The gaming and amusement sector has really felt the pinch over the past year and for New Zealand-based operator Coincascade it has been no different.
According to Gary Walker of the company, the general retail upswing over the last three to four years has pushed rents and wages up at a time when the income is keeping in line with inflation at the very best.
There have, however, been a number of games that have performed particularly well in the country over the past year, including the Stacker, Deal Or No Deal the arcade version and Tekken 6.
"Stacker has been successful because we have ensured we have the best retail products available within the machines," said Walker. "Deal Or No Deal is obviously well followed, is a great game and 50 per cent of its income is from new store income. Instead of dropping the kids off, the mums are staying and playing themselves.
"Tekken 6 has been popular because it is not yet on the home market, is a great game and has memory cards attached to it."
Walker also noted that players are really starting to move to games where they get the opportunity to win prizes, but added that operators need to make sure these are kept up to date and are licensed. "Players come back when you get a good new game and play, but they go away just as quickly when they get tired of the game and nothing else is installed in its place."
Coincascade opened two new locations during 2008 and has plans to open another new store next year.