How to Start an Arcade Business with Shooting Game Machines: Full Setup Guide

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Starting an arcade business in 2025 is one of the most profitable investments in the amusement industry—especially when you leverage shooting game machines, which consistently deliver high player engagement, repeat visits, and strong ROI.

In this guide, BLEE (a professional arcade machine supplier & one-stop FEC solutions provider) explains everything you need to know before launching your arcade with light gun shooting arcade machines, two-player shooting games, simulator shooting cabinets, and interactive VR shooting machines.

gun shooting game machine for EFCs


1. Why Shooting Game Machines Are the Best Starter Investment

Shooting arcade games remain one of the highest-performing categories in FECs because they offer:

  • High player engagement rate

  • Long average play time, ideal for increasing ticket revenue

  • Strong visual appeal with large screens & immersive guns

  • Suitable for all ages (kids, teens, adults)

  • Low maintenance compared to simulators or VR setups

Popular categories of shooting game machines include:

  • Video shooting arcade machines

  • Gun simulator game machines

  • Zombie shooting machine

  • Hunting shooting arcade machines

  • Two-player & four-player shooting game cabinets

  • VR shooting machines and 360° simulator shooting games

For new arcade owners, shooting machines are the easiest way to create immediate attraction and stable revenue.


2. Start-Up Cost: How Much You Need to Launch an Arcade with Shooting Games

Your investment depends on scale, machine quantity, and location.

Estimated Budget for a Shooting Game Zone Startup

Business Type Space Machines Cost Range
Small Shooting Arcade 50–80 m² 3–5 shooting game machines $2,000–$8,000
Medium Arcade Area 80–150 m² 6–10 shooting machines + racing + redemption games $10,000–$25,000
Full FEC Shooting Zone 150–300 m² 10–20 shooting games + full arcade mix $30,000–$80,000

FEC arcade equipment shooting arcade supplier

Average cost of shooting game machines:

  • Standard Two-Player Shooting Machine: $1,200–$3,500

  • HD Big Screen Shooting Machine: $3,000–$6,000

  • VR Shooting Simulator: $5,000–$15,000

  • 4-Player Giant Theater Shooting Machine: $8,000–$20,000

BLEE can provide customized shooting arcade machine combinations for different budgets.


3. Choose the Right Location for Shooting Arcade Success

Best locations for high traffic & high ROI:

  • Shopping malls

  • Family entertainment centers (FECs)

  • Tourist attractions

  • Universities & schools (high foot traffic)

  • Theme parks

  • Cinemas

  • Night markets & city entertainment streets

What to consider:

  • Visibility from the main walkway

  • Sound-friendly environment

  • Enough space for large shooting machines (usually 1.5m × 2m per machine)

  • Power supply & ventilation


4. Top Shooting Game Machines Recommended for New Arcade Owners

Here are the best-selling categories BLEE recommends:

1. Two-Player HD Shooting Game Machine (55–65 inch)

  • Best ROI

  • Stable gameplay

  • Ideal for malls and small arcade startups

  • Popular themes: zombie shooting, police shooting, hunting games

  • two-player shooting machine

2. Four-Player Theater Shooting Machine

  • Big screen, multiplayer, high revenue

  • Perfect for mid- to large-scale arcades

  • High repeat play rate

  • 4 players shooting machine

3. Interactive VR Shooting Machine

  • Adds a premium attraction

  • Suitable for modern FECs

  • High price but also high ticket sales

  • VR shooting simulator

4. Kids Shooting Game Machines

  • Soft gun, cartoon interface

  • Ideal for family entertainment centers

  • arcade business guide kids shooting machine

5. Ticket Redemption Shooting Game

  • Combines shooting gameplay + prize redemption

  • Great for high replayability and family audiences

  • Ticket Redemption Shooting Game

5. Business Model: How Shooting Game Machines Make Money

Main revenue streams:

  1. Token/coin play (classic model)

  2. Card swipe system (modern FECs)

  3. Time-based packages (ex: 30-min unlimited play)

  4. Combo packages (shooting + racing + VR)

  5. Birthday party packages

  6. Event competitions & tournaments

A single shooting machine can generate $600–$2,000 per month depending on location and traffic.


6. Layout & Setup: How to Design Your Shooting Game Zone

Suggested layout strategy:

  • Place large screen shooting machines at the back to pull customers in

  • Put two-player machines near the entrance

  • Add LED lighting + themed walls for immersion

  • Keep 1–1.5m space between machines for comfort

  • Display ranking board or high score challenge to increase engagement

BLEE provides free arcade layout planning for shooting game zones.


7. Maintenance Checklist for Shooting Machines

Regular maintenance keeps machines running smoothly and reduces downtime.

Weekly Maintenance

  • Clean gun sensors

  • Wipe screen & cabinet

  • Check coin/card reader

  • Test audio & vibration system

Monthly Maintenance

  • Internal dust cleaning

  • Check wiring & display

  • Lubricate mechanical moving parts

  • Update game software

BLEE offers full technical support and spare parts.


8. Why Choose BLEE as Your Shooting Game Machine Supplier

BLEE provides:
✔ Factory-direct pricing
✔ High-quality shooting machines with HD display
✔ Full shooting arcade business planning
✔ One-stop FEC setup solution
✔ CE/ISO certifications
✔ Strong technical support & after-sales service
✔ Custom branding & machine skins available

We help investors build successful shooting arcades without guesswork.

FAQ – Shooting Game Machines & Arcade Business Setup

1. How much does it cost to start an arcade with shooting game machines?

Starting costs vary based on size and machine quantity. A small shooting arcade can start from $2,000–$8,000, a medium arcade costs $10,000–$25,000, and a full FEC shooting zone may require $30,000–$50,000.

2. Which shooting game machines are best for beginners?

The best machines for new arcade owners include two-player HD shooting game machines, four-player theater shooting machines, VR shooting simulators, and kids shooting arcade machines because they offer high ROI and strong player engagement.

3. How profitable are shooting arcade machines?

A high-quality shooting machine can generate $600–$2,000 per month, depending on location, gameplay style, and customer traffic.

4. What location works best for a shooting arcade?

The best locations include shopping malls, family entertainment centers (FECs), tourist areas, cinemas, entertainment streets, and theme parks where foot traffic is high.

5. What space is needed to set up shooting game machines?

Most standard machines require 1.3m–2m of width and 1.5m–2m of depth. VR shooting simulators need more space, usually 2m–3m to ensure safe player movement.

6. What maintenance do shooting game machines require?

Regular tasks include cleaning gun sensors, checking coin/card readers, updating software, inspecting wiring, and general cabinet cleaning. Monthly internal dust removal is recommended.

7. Do shooting game machines suit all ages?

Yes. Standard HD shooting machines, cartoon shooting games, and ticket-redemption shooting machines are suitable for kids, teens, and adults.

8. Does BLEE provide one-stop arcade and shooting game solutions?

Yes. BLEE provides machine supply, arcade planning, layout design, technical support, after-sales service, and customized branding services for investors launching shooting arcades and full FEC projects.

Guangzhou Baoli Animation Technology Co., Ltd.

— BLEE 22 years focus on Arcade Machine.

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