ACE PLAY Shenzhen: Design and Construction of an 810 sqm Time-Travel-Themed Arcade

ACE PLAY Arcade World occupies 810 sqm on Level 2 of Rainbow Department Store in Bao’an District, Shenzhen, China. ESAC provided design and construction services for the project.

Built around a “Time Travel” theme, the venue combines retro mechanical elements, futuristic lighting and varied arcade activities within one connected setting. Visitors begin at the Time Hub entrance, then move between competitive games, dance machines, claw machines and Snack Planet, where they can choose a reward or pause for refreshments. Each area contributes a different pace to a journey through the past, present and future.

Project Overview

Establishing a Distinctive Identity Through Time Travel

In Shenzhen’s competitive arcade market, venues with similar equipment selections need a recognizable setting and an engaging visitor experience. ACE PLAY sought to bring varied games into a complete themed environment, with Snack Planet forming part of the visit.

The design team used time as the narrative thread, imagining the arcade as a game hub connecting the past, present and future. Retro gears and clock elements introduce the idea of time, while cyber-inspired lighting brings a futuristic atmosphere to the space.

Visitors can switch activities according to their interests. Speed and reaction challenges give way to music, movement, prize capture and snack browsing, allowing the experience to change pace while remaining within the same themed world.

Connecting Different Ways to Play

Time Hub: Beginning the Adventure at the Entrance

The entrance introduces the theme through retro gears, clock elements and cyber-inspired lighting. An arched storefront creates a recognizable threshold, while the service counter welcomes visitors as the venue’s “Time Hub.”

The design team extended clock graphics and gear-inspired art installations around the entrance. As visitors approach the store and find out about the games, these details gradually draw them into the time-travel setting. The storefront, floor graphics and installations establish the atmosphere before the first game begins.

Time Arena: Moving Between Speed and Skill

Inside the Time Arena, racing machines, ticket-redemption games and prize machines are arranged in defined groups. Lighting follows a curved “time arc,” bringing the equipment into the setting of a dimensional challenge arena.

Players can experience speed through racing games or choose activities that test their reactions and control. Friends can take turns, watch one another’s performance and share tips between rounds.

Curved lighting carries the entrance’s time-travel concept into the arcade and draws attention toward other activities. When one game ends, visitors can look around and discover what they would like to try next.

Rhythm Singularity: Bringing Music, Movement and Friends Together

The dance machine zone, named “Rhythm Singularity,” shifts the experience toward music and physical movement. An oversized joystick-inspired art installation creates a visual focus and a place for photographs alongside the dance machines.

Players follow the beat through timed steps and movements, while friends watch, cheer or wait for their turn. Music, lighting and the players’ actions create an atmosphere that includes spectators as well as participants.

Moving from competitive arcade games into this zone gives visitors another way to engage with the time-travel adventure and share the experience with their companions.

Gravity Capture Station: Continuing the Journey Through Prize Play

The claw machine zone continues the themed route as the “Gravity Capture Station.” Rows of machines form a series of imagined time-capture pods, connecting a familiar game format with the wider story.

Players choose a target, adjust the joystick and position the claw before attempting a capture. Friends can help judge the angle, discuss the next move and share the moment when a prize is won.

After racing or dancing, this area offers a more relaxed way to participate. Visitors can continue at their own pace or head to Snack Planet with the ticket points they have earned.

Snack Planet: Making Rewards and Refreshments Part of Play

Snack Planet is a key feature of the project. The design team expanded the traditional prize-redemption area to include direct purchases and snack claw machines, connecting the zone more closely with the arcade experience.

An open layout, warm orange tones and flowing curved lighting create a welcoming space, with shelves displaying a selection of snacks and prizes. Players can redeem ticket points for snacks, purchase them directly or try to capture a favorite item in a snack claw machine, extending the enjoyment of choosing and winning.

Between challenges, visitors can stop here for refreshments, share their rewards and decide what to do next. Companions who are taking a break from the games can also browse the shelves and choose snacks together.

Coordinating On-Site Construction and Factory Prefabrication

The project’s construction and installation period was less than one month. ESAC considered fabrication and installation methods from the early design stage so that the scheme could progress within the compressed schedule.

The team prioritized established modular decorative products, using flat lightboxes and simple metalwork structures for other themed elements. These choices supported efficient fabrication and installation while retaining the intended atmosphere.

On-site construction and factory prefabrication proceeded in parallel. While the site team carried out interior construction, the factory produced lightboxes and custom decorative components. As the base interior works approached completion, the finished components could move into the installation stage.

Throughout the project, the on-site construction team and factory production department coordinated fabrication progress and installation arrangements, completing the physical realization of ACE PLAY within the limited construction period.

Bringing the Time-Travel Concept into a Mall Arcade

From the gears, clocks and arched entrance to the curved lighting, oversized joystick installation and Snack Planet, ACE PLAY carries its time-travel story through the forms and activities of each zone.

Players can move between competition, music, prize capture and snack experiences. Their companions can join through watching, conversation and choosing rewards together. Within the 810 sqm venue, the connected setting accommodates varied activities and gives the visit a changing rhythm.

Discuss Your Arcade Project with Us

If you are planning a new arcade entertainment venue or upgrading an existing store, share your project location, floor plan, area, ceiling height, target audience and expected opening date with ESAC.

We can discuss the theme, spatial layout, themed decoration fabrication and construction requirements based on your site conditions and project needs.

PROJECT TYPE

ESAC ONE STOP SOLUTION SERVICE

Family Entertainment Center

 Typically include,bowling alleys,arcade games area,children's play area,mini-golf,Laser tag,bumper cars,racing simulators,VR zones,sports-related games,table games area,karaoke rooms,small indoor roller coasters or other rides,Rock climbing walls,trampoline,soft play areas,party rooms ,Food court or snack bars,Claw machines and other prize games.

Children Growth Center

LTypically include Slides,swings,climbing,monkey bars,seesaws,spinners,spring riders,sand play areas,balance beams,tire swings,playhouses,crawling through,obstacle courses,climbing walls ,small trampolines,sensory play panels,musical,water play features,zip lines,soft play areas,picnic tables or seating areas,canopies etc.

Digital Sports Hall

Would offer a range of digitally enhanced sports and fitness experiences,Like Interactive Fitness walls/floors,VR fitness programs,AR training,smart fitness equipment,simulations of various sports include virtual golf, tennis, bowling, or even more extreme sports like skiing or snowboarding and social & community Features.

Arcade Entertainment Center

Generally including Classic Arcade Games like Pinball Machines,Video Arcade Games,Electro-Mechanical Games,Modern Entertainment Options like VR Games,Simulators like racing simulators, flight simulators,Photo Booths,Prize Redemption Games,Interactive Games like dance machines, rhythm games, or laser tag, and other Additional Amenities like Food,Seating Areas,Party Rooms,Prize Center etc.

Visual Identity Design

Basic system like corporate Logo design,corporate modeling mascot system,basic elements combination specification,Application system like clothing,dress code,Venue merchandise packaging identification system,Public Relations Design,Operation system like Ticket handbands,Membership card design etc.

Themed Wax Museum

Typically includes wax figure displays,thematic groupings allows for a more cohesive and narrative-driven experience. Beyond the figures,there are historical information,multimedia presentations,gift shop,cafeteria,photo opportunities,the overall experience aims to create a sense of wonder and immersion, allowing visitors to "meet" famous people from history and popular culture in a unique and engaging way, but different themed wax museum also very popular.