Did you know you can create and bring your childhood nostalgia to your event planning? How? By hiring arcade games for your event.

Arcade machines can add an interactive and engaging element to any event, whether it’s a corporate function, private party, or brand activation. They offer a mix of nostalgia, competition, and social interaction, making them a great choice for guest entertainment. Find out how to hire arcade games for weddings, parties, and events in the guide below.

How to Hire Arcade Game Machines for Your Event

If you’re considering hiring arcade machines for your event, this guide curated by us, National Arcade Hire, will help you choose the right ones based on your audience, venue, and event type.

Understanding Your Event Type

Before selecting arcade machines, it’s important to consider the nature of your event. Different types of events may require different styles of games:

  • Corporate Events – Networking events, conferences, and team-building days can benefit from arcade machines that encourage interaction. Multiplayer games and competitive titles work well in these settings. Read our guide to the best arcade machines for corporate events here.
  • Private Parties – Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or special celebration, retro and classic arcade games offer great entertainment for guests of all ages.
  • Brand Activations & Promotional Events – For businesses looking to engage an audience, arcade machines can be custom-branded to create a unique marketing tool.

Identifying your audience is also key. Are you catering to gaming enthusiasts, casual players, or a mix of both? Answering this question will help you narrow down the best options. When working with both new and previous clients, we ensure to ask the correct questions to cater effectively to your event. Whether you are looking for luxury event gaming hire, gaming stations for corporate events or interactive event entertainment.

Space & Setup Considerations

Arcade machines come in various sizes, so knowing your venue’s layout is essential. Here are some things to consider:

  • Space Requirements – Classic arcade cabinets and pinball machines take up less space, while larger racing setups or multiplayer games may need additional room.
  • Indoor vs. Outdoor Events – Most arcade machines are designed for indoor use. However, covered outdoor setups can work if there’s protection from the weather.
  • Power Supply – Ensure your venue has enough power points available to run the machines smoothly.
  • Location of Venue – We cater to events around the UK, so we can help whether you are looking for arcade machine hire in London, Manchester, Glasgow or somewhere different. We are here to help.

If you’re unsure about what will fit best, discussing your venue with an arcade hire provider, like our team of specialists at National Arcade Hire can help determine the most suitable options.

Choosing the Right Games for Your Audience

Different arcade machines create different experiences, so choosing the right mix of games can enhance engagement at your event.

  • Nostalgic Classics – Games like Pac-ManSpace Invaders, and Donkey Kong are instantly recognisable and appeal to a wide audience.
  • Competitive Games – Fighting games like Street Fighter and Tekken are great for head-to-head battles, making them ideal for tournaments or social gatherings.
  • Racing Games – Multiplayer racing setups bring energy and excitement to any event. National Arcade Hire provides racing arcade game rental to parties and events all around the United Kingdom.
  • Multiplayer Party Games encourage social interaction and teamwork.

If your event is for a corporate audience, a mix of nostalgic classics and interactive games can work well. For private parties, fast-paced or multiplayer games often create the best atmosphere.

Custom Branding & Personalisation

For corporate events and brand activations, arcade machines can be customised to include company logos, event themes, or sponsor branding.

  • Branded Machine Wraps – A great option for businesses looking to increase visibility and brand recognition at events.
  • Custom Game Content – Some machines can be modified to display promotional messages or company visuals during gameplay.

Custom branding transforms arcade machines into an interactive marketing tool while keeping guests entertained. We provide arcade machines branded to match your branding and event!

Booking Your Arcade Machines with National Arcade Hire

Hiring arcade machines is a straightforward process, but planning in advance ensures the best selection for your event. Here’s how it works:

  1. Choose Your Machines – Browse available options and select machines that fit your event’s theme and audience.
  2. Confirm Venue Details – Check space, power supply, and access for setup.
  3. Book Your Hire Period – Decide on the duration of hire, whether for a few hours, a full day, or longer.
  4. Delivery & Setup – The machines will be delivered, installed, and tested before your event starts.
  5. Event Support (if needed) – Some events may require on-site support to assist with gameplay or troubleshooting.

For more details on arcade machine hire and to discuss the best options for your event, contact us today.