Industry Arcade was created during the Covid lockdown, with the purpose of having a space for all ages to enjoy. We had the chance to catch up with Kyle Seller, Owner of Industry Arcade, to find out more about what they do.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Our business is Industry Arcade, which is a private rental arcade where small groups can rent our space for 2-hour sessions. Everything is free inside. We also are next door to a brewery (Another Beer Co), which is part of the reason we opened as beer and games = good times.
What made you want to do this work?
I’ve been in games most of my life, starting as a game tester at Electronic Arts, then moving into game design and production for the span of around 12 years. Thereafter I created a vending company.
We actually never intended to open an arcade. Previously before Industry Arcade was created, we were running our other business, East Van Amusements which provides games to Vancouver pub locations. We also provided pop-up arcade rentals for parties, corporate events and so on. When Covid hit, we lost 98% of our business revenue. During this time, we had this shop where we housed all our games, and during the lockdown, I needed something to keep me busy and mentally engaged, so I transformed the space into an artistic version of an arcade, where modern meets classic games in an eclectic and happy way. I call it an artcade.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
As stated above, opening the arcade saved our business operations during the covid lockdown. It’s been such a fun and satisfying experience, that we have continued to run while bringing our previous business operations (east Van Amusements) back online.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
We designed the space for all ages to enjoy. Unlike your traditional Family Entertainment Center which mainly caters to children, it was just as important to us to have grown-ups enjoy the space (or more) as much as kids do. Our main draw is birthday parties, but there are lots of adult parties that come and have pre/post beers or one in between at Another Beer Co next store. 🙂
How does your business make money? How does it work?
People can book a 2-hour session at Industry Arcade online through our booking portal on our website. Otherwise, some of our games can be played in a public setting at the locations listed below.
Where in Vancouver can we find your profession?
Industry Arcade is located at 30 Capilano Way, New Westminster for private booking sessions, we also do occasional walk-in events, which are posted on our Instagram. To play our machines in a public setting, Good Co on Granville Street, Vancouver houses 18 of our machines, also Brewhall in Vancouver houses 8 of our machines.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
That’s a really tough question because I think our business model is pretty outside of the box. When we created Industry Arcade we wanted to provide an experience unlike anywhere in BC, and I think we have achieved that goal. Results follow if you have passion and a vision for what you do.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part of running Industry arcade has been the people. The people that come are happy, excited, creating memories and it’s wonderful to be part of it every day we are open! Especially during the strict Covid regulation phase, families would come into our private space, and often would say that this is the best experience they have had in years, and finally, they could free themselves of all the stress of the pandemic and have fun. We’ve even had a marriage proposal at the arcade.
The worst part about the job is that although it’s a super fun business to be in, games have turned into work, and work is…’work’. Sometimes it’s really hard, especially with our route operations at bars, being on call and figuring out how to fix broken machines on the fly. Moving games is definitely the worst part!
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
No fun, just games. I dunno, I’m pretty lousy with jokes.
What are your social media channels?
Facebook | Instagram | East Van Amusements
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Vancouver business that you love?
Seen Signs! A local sign shop in the same complex as Industry Arcade. Mark at Seen Sign’s helped us acquire a space in the building where Industry Arcade is, it’s been super fun being their neighbours and seeing what creative projects they’re working on. He’s been a such good support to us, and to many other small businesses in the lower mainland!
