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# Alternative Arcade
The traditional arcade revamps its offerings for contemporary purposes.

By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Mar 5, 2018 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets)
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/alternative-arcade

## Key Figures

- Trend score: 5.7/10
- Evidence articles: 6

## What is the Alternative Arcade trend?

**Alternative Arcade:** The nostalgic arcade format is being redesigned in a variety of ways that suit the promotional needs of marketers, and offer consumers new ways to interact with gaming tech. These platforms are able to leverage consumers' affinity for nostalgia in a way that still meets their contemporary expectations for brands, and the sophistication of the tech they engage with.

## At a Glance

- Evidence: 6 featured examples
- Articles from: Sep 15, 2016 to Mar 5, 2018
- Published: Mar 5, 2018
- Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration)
- Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity)

## Audience

- Gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Themes within the Alternative Arcade trend

### Nostalgia Gaming

The traditional arcade format is being redesigned in nostalgic ways to offer consumers new ways to interact with gaming tech.

### Gamified Social Media

Companies are using Facebook Live to create interactive games that require online collaboration among consumers.

### Mixed Experiences

Companies are merging various experiences to provide added value to consumers in one setting, such as indoor mini-golf being merged with food and drink.

## What the Alternative Arcade trend means for industry

### For Food & Beverage

There is potential to merge food and beverage experiences with traditional gaming experiences to create a new and novel form of entertainment.

### For Cosmetics

Cosmetic brands can benefit from bringing together makeup and gaming in a unique and interactive way.

### For Retail

Retail businesses can benefit from merging experiences to create a more holistic and engaging shopping experience for consumers.

## Workshop question

How can your brand combine nostalgia with contemporary design in its campaigns, products or services?

## Trend signals for Alternative Arcade

Trend score 5.7 out of 10, from popularity 90%, activity 73%, freshness 8%.

- Popularity: 90%
- Activity: 73%
- Freshness: 8%

## Examples of the Alternative Arcade trend

6 featured examples from Sep 15, 2016 to Mar 5, 2018.

- [Cosmetic Brand Arcades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-center): Chanel's 'Coco Game Center' in Tokyo Pairs Retro Games and Makeup Tables (Category: Marketing)
  Implication: Developing innovative ways to showcase and engage customers with cosmetic products through interactive and game-like experiences.
- [Mini Golf Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puttshack): 'Puttshack' Reimagines the Indoor Golf Experience with Gamified Tech (Category: Lifestyle)
  Implication: The entertainment industry could benefit from incorporating technology and gamification to create innovative experiences for customers.
- [VR Taco Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-arcade): Taco Bell is Setting Up an Immersive VR Arcade to Kick Off Its Latest Promotion (Category: Marketing)
  Implication: Fast food restaurants can utilize virtual reality technology to enhance their promotions and engage with customers.
- [Millennial Parent Restaurant Rebrandings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chuck-e-cheese-restaurant): Chuck E. Cheese Restaurants Have Been Stylishly Revamped (Category: Life-Stages)
  Implication: The restaurant industry can benefit from the Millennial parent rebranding trend by refreshing their establishments and offering more mature and inclusive experiences for families.
- [Social Media Claw Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grab-a-gift): Sports Experts' Grab-A-Gift Turned Facebook Live into an Interactive Game (Category: Marketing)
  Implication: The concept of interactive social media claw games presents an opportunity for retailers to create immersive experiences for customers.
- [Snack-Dispensing Arcade Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snackade): SNACKADE Offers a "Playable Food Delivery" Experience (Category: Tech)
  Implication: The gaming industry has an opportunity to explore the integration of physical rewards and real-world experiences into video game arcade machines.

## Recent trend clusters

- [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech)
- [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech)
- [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech)
- [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech)

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All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)
