How Much Space Do You Need to Open an Arcade? (50–500㎡ Real Layout Guide)
Introduction
Choosing the correct floor space is one of the most critical steps when planning to open an arcade. Whether it is a small mall kiosk, a 150㎡ arcade in a shopping plaza, or a full 500㎡ family entertainment center (FEC), selecting the right space determines your layout options, customer capacity, machine mix, and ultimately, your revenue potential.
In this guide, you will learn how much space you really need to open an arcade, with detailed layout strategies for 50㎡, 100㎡, 200㎡, 300㎡, and 500㎡ investment levels.
If you also want to understand how space impacts cost and startup budget, refer to our arcade startup cost guide
1. How to Estimate Space Requirements for an Arcade?
1.1 The 4 Key Factors That Determine Space Needs
| Factor | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Number of machines | Total machine count, size, and type | Defines required floor space |
| Machine type mix | VR, claw, redemption, racing, vending | Affects spacing & width |
| Expected customer capacity | Peak-hour visitors | Determines aisle and area width |
| Entertainment attraction level | Is it a game zone, FEC, or full arcade business? | Influences zoning and extra facility space |
1.2 Average Floor Space Needed Per Machine
| Machine Type | Area Needed (㎡) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Claw machines | 1.5–2㎡ | Small footprint, high density |
| Racing simulators | 3–5㎡ | Requires seating and screen space |
| VR simulators | 4–6㎡ | Needs activity clearance |
| Basketball machines | 3–4㎡ | Vertical clearance important |
| Cotton candy vending machines | 1.5–2㎡ | High attraction in small space |
| Large motion VR pods | 6–10㎡ | For premium experience zones |
Space Rule:For every 1㎡ of machine footprint, plan at least 1.5㎡ of customer movement space.
2. Arcade Space Scenarios: 50㎡ to 500㎡ Layout Guide
2.1 50–80㎡ Small Arcade (Mall Corner / Startup Business)
Ideal for: Small shopping malls, cinemas, train stations, event venues
| Recommended Setup | Details |
|---|---|
| Total size | 4m × 12m to 8m × 10m |
| Machines | 6–10 machines |
| Customer capacity | 10–18 people |
| Main machine types | Claw machines, mini redemption games, cotton candy vending machine |
Best Machine Mix:
-
4–6 Claw machines
-
2 Redemption games
-
1 Cotton candy vending machine
-
1 Basketball or quick-play machine
Tip:For small spaces, choose high-turnover machines. For machine selection details, visit our best small-space arcade machines guide
2.2 100–150㎡ Standard Arcade
Ideal for: Shopping malls, entertainment plazas, small amusement zones
| Recommended Setup | Details |
|---|---|
| Machines | 12–18 machines |
| Customer capacity | 25–35 visitors |
| Layout type | Linear or U-shaped walkway |
| Machine mix strategy | Moderate mix: claw, racing, redemption |
Best Machine Mix:
-
6–8 Claw machines
-
3–4 Redemption machines
-
2 Racing simulators
-
1–2 VR machines
-
1 Cotton candy vending machine
Perfect model for low-cost startup or entry-level FEC.
2.3 200–300㎡ Medium-Size Arcade or FEC Starter
Ideal for: Indoor theme parks, family centers, event venues
| Recommended Setup | Details |
|---|---|
| Machines | 20–28 machines |
| Customer capacity | 35–50 people |
| Layout style | Zoning: VR, kids, competitive, rewards |
| Key features | Ticket/prize redemption area, prize showcase |
Recommended Machine Zones:
| Zone | Machine Types |
|---|---|
| VR Zone | VR motorcycle, VR pods |
| Family Zone | Kids redemption games |
| Competitive Zone | Racing, basketball, air hockey |
| Prize Zone | Claw machines, candy vending |
For machine profit ranking, refer to our Arcade Machine Profitability Guide.
2.4 300–500㎡ Large Arcade / Full Family Entertainment Center
Ideal for: Shopping malls, tourist zones, standalone arcades, mixed entertainment centers
| Recommended Setup | Details |
|---|---|
| Machines | 30–45 machines |
| Customer capacity | 60–100 people |
| Zones | VR Arena, Sports Arcade, Claw Prize Island |
| Purpose | Full entertainment and high revenue return |
Suggested Machine Allocation:
| Zone | Recommended Machines |
|---|---|
| VR Experience Zone | VR roller coaster, VR shooting cabin, VR motorcycle |
| Racing Zone | Deluxe racing simulators, drifting simulators |
| Redemption Zone | Prize wheel, roll-a-ball, mini bowling |
| Claw Machine Zone | Group claw machine island (6–12 units) |
| Candy/Prize Station | Cotton candy vending machine + gift counters |
For a full design layout template, check our arcade layout & design guide .
3. How to Plan Customer Flow for Your Arcade Layout?
3.1 The Golden “Flow Loop” Layout
The most successful arcades naturally guide customers through different zones in a circular or looping pathway, increasing interaction and repeat plays.
3.2 Entrance Affects Profit
Most profitable placements:
✔ Entrance area
✔ Near rest areas
✔ Beside food & snack spaces
✔ Near children’s sticker photo booths
This explains why cotton candy vending machines and claw machines are highly effective near entrances.
4. Optimal Machine Density Guide
| Arcade Size | Recommended Density |
|---|---|
| 50–100㎡ | Max 1 machine per 6–8㎡ |
| 150–250㎡ | 1 machine per 7–9㎡ |
| 300–500㎡ | 1 machine per 9–12㎡ |
| Full FEC | 1 machine per 12–15㎡ (more space for experience zones) |
If your goal is maximum profit, claw machine islands deliver the best earning-per-square-meter performance.
5. Should You Rent or Buy Space for an Arcade?
| Option | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent a space | First-time investors, mall arcades | Low risk, flexible, easier startup | Limited flexibility, lease contracts |
| Buy a facility | Long-term investors, large FEC projects | Full control, higher ROI, expansion-friendly | High initial investment |
6. How Floor Space Impacts Total Investment?
Arcade size directly affects:
✔ Machine cost
✔ Rent or property cost
✔ Staffing needs
✔ Decoration and lighting
✔ Insurance and licensing
For full budget calculation, see our arcade startup cost guide.
Conclusion
Selecting the right space for your arcade is not just a real estate decision—it's a business strategy. Whether you’re opening a 50㎡ mini arcade or a 500㎡ full entertainment center, your layout, machine mix, traffic flow, and profit potential depend on smart planning.
Joyfuncade helps you:
✔ Design custom layout plans
✔ Recommend machines based on space and budget
✔ Provide one-stop arcade setup and installation
✔ Offer factory-direct arcade machines
Contact Joyfuncade now for a free floor plan and machine selection consultation.
