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In New York | Seize the fun, arcade design can be this much fun
PLAY! WIN! TRADE!
CLAW CADE Arcade in New York
How exciting!
The history of American arcades is long and eventful. From their humble beginnings as simple collections of gaming machines, they have evolved into sophisticated spaces with increasingly sophisticated visual designs, reflecting the inevitable progression of the times.
Let us now explore the design of contemporary arcades, using the example of the Grand Orient Wax Art Design case study, the New York CLAW CADE arcade, to see what new innovations are possible in today's arcades.
The U.S. arcade market remains vibrant today: According to data, from 2023 to 2028, the revenue of U.S. arcades and related entertainment complexes will continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.2%, with industry revenue reaching US$3.2 billion in 2023. Behind this data lies the strong demand from consumers for offline entertainment experiences — even though home gaming and mobile gaming dominate the market, the social aspects and immersive experiences offered by arcades remain irreplaceable.
▲Live footage from CLAW CADE in New York
Different groups have distinct preferences when it comes to arcade gaming: Young people are drawn to the thrill of competitive gaming enabled by new technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality, and they enjoy teaming up with friends to climb the leaderboards. Older folks, on the other hand, are nostalgic for the retro charm of classic arcade games but are also open to trying out new gameplay experiences. Family-oriented consumers, meanwhile, prioritize spaces that foster parent-child interaction and look forward to shared moments of joy for the whole family.
▲Live footage from CLAW CADE in New York
In response to these diverse needs, CLAW CADE centers on the theme of “trendy play,” using soft yet vibrant color palettes like purple-pink gradients and icy blue to create a harmonious space — — These colors appeal to people of all ages and genders, satisfying young people's pursuit of trendy aesthetics while making family-friendly environments feel relaxed and comfortable. They also resonate with retro enthusiasts' collective memories of the “colorful era,” using visual language to preemptively capture the emotional preferences of diverse audiences.
▲Live footage from CLAW CADE in New York
In terms of spatial visual design, the module products are deeply integrated, with a focus on refreshing the service counter, gift display cabinets, and decorative check-in points.
▲New York CLAW CADE Design Drawing
The service counter is no longer a cold payment window, but an interactive station designed with brand visual symbols. The staff's trendy outfits echo the neon lights on the background wall, making it a popular photo spot in itself.
▲Live footage from CLAW CADE in New York
These designs may seem like minor adjustments, but they actually deeply integrate “practical functionality” with “social sharing.” When players consult at the service counter, cheer in front of the gift cabinet, or take photos in the decorative area, the space itself becomes a medium for sharing, upgrading the experience from “playing games” to “playing in the space.”
Considering America's party culture, the designers deliberately created flexible and versatile party rooms within the space. The rooms are based on the brand's main color scheme, with large areas of solid-color walls — whether it's balloon decorations for birthday parties, customized projections for themed gatherings, or graffiti interactions for holiday celebrations, the space can quickly adapt to different scenarios.
▲New York CLAW CADE Design Drawing
This design elevates the arcade beyond its traditional role as a mere gaming venue, transforming it into a multifunctional space that hosts social events: children can hold claw machine-themed birthday parties here, young people can book the venue for gaming competitions, and even corporate team-building activities can find a fresh twist here. When arcades deeply integrate with local culture, their value transcends mere “entertainment.”
From color to function, from symbols to culture,
the design of contemporary arcades
is no longer as simple as “placing machines.”
Cases like CLAW CADE are proving that:
when spaces can “speak,” “interact,” and “grow,”
arcades can truly evolve from “playing games” to “experiencing fun,”
becoming new social landmarks that transcend age groups.