BookmarkPlanning a Modern Game Room
How to choose a game room style and find gaming equipment
There has never been a better time than today to build your own game room. The modern merger of advanced technology and nostalgia for vintage pop culture presents the aspiring game room builder with a wealth of options. For that very reason, it’s essential to come up with a game room plan before venturing out into the crowded world of game room supplies and equipment.
Game room style: classic, vintage, or futuristic?
One of the most exciting things about planning a contemporary game room is how inclusive that term has become. A home game room can mean anything from a billiards table, dartboard, and foosball table, to a collection of vintage arcade games and pinball machines, to a basement rec room stocked with the most advanced technology for multiplayer Halo. Or even better, game room could mean a combination of all three. It’s totally up to you.
A great way to begin planning your home game room is to make a list of games you enjoy and pick out the top five games. If they’re all Xbox or PlayStation games, try to come up with a few alternatives that would make your game room a more diverse place. Here are some random suggestions: table hockey, air hockey, foosball table, pool table, poker table, chess, backgammon, dart board, vintage arcade machines, vintage coin-operated games, pinball machines, and even jukeboxes.
From your list, pick out several games that are different enough to keep your game room interesting. Try to match inexpensive options such as darts or table games with high-cost favorites like foosball or a big-screen television. An electronic game setup could be further enhanced by picking up a used classic gaming system like a vintage Atari to go with your Xbox or PlayStation.
How to find game room equipment
The Internet is a great resource for finding game room supplies and equipment, but don’t rely on it exclusively. You’ll be surprised by how many great game room items can be picked up elsewhere.
A simple way to start a game room is to keep an eye on the local classifieds. Garage sales or even estate sales might contain some bargains. Ask around at local antique shops if they know of any collectors of antique or classic amusement games. You might be able to buy something locally, which will give you a chance to look the machine over before buying and make sure it’s in quality condition.
Finally, pick up a few game room publications and magazines. They’ll give you a chance to network with other gamers, and you may glean a few tips from people who have experience with building a home game room.
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