News highlights

1. Game centers are going bankrupt or closing down
   In 2023, 18 game centers will go bankrupt, suspend operations, or close down. This is the worst number in the past five years.
2. Crane games are now the star of game centers
   As popularity shifted from arcade games to crane games, the number of stores and corners aimed at families increased.
3. The profit margin is 6%
   The profit is 100 yen for every 6 yen. With rising electricity costs, prize costs, and labor costs, it is becoming harder to make a profit.
4. Although management is difficult, a new wave is coming
   While small game centers that mainly featured arcade games have decreased due to financial difficulties, large game centers aimed at families inside shopping malls have been increasing in number.

Examples of questions to ask your childand sample answers

Game centers are going bankrupt or closing down

Question: It seems like the number of game centers has been decreasing recently. Why is that?

Example answer: As the popularity shifted from arcade games with integrated screens and controllers to crane games which take up more space, it's becoming harder for small, traditional game centers to do business.

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Crane games are now the star of game centers

Question:Why are crane games so popular?

Example answer: Crane games are exciting because you can operate them and get the toys yourself. They also have merchandise of popular characters, so maybe that's what draws everyone in.

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The profit margin is 6%

Question: How much do you think a store can make if each game costs 1 yen?

Example answer: Apparently, if you play a game for 1 yen, you only make 100 yen. To make 6 yen a month, you need sales of about 1 million yen. If each person spends 10 yen, you need 167 people to come in a month.

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Although management is difficult, a new wave is coming

Question:What kind of game center do you think would be popular? What kind of game center would you like to see?

ReplyAn example*Use this as an opportunity to find out what things and games your child is interested in.

Online event "Learn through quizzes! The connection between money and society"

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