I want to start a mobile video game theatre, and am looking for ideas

To clarify what a mobile video game theatre is, it's a vehicle that contains multiple TVs and video game systems within and is self-powered. Clients would hire us to drive to their location, then a group of people can go inside the vehicle and play the latest games hassle free outside of their house or desired location.

There are a lot of people that enjoy video games, but don't wish to deal with the hassle of buying and setting up a system, particularly for parties and events. That's where we'd come in. We can take care of all the systems and assist inexperienced players for a enjoyable experience.

There are other mobile theatres out there, but they all seem to be managed poorly. Whether it's a lack of current popular titles, being way too expensive, or just poor marketing. The majority have gone with a truck+trailer setup, which is just too expensive to maintain and to keep pricing down for the client. A van solution I've seen seems far more logical.

So here's where I need you. I'm still trying to figure out a few logistics, particularly:
• vehicle recommendations
• what is a reasonable price to charge?

For vehicle choice, I've been looking into the Mercedes Sprinter Cargo van as it contains the largest interior from what my research says. I'd be curious to hear anyone with experience in other vans, such as the Ford Transit.

Finally, what would you be willing to spend at most to hire all of this? As stated, I would have all the current gen systems for each 4K TV (and perhaps feature a PSVR as an option for one of the TV stations). You could have a maximum of 12-players, assuming you stick with 4-player games for each TV. How many hours would you expect to receive? I was debating between one to two hours (perhaps more time can be an extra). I was toying around with $128 [cad] on weekends and $99 [cad] on weekdays, with a major discount available to college/university parties.

So what are your thoughts on all of this GAF? Would you hire this service? I'd like to have a discussion on all this, and what your overall thoughts on mobile video game theatres are. :)
 
Are you sure there is an audience for this? Have you surveyed your market? I'm trying to think of when this kind of thing might be useful.
 
The Play Station Wagon is the most obvious choice, but I don't know if you could I.P that name without Sony suing you...
 
Dont ask for business names on a public forum for one thing. Using anything written here would open up a can of worms you dont want.
 
That's interesting I had never even heard of this kind of business model outside of game PR events. To answer the OP, I imagine the reason they go with big trailers is space. Not sure you are going to get people feeling comfortable about being in a cargo van for long periods of time.

I see the Mile High one occasionally at Broncos games here in Denver. Always draws a decent crowd because they have NFL Redzone on while people play Madden.
 
The Play Station Wagon is the most obvious choice, but I don't know if you could I.P that name without Sony suing you...

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If you can't figure out this stuff on your own, you probably shouldn't be running the business. And the fact that you've only speculated on why existing businesses doing this thing are doing poorly and you don't know the actual answer is a big red flag.
 
That's interesting I had never even heard of this kind of business model outside of game PR events. To answer the OP, I imagine the reason they go with big trailers is space. Not sure you are going to get people feeling comfortable about being in a cargo van for long periods of time.

There's definitely interest in it, how much those businesses charge is too much though. Plus the trailer is often too large for people's driveways.

call it "us gamers"

Only problem is it would be in Canada. :p

If you can't figure out this stuff on your own, you probably shouldn't be running the business. And the fact that you've only speculated on why existing businesses doing this thing are doing poorly and you don't know the actual answer is a big red flag.

I'm just looking to discuss it here. I figured it would be something you guys would be interested in at least. :)
Their problem is their poor marketing and being too expensive for what they offer.
 
The only way I could see this being successful is if you do it for more VR games, which are price prohibitive for most people to play.

But there are also already tons of mobile VR arcades. I've seen quite a few in SF, especially around GDC.
 
I've heard of these for children's birthday parties.

The one I've seen uses a large trailer like what'd you see for transporting a car:

HrhW3tjl.jpg


This is called the Haulmark Edge (according to the website).

Aah this is the one I've seen -- Rolling Game Truck of New Hampshire.

you could also look at production trailers, like what they'd use for television, news, or movies. These would probably come ready to be plugged in or work on a generator to power the equipment.

I truthfully don't think the investment could justify the cost unless it was part of a larger party-hosting company and this was one facet of your business. The initial investment of at least $100,000+ just for equipment, then installation, cost of running it, plus the licenses.
 
That's interesting I had never even heard of this kind of business model outside of game PR events. To answer the OP, I imagine the reason they go with big trailers is space. Not sure you are going to get people feeling comfortable about being in a cargo van for long periods of time.

