank you!!

[@angryjoe4939]

Some Nautical Dude I have the same problem my mom just wants me to be a lawyer I don’t wanna do that shit man. I wanna be a history teacher and open an arcade lol. I also just graduated high school.

[@angryjoe4939]

Some Nautical Hey and where y’all from?

[@CarlosHernandez-wx8tv]

I'm very happy I've come across this video. I myself am trying to open an arcade center in a small town in NC. This video has given me hope and confidence that one day I too can have a career in something I'm passionate about. I will continue to check out your other videos and try to educate myself in the arcade industry. Thank you!!!

[@pin-monkeypinball3548]

Doc is an awesome guy. Very down to earth. Have to admit this is the first time I've ever seen him without his gloves on. Lol

[@MichaelBatmanKeaton]

im definitely doing this ive thought about it for about two years now i have 20 grand to spend on arcade machines n a great location its at a neighborhood plaza surrounded by three schools elementary middle and high school ive watched and studied the location closely for 4 years now n i know i can make a good amount of money plus give the kids something to do when the get out of school n summertime

[@ThePhilocypher]

Hey man I would love to hear more about that! I love hearing about people chacing their dreams!

[@josephv7899]

what have you done since this comment?

[@AnthonySDurant]

Holy shit he's still expanding his arcade this is badass man gotta love it I hope this stays open as long as possible

[@ThePhilocypher]

It's really great man and their is a small FGC that's sponsored by him. Please go check it out and say hay to him. He's a really nice guy.

[@tonebone7053]

I just got back from Chicago......Doc is truly DA MAN!!!!

[@ThePhilocypher]

Yeah! He's very inspiring and approachable. I can't wait to visit him again!

[@jessepenner2125]

Awesome video!!! The guy you interviewed sounds like he really wants to help others, I’ll defiantly try contacting him in the future when I’m financially ready to start to create my Arcade here in Canada.

[@amoebagaming2627]

This is a very comforting and uplifting video. Thank you for making this :)

[@Lips9021]

I really enjoy going to Galloping Ghost, so much work put into the business and the town around is building up. Love the format of this video, we'll have to go back here with the kids.

[@unknownender]

Wow this video was amazing and very informative. I'm ready to change my career and opening an arcade is definitely something I would enjoy. Thanks for that amazing interview.

[@ThePhilocypher]

Ian Mars Thanks that means alot, and go for it! Find what you love and go for it with no regets. It's what we don't do that we regret. Feel free to reach out if you need some motivation.

[@brianjohnson5733]

Thanks for the video, I really appreciate it and love the fact that the galloping ghost is open about their business model. I was there just yesterday and talked to Pete a little bit about their reproductions department. I was going to ask doc about pointers about opening an Arcade. I’m at about 72 machines and am planning on opening by the end of this year

[@ejpmonline]

Perfect! thank you so much for your advice. I was searching for arcade business ideas and youtube brought me here :D Awesome stuff!

[@snakebootsskin1165]

Thank you so much. You have given me the much-needed positivity I have needed. I am wanting to open an arcade center in Statesville, NC. I need as much help as I can get, and I believe you have opened a door. I can't thank you enough!!

[@ThePhilocypher]

No problem

[@peter0071000]

What a legend

[@mickgreene9348]

going to open a gamer cafe in missoula montana advice welcome

[@TheGuapington]

Hell yeah this helped tons his whole way and set up is exactly how I had in mind now i just want to know marketing and how should I start off pricing

[@HFDGamer]

dude I'm so glad you made this video people don't understand

[@ThePhilocypher]

more to come! thank you. What's your take on this?

[@maribakumon]

Arcades in my hometown have always been fleeting. They were almost nothing but light gun based games and would last for maybe a month or so before fading away. The only other options are ticket based tourist traps half an hour out of town, the closest Dave and Busters three hours away, or if you're lucky enough to be a child there's a Chuck E Cheese's. I'm strongly considering going to school and learning enough to run a true arcade around here.

[@RazrBlayde]

Digging that Gerudo Valley theme in the background.

[@ThePhilocypher]

+Dankelodeon My favorite zelda song...Right behind covers of the song of storms

[@Nipsy06]

Doc Mac is such an awesome Guy! I am definitely planning on visiting this arcade! It is so awesome to hear positivity that can be passed down for many who need to hear it. Thanks Philocypher for asking all of the right questions as well. This is such an awesome video!

[@ThePhilocypher]

I really appreciate that!

[@Nipsy06]

@@ThePhilocypher Yes Siir! Well deserved!

[@marccaselle8108]

Casper, Wyoming needs a nice arcade. The only arcade ka ko joes in the eastridge mall, moved away January 1st, 2024. The only other arcade is 2 and a half hours away in cheyanne wyoming at the frontier mall.

