Real Projects,
Real Results
Over 15 years of arcade game development experience, delivering engaging gameplay experiences that drive player satisfaction and venue revenue.
Return HomeWhat Our Clients Experience
Different projects have different goals. Here are the key areas where our development services make an impact.
Player Engagement
Games that keep players coming back. Our focus on balanced difficulty curves and rewarding gameplay mechanics results in higher replay value and sustained player interest over time.
Revenue Performance
Entertainment venues see consistent coin drop and player sessions. Well-designed arcade games generate reliable income streams while requiring minimal maintenance intervention.
Development Efficiency
Projects completed within agreed timelines. Our structured development process reduces delays and keeps stakeholders informed throughout the entire production cycle.
Technical Reliability
Stable performance across different hardware configurations. Thorough testing ensures games run smoothly from launch day, minimizing downtime and support requirements.
Client Satisfaction
Strong working relationships built on clear communication. Clients appreciate transparent project updates and our responsiveness to feedback throughout development.
Design Excellence
Visually appealing games that capture attention. Our art direction balances nostalgia with modern aesthetics, creating experiences that feel both familiar and fresh.
Track Record of Success
Numbers that reflect our commitment to quality and client satisfaction across hundreds of projects.
Complete projects from concept to deployment
Based on post-project surveys and repeat business
Continuous refinement of development methodology
Entertainment centers worldwide using our games
85%
Of our cabinet games exceed projected revenue targets in their first year of operation
92%
Of porting projects completed within original timeline estimates
70%
Of clients return for additional projects or ongoing support services
How Our Methodology Works
Real project scenarios demonstrating our development approach and problem-solving capabilities.
Revitalizing a Classic Fighting Game
Arcade Cabinet Development | October 2024
Challenge
Entertainment venue wanted a fighting game that captured the feel of 1990s arcade classics while incorporating modern balance and accessibility features. Technical challenge involved optimizing for dual-stick controls with six-button layout.
Our Approach
Implemented iterative playtesting with fighting game community members. Created modular character framework allowing for balanced roster development. Focused on frame-perfect input detection while maintaining smooth 60fps performance on cabinet hardware.
Results Achieved
Game became top revenue generator at client's venue within three months. Player feedback highlighted responsive controls and balanced character roster. Client ordered three additional cabinets for other locations by month six.
Multi-Platform Port of Retro Shooter
Retro Game Porting | September 2024
Challenge
Client owned rights to popular 1980s space shooter but lacked technical resources for modern platform conversion. Original game ran on specialized hardware with unique display timing requirements that modern systems don't replicate.
Our Approach
Reverse-engineered original timing and physics systems. Created faithful emulation layer while adding quality-of-life improvements like save states and screen filters. Adapted control schemes for multiple input methods without changing core gameplay feel.
Results Achieved
Successfully ported to five different platforms within four-month timeline. Original fanbase praised authenticity while new players appreciated accessibility features. Project led to contract for porting client's entire retro catalog.
Physics Engine Integration for Racing Game
Engine Licensing | August 2024
Challenge
Independent developer building racing game needed authentic arcade handling physics without building system from scratch. Required collision detection that felt responsive while maintaining performance on target hardware specifications.
Our Approach
Provided our physics engine with racing-specific modules pre-configured. Delivered comprehensive documentation with code examples specific to their use case. Offered technical support during integration phase including optimization guidance.
Results Achieved
Developer integrated physics system in under two weeks versus estimated six-month custom development. Final game achieved target 60fps performance. Developer credited physics engine for enabling them to focus resources on content creation instead of technical infrastructure.
What to Expect During Development
Understanding the development journey helps set realistic expectations. Here's how projects typically progress.
Initial Phase (Weeks 1-2)
Project kickoff, requirements gathering, and technical planning. You'll see initial concept sketches and gameplay prototypes. This phase establishes the foundation for everything that follows.
Core Development (Weeks 3-8)
Implementation of game mechanics, art assets, and core systems. Regular playtesting sessions begin. You'll see the game taking shape and can provide feedback that influences development direction.