The reason they go with big trailers is not just space and comfort but these type of services are mostly used for parties and big get togethers. Your not gonna get a call from a guy who wants this service for himself on a Saturday, you will get a call from a mom scheduling it for 10 or so of her son's friends.
 
Who is this for?

If you and your friends are into video games, chances are at least one of you is going to own a given video game system.
 
There's definitely interest in it, how much those businesses charge is too much though. Plus the trailer is often too large for people's driveways.



Only problem is it would be in Canada. :p



I'm just looking to discuss it here. I figured it would be something you guys would be interested in at least. :)
Their problem is their poor marketing and being too expensive for what they offer.

They most likely have their prices that high because that is the cost of everything they need to run it plus some profit. What audience are you appealing to? If you make it smaller you aren't appealing to parties which is where the money is at. Who wants to game in a van and pay per session?

Most gamers have a system, TV, couch. The appeal of these things is that when a large group get together you can now entertain everyone with gaming instead of 10 people waiting for their turn on a two player game?
 
The Carcade

I'll take 10% of all revenue, thanks

That is actually a hilariously brilliant name.

They most likely have their prices that high because that is the cost of everything they need to run it plus some profit. What audience are you appealing to? If you make it smaller you aren't appealing to parties which is where the money is at. Who wants to game in a van and pay per session?

Most gamers have a system, TV, couch. The appeal of these things is that when a large group get together you can now entertain everyone with gaming instead of 10 people waiting for their turn on a two player game?

12 players is still a good amount for parties. The majority of clients who hire these vehicles typically show up with less than 8 players in my experience. There's a surprising amount of people who don't have the systems or wish to not deal with the hassle of hosting a video game party. With the van setup, I'd be able to outprice the competition.
 
I mean, you're asking us to come up with a brand name for you, your business model and what vehicle you should use. What is it exactly you're contributing here? Also, for what it's worth have you done real investigating into the market or are you just thinking it's lucrative?

I ask because I saw these kinds of trucks like 5 years ago and they vanished off the face of the planet. Do kids these days really prefer huddling around TV's in a van, to either gaming on a mobile device? My kids sure wouldn't and every kid party (ages 2-12) with some expensive activity that we've been to over the last 5-6 years has been either inflatable bounce houses inside buildings or trampoline sky park type things. These are destination type parties that offer a complete "package". You show up and they take care of everything, they bring your presents to your car and cleanup everything after you leave.

Regardless, if you want vehicle or a van idea, look at Nissan NV3500. Price should be $200-300 for the length of a say 3 hour party. If you can provide food/pizza as a bundled option that would be more attractive. As far as names go, anything we give you on a public forum is not yours legally IIRC.. so be careful.
 
I ask because I saw these kinds of trucks like 5 years ago and they vanished off the face of the planet. Do kids these days really prefer huddling around TV's in a van, to either gaming on a mobile device? My kids sure wouldn't and every kid party (ages 2-12) with some expensive activity that we've been to over the last 5-6 years has been either inflatable bounce houses inside buildings or trampoline sky park type things.

I see this as mostly a college/university venture. Get some liquored up frat boys (hell, if you can somehow get a liquor license you're golden) and the latest Call of Duty/Madden and go to town.

15%
 
I see this as mostly a college/university venture. Get some liquored up frat boys (hell, if you can somehow get a liquor license you're golden) and the latest Call of Duty/Madden and go to town.

15%

I feel like the frat could just buy their own playstation and cut out the middle man.
 
I feel like the frat could just buy their own playstation and cut out the middle man.

Well, yes and no. Depending on the game you may not have local MP so everyone would need their own. Infinite Warfare, for instance, only has 2p split screen and can do 12 people via LAN. In college my friends would LAN their Xboxes so we could get some 4v4 Halo going.
 
That is actually a hilariously brilliant name.



12 players is still a good amount for parties. The majority of clients who hire these vehicles typically show up with less than 8 players in my experience. There's a surprising amount of people who don't have the systems or wish to not deal with the hassle of hosting a video game party. With the van setup, I'd be able to outprice the competition.

Do you honestly think you can entertain 8-12 people with a van's worth of electronics? It's also about making it comfortable and I doubt a van will have space for comfy couches, multiple TVs where the sound isn't overlapping for that many people.