[@HowardCollarbleu]

Love your passion, continue to be you.

[@ThePhilocypher]

Thank you!

[@MrStevenstacy]

I want to open my own arcade also! Also make a video game store with comic books and battle cards!

[@ThePhilocypher]

One step at a time! Make it so!

[@ValentinoMustangs]

One thing for sure is opening and running a arcade is not and never will be easy it's not the casual easy make money business that they were in the 70's 80's and early 90's. Google arcade businesses and the first few years are hard all the money you make could easily be spent buying new better games to just keep the customers coming back.

[@WillieTheAutomaton]

I didn't put two and two together until he said St Charles, and then I realized he's talking St Charles MO right outside STL. Thats awesome!

[@halodoomhpf15]

iv been wanting to get a couple machines in my parents store, but it confuses me on what games you can use, some places use real cabinet, while some malls or festivals use consoles or custom built machines that are pay per play or pay per hour

[@302RELL]

Liked and subbed! I am one of those people who want to open one but not sure. I took the steps to trying to get a location at a local flea market that had a poorly maintained arcade finally leave and now the market no longer wants an arcade based on the last vendors half assed efforts. The guy wouldn't even discuss the lease options once he heard arcade come out of my mouth, left a bad taste after that experience and I haven't really tried beyond that. I'd like to know what's the minimum amount of machines an arcade should open with and how much old to new games. Doc was at the New Jersey gamer con last year and will actually be there this coming weekend so I'm gonna try to ask him those questions when I see him. Thanks again for the video! Keep em coming

[@ThePhilocypher]

hey! sorry for the late reply. It can very discouraging with all the things to do. If your really curious do some research or feel free to contact Doc, he's a great guy.

[@302RELL]

I actually met him in person maybe 3 days after I posted on your video believe it or not LOL small world! He was at the New Jersey Gamer Con and I got a ton of advice and all of my questions I had at the time answered plus he dropped a ton of gems that hadn't even crossed my mind! It changed how I approach getting arcade games and confirmed some of what I have been doing was going in the correct direction! Awesome video man, its very inspiring to watch and I can't thank you enough for uploading it! Thanks for replying also!

[@ThePhilocypher]

That makes me so glad to hear that! Thanks so much for watching. I'll do my best to keep content coming.

[@ThePhilocypher]

+302RELL that's crazy! Im sorry for the late response, but im glad i could help. Please keep me updated on your progress! I want to here how your journey goes. Who are some of your favorite game characters?

[@302RELL]

I'll be sure to keep you updated!! Some of my favorite game characters are nintendo classics like Kirby and Mario when it comes to console gaming. Mortal Kombat 2 and Killer Instinct took 90% of my money back in the day growing up in the arcade so its a toss up between Lui Kang and Orchid. Depending on the platform it changes...I was into fighters and shooters pretty heavy growing up (Mortal Kombat, Virtua Fighter, Primal Rage, Soul Calibur, Street Fighter) and my favorite shooters were the Virtua Cop series and both Lethal Enforcers. It's hard to narrow it down to just a few characters but if I had to pick one I would pick Kirby!

[@marccaselle8108]

I heard of galloping ghost arcade. I always wanted to go. Maybe i can someday.

[@tonebone7053]

I just subbed you... I want to open an arcade in my area, and I NEED THIS INFO!!!!!!

[@ThePhilocypher]

+ToneBone 70 thaddeus awesome! Where do you plan to do it? And if i may ask, what's your motivation?

[@hillbrothersarcade7630]

Great video thanks for sharing Doc Mac's story

[@ThePhilocypher]

+Hill Brothers Arcade thank yippy for watching. I hope it serves you well.

[@nickk5263]

Really liked the Video man, will be starting my own Retro Arcade in the near future, Thanks for the info

[@ianvandermey9815]

They still operationg thats sick

[@CooperMcKay]

cool video man, I'd love to open my own arcade.

[@ThePhilocypher]

Do it!

[@albertogutierrez9782]

I wish I could make one in my home town but thanks for the tips

[@ThePhilocypher]

Alberto Gutierrez It starts with a dream, once you want it bad enough you can make it happen. Thank you for watching.

[@1986Glory]

Bro we need to talk one bro I'm interested in starting an amusement arcade

[@ThePhilocypher]

Sounds awesome! I'm working with someone else planning I've. he builds hours own cabinets. my email is [e-mail] .

[@DramatikNote]

Great video, and well said.

[@ThePhilocypher]

+DramatikNote Thank you, he was a super cool guy. I definitely want to talk to him again, and I can't wait to see the new expansions!

[@brandossportsworld]

Do you think I could start a small arcade with about 30 of the 1upArcade machines and just grow from there?

