KINDNESS-THE HIDDEN POWER
- Joseph Camarota
- May 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 1
In an industry driven by flashing lights, ticket jackpots, and the thrill of competition, it’s easy to forget the human side of arcades. But behind every game cabinet, redemption counter, and service call, kindness quietly powers the experience and it goes a lot farther than most people think.
More Than Just Customer Service
The arcade and amusement business is fundamentally about people: families sharing laughs, kids creating memories, and teams working behind the scenes to make it all happen. While technology evolves and games become more immersive, one thing remains timeless...how you treat people.
A kind gesture from a technician helping a new operator learn the ropes, a smiling attendant cheering on a young player, or a distributor going the extra mile to get a part out overnight, these are the moments that build loyalty, trust, and community.
Long-Term Relationships Start with Kindness
This industry thrives on partnerships. Whether you're an FEC operator working with a game distributor, or a service tech supporting multiple locations, the foundation of success often lies in how you treat those you work with. Kindness opens doors, solves problems faster, and leaves a lasting impression that no discount or high score ever could.
When customers or partners feel genuinely cared for, they’re far more likely to return the favor...with loyalty, referrals, or a little extra patience when things go wrong. In a business where downtime costs money and margins are tight, that goodwill can be priceless.
Kindness Creates Culture
For arcade owners and operators, showing kindness doesn’t just improve customer satisfaction, it shapes the entire work culture. Happy employees are more likely to stay, more willing to help, and more invested in the guest experience. A culture of kindness translates into a smoother operation, fewer complaints, and more smiles all around.
It also trickles into the player experience. A child who gets a friendly tip on how to play a game or a parent whose complaint is handled with empathy will remember it. In an era where reviews and social media shape reputations, those small acts of kindness often generate the loudest praise.
In a Competitive Industry, It’s a Differentiator
As more venues compete for foot traffic, kindness becomes a differentiator. Anyone can buy the same game or set up a similar layout but not everyone builds the kind of rapport and reputation that comes from simply treating people well.
Whether you're an arcade supplier, a venue owner, a tech, or a game designer, lead with kindness. It costs nothing, but it creates value that money can’t buy.
In the arcade industry, kindness isn't just a nice touch. It's good business. And in many cases, it's what keeps the fun going long after the game ends.
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