Refinement Phase (Weeks 9-12)
Balance adjustments, polish, and bug fixing based on testing feedback. The game feels increasingly complete. Performance optimization ensures smooth operation on target hardware.
Final Delivery (Weeks 13-14)
Comprehensive quality assurance testing, documentation delivery, and deployment support. You receive a polished, ready-to-operate game along with all necessary technical materials and training.
Important Note: Timeline estimates vary based on project complexity and scope. These represent typical cabinet development projects. Porting and engine licensing follow different schedules tailored to specific requirements.
Long-term Value
Sustained Player Interest
Well-designed arcade games maintain player appeal over years, not months. Our focus on fundamental gameplay mechanics rather than trends means games age well and continue attracting players long after initial launch.
- Timeless gameplay mechanics that don't feel dated
- Regular player base develops around quality games
- Word-of-mouth promotion brings new players over time
Reliable Technical Performance
Games built with quality engineering require minimal maintenance. Our thorough testing and robust code architecture mean fewer technical issues down the road, reducing operational costs and maximizing uptime.
- Stable performance reduces maintenance costs
- Comprehensive documentation simplifies troubleshooting
- Future updates and modifications remain straightforward
Return on Investment
Quality arcade games represent lasting investments. While initial development costs are higher than quick solutions, the extended operational lifespan, consistent revenue generation, and reduced maintenance requirements deliver better financial returns over three to five year periods. Many of our cabinet games from five years ago still operate profitably at their original venues.
Why Our Games Stand the Test of Time
Fundamentals-First Design Philosophy
We prioritize core gameplay mechanics over superficial features. This approach creates games with inherent replay value. When controls feel responsive and gameplay feels fair, players return naturally without needing external incentives or gimmicks.
Rigorous Quality Assurance Process
Every game undergoes extensive testing across different scenarios and player skill levels. We identify and resolve potential issues before deployment. This thoroughness means fewer problems after launch and more time for your game to generate revenue rather than requiring fixes.
Comprehensive Documentation and Support
You receive detailed technical documentation, operation manuals, and access to our support team. This knowledge transfer ensures you can maintain and potentially modify games independently. We're available when you need us, but you're never dependent on us for basic operations.
Scalable Architecture for Future Growth
Our games are built with expansion in mind. Whether you want to add new content, adjust difficulty parameters, or integrate new features later, the underlying architecture supports modification. This flexibility protects your investment as your needs evolve.
Proven Expertise in Arcade Game Development
Pixel Forge brings over 15 years of specialized experience in arcade game development, retro game porting, and physics engine technology to every project. Our track record includes successful deployments across entertainment venues in multiple countries, with games that continue generating revenue years after initial launch.
What sets our arcade game development services apart is our deep understanding of both classic arcade design principles and modern development practices. We know what made golden-age arcade games compelling, and we understand how to implement those principles using contemporary tools and techniques. This combination allows us to create games that feel authentic while meeting current technical standards.
Our retro game porting expertise encompasses the technical challenges of bringing classic titles to modern platforms. We've successfully navigated hardware timing differences, control scheme adaptations, and display compatibility issues across dozens of projects. Our ports preserve the essence of original games while making them accessible to new audiences.
The proprietary physics engine we've developed specifically for arcade-style gameplay represents years of refinement. It handles the unique requirements of arcade physics—responsive collision detection, predictable movement patterns, and performance optimization for real-time gameplay. Developers licensing our engine benefit from this accumulated expertise without needing to build similar systems from scratch.
Client satisfaction remains consistently high because we focus on clear communication, realistic expectations, and delivering functional results. We don't promise revolutionary breakthroughs or guaranteed financial outcomes. Instead, we offer reliable development services backed by proven methodology and extensive experience in the arcade game industry.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
Whether you're planning a new arcade cabinet game, considering a retro port, or exploring physics engine options, we're here to provide honest guidance and realistic assessments of what's possible.
Start a ConversationNo pressure, no obligation. Just a straightforward discussion about your arcade game development needs.