[@Konitama]

Arcade 1 Up machines are cheap garbage... They would not hold up to consumer use *at all*. They don't even hold up to moderate home use.

[@BrandonPepper-iz6rh]

No…… just no

[@ThePhilocypher]

What would your goal be? Not being silly, I wasn't to know what your goal is. Arcades in their own may not bring in alot if money. GGA is successful in part due to good pricing structure and original cabs.

[@BrandonPepper-iz6rh]

Now if you wanted to buy game parts and put them in a arcade one up cab… that would be cool for home use with original hardware

[@keyacedflame2020]

They always say oh only young adults and teens will come to arcades that is a false fact u just gotta pic the right cities and towns just like these guys did and u will get it all and don't forget to add the extras and bonuses too like food, soda and snack machines, pizza, maybe a pool table, if u can find a way to prevent product from getting broken a small bar and a locker room

[@AnthonySDurant]

You think he's ever gonna serve beer there at the Arcade? because I'm sure it would boost profits.

[@ThePhilocypher]

Anthony Durant I don't think so at least not at this location. He seems to be up here is which I really respect. he may make more money serving alcohol but I respect the fact that he sticks to his guns and is still driving. The places even bigger since the last time I visited.

[@AnthonySDurant]

The Philocypher I mean I guess i can see where he's coming from. because there could always be spills which means more money to fix the machines and to also make it more kid friendly too and then there's always the drunk who wants to start shit.

[@WannaDropAgain88]

Dude awesome video! I would love to live this dream!

[@vinnyuniverse6790]

thanka for the upload! dam i want to do this in my area!

[@ThePhilocypher]

Do the research, and find out how to make it happen man!

[@m22walker]

Great video and great interview! Keep keeping it real

[@pdxmetal]

You used to be able to go to an amusement warehouse and pick up classic games for a few hundred dollars. Now the home nostalgia crowd has jacked the prices up into the thousands, and it is completely absurd. This guy clearly had a high paying job before opening this arcade because I haven't seen a decent price on a cabinet for decades, unless it's a non working piece of junk sitting in a moldy garage. Most people can't afford to buy a single commercial cabinet let alone the amount to open a full arcade. I'd be interested to know "the secret", if there even is one anymore.

[@WesleyPipes-wc3gl]

Facebook marketplace

[@davitmcg]

What’s up with the press start button? It didn’t work!

[@ededdneddy988]

Hi man awesome video. Would like to know if its possible to start an arcade using new gen consoles like Xbox and PS. Would I need licenses from Sony and Microsoft?

[@ashbyfam5990]

Following

[@nicolaslutchman7266]

this video is 7 years old how is this doing now

[@ThePhilocypher]

They are still growing! I visited recently.

[@nicolaslutchman7266]

@@ThePhilocypher can you make a video of it

[@ThePhilocypher]

@@nicolaslutchman7266 Next time I go to Chicago. I'll do my best!

[@RaphaelBrooklyn718]

Nice!!!! Strong #2024💯💰💰💰💯🌏

[@concernedfriend.9329]

You really need to figure out your sound bro the voices are different volumes throughout

[@ThePhilocypher]

I mean that video is like 3 years old tho...

[@pay1t0]

I'm a retro arcade lover, I want to open an arcade business, where do I start off?

[@Ajaxaxxess]

Buy a bunch of cabs,lease a building,open brewery while you are at it. , be prepared to work on cabs daily.

[@lataresshawthorne5392]

Real life Kevin Flynn

[@SkippyTheMagnificent]

Dude goes around talking to lottery winners and goes "see anyone can do it".

[@drewtalks]

cool video man

[@ThePhilocypher]

+DrewTalks thank you very much I really appreciate that!

[@angryjoe4939]

You just got a sub man

[@7mmg]

What’s your arcade called?

[@ThePhilocypher]

I don't have one personally. I just want to help those who want to start their own

[@7mmg]

The Philocypher Ok I guess I heard it wrong

[@myblehm1]

I need help start bussiness in fargo North Dakota could help ne

[@Anonymous25491]

Video Games and Barcades are two different avenues.

[@diegoivan4977]

Are there any permits you need to open an arcade?

[@ThePhilocypher]

Unsure tbh, aside from normal business stuff.

[@jaypeter5110]

One might have to check with local town/city ordinances to see if and where one can operate an arcade and what hours

[@Marth105]

your email no longer works.

[@focusone07]

When I listen to you talk, its like I'm watching a paid program ad about kids in third world countries who are less fortunate then us, to give a certain amount of money and this child will have food on the table or some shit like that!

[@christopherfoster505]

Can you tell me his email in a text I’m a current business owner and arcade is my next business I’d like to start thanks

[@ThePhilocypher]

Hey I know he's accessible on Gabe book. Just look up Mac Sampson