Just why DO PCBs have freeplay?

DanAdamKOF · Nov 23, 2003

I mean they're made for arcade ops to make money off.

So what did the PCB makers have in mind????

Like, for ops to have a cover charge and free games?

Or for the ops to have their own cab for play in "the back room" where they don't have to fuss with quarters?

Or we home-users to not fuss with quarters?

I'm serious on this. Is it there "just because" or what?

RyoGeo · Nov 23, 2003

I would say, most likely, for cover charge situations and also to have as freebies in a given arcade.

Don't know about you, but in some arcades (long since dead now) I used to frequent, there would usually be old games set to free play in a certain area. I think this was used as a draw that usually led to people spending more time in the arcade and probably spedning more money. If every game you play doesn't cost you, you stay longer, maybe buy a drink or some popcorn and then drop in a few more coins to boot.

DanAdamKOF · Nov 23, 2003

RyoGeo said:
I would say, most likely, for cover charge situations and also to have as freebies in a given arcade.

Don't know about you, but in some arcades (long since dead now) I used to frequent, there would usually be old games set to free play in a certain area. I think this was used as a draw that usually led to people spending more time in the arcade and probably spedning more money. If every game you play doesn't cost you, you stay longer, maybe buy a drink or some popcorn and then drop in a few more coins to boot.

I see, good points. Nightmare Tony! Can you shed some light on this vague curiousity?

KMGor · Nov 23, 2003

They probably also figure if someone is selling a machine, they'll have it on freeplay for potential buyers to try out.

It isn't like it really is any extra work to add for them anyways.

Amano Jacu · Nov 23, 2003

Take care that the arcade ops might want to try the game to see if it works Ok after installation/upgrade/conversion/whatever. So that way they can play it without putting coins, which may be also convenient if the cab has a coin counter, that way this tests don't influence the coin counter.

Also, not all boards have freeplay...

neo*geo · Nov 23, 2003

No it is so they couldsay doa night where you pay say $10 for a whole night of freeplay gaming oh yeah

NEO*GEO

[OCEAN] · Nov 23, 2003

Another reason could be for presentations in game shows, where people can freely try the newest arcades. I remember playing Capcom All stars at the 2002 TGS and it was on free play.

[OCEAN]

MKL · Nov 23, 2003

[OCEAN] said:
Another reason could be for presentations in game shows, where people can freely try the newest arcades. I remember playing Capcom All stars at the 2002 TGS and it was on free play.

This is the reason that makes the more sense.

(As for crediting a game without affecting the coin counters, that's what the service button is for).

RabbitTroop · Nov 23, 2003

There are many uses for Free Play, I think the reason it was included on most boards was to offer the operator more freedom in how he uses the machine for his business...

-Nick

scooby105 · Nov 23, 2003

happy hour

bars that have golden tee or pinball machines and the usual games that bars have will set the games to freeplay during happy hour or whatever time they deem to be special

Arcademan · Nov 23, 2003

Several reasons for the free play mode:

1. To test the games without using the coin switches or meters.
2. Promote games by putting on the free game mode. Very handy for trade shows.
3. At my work, we have had 'all-nighters' where a group or organization rents out the place overnight and they get all the games for free. Handy option.
4. Life after the arcade: private collectors and owners.

Also many of the older games do NOT have a free game option and even a few like Dragons Lair don't EVEN have a one coin option...2 coin minimum.

Amano Jacu · Nov 23, 2003

MKL said:
This is the reason that makes the more sense.

(As for crediting a game without affecting the coin counters, that's what the service button is for).

You are right, I forgot about the service button, but still they may not have that button wired, or just would prefer not to use it (less hassle).

However, I do agree conventions are another good reason. I remember when I was a child in a comic convention where they installed some arcade cabs in freeplay mode.

Just why DO PCBs have freeplay?

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