You need to offer something different then the competition, not just less at a cheaper price. Maybe offer tournament organizing for you competitive games like smash, Mario kart, Madden, SFV, MK X, etc. with little prizes? Or combine it with a bouncy house, trampoline and Ice cream stand? I don't think you can do what you want to do in a van. You need a decent sized trailer and after the furniture and equipment is installed you will have even less room.
 
I mean, you're asking us to come up with a brand name for you, your business model and what vehicle you should use. What is it exactly you're contributing here? Also, for what it's worth have you done real investigating into the market or are you just thinking it's lucrative?

I ask because I saw these kinds of trucks like 5 years ago and they vanished off the face of the planet. Do kids these days really prefer huddling around TV's in a van, to either gaming on a mobile device? My kids sure wouldn't and every kid party (ages 2-12) with some expensive activity that we've been to over the last 5-6 years has been either inflatable bounce houses inside buildings or trampoline sky park type things.

Regardless, if you want vehicle or a van idea, look at Nissan NV3500. Price should be $200-300 for the length of a say 3 hour party. If you can provide food/pizza as a bundled option that would be more attractive. As far as names go, anything we give you on a public forum is not yours legally IIRC.. so be careful.

Thank you, honestly. You're right that there are a lot of different factors to take into consideration here. From my experience in the competition's vehicles, kids love the idea of playing games inside a vehicle. While bouncy-castles are available, they are weather dependent and don't function during the winter (which we can). Plus, the client doesn't need to leave their home. In other words, I know there's a market here.

I'm going to remove the requests for asking for a name, as you are correct.

Do you honestly think you can entertain 8-12 people with a van's worth of electronics? It's also about making it comfortable and I doubt a van will have space for comfy couches, multiple TVs where the sound isn't overlapping for that many people.

You need to offer something different then the competition, not just less at a cheaper price. Maybe offer tournament organizing for you competitive games like smash, Mario kart, Madden, SFV, MK X, etc. with little prizes? Or combine it with a bouncy house, trampoline and Ice cream stand? I don't think you can do what you want to do in a van. You need a decent sized trailer and after the furniture and equipment is installed you will have even less room.


I do believe they can be entertained, yes. The size of the vehicle is important, the largest Mercedes Sprinter can fit 12 kids, 8-10 adults. I would be playing music with a sound system with the TVs muted. Alternatively, they can have game sounds (the competition doesn't have a solution to this, not that it seems to be an issue for them).

LAN parties is definitely something I would be marketing for, with food being an option for sure.
 
That's interesting I had never even heard of this kind of business model outside of game PR events. To answer the OP, I imagine the reason they go with big trailers is space. Not sure you are going to get people feeling comfortable about being in a cargo van for long periods of time.

Yep, looking at that Mercedes van, it seems way too small, when these things are rented it's usually for more than just 4 people. Remember that you not only have to fit the systems, and the cables, and the TV's, but all the partygoers as well and they have to be comfortable, so that means big comfortable seats.

I'm sure other companies that do this would LOVE to have a cheaper transport, but the reason why they pretty much all use those trailers is obvious.
 
I'd rather have a rolling board game library. At least it would be more useful since most people into video games have a system.

Unless this is a mobile immersive VR platform, seems rather lame and unsustainable.
 
Childcatcher General's Free Candy Vandy: A Safe Space for Kids and Vids


Or

Donkey Kong's Clamber and Amber Alert
 
Yep, looking at that Mercedes van, it seems way too small, when these things are rented it's usually for more than just 4 people. Remember that you not only have to fit the systems, and the cables, and the TV's, but all the partygoers as well and they have to be comfortable, so that means big comfortable seats.

I'm sure other companies that do this would LOVE to have a cheaper transport, but the reason why they pretty much all use those trailers is obvious.

One of the competitors uses a Mercedes Sprinter van as a backup vehicle. It's surprisingly roomy, holds three 50" TVs. This is why I know the van setup would work. I'm just inquiring if anyone has experience with any other vans, etc.
 
I see this as mostly a college/university venture. Get some liquored up frat boys (hell, if you can somehow get a liquor license you're golden) and the latest Call of Duty/Madden and go to town.

15%

I feel like the frat could just buy their own playstation and cut out the middle man.

Well, yes and no. Depending on the game you may not have local MP so everyone would need their own. Infinite Warfare, for instance, only has 2p split screen and can do 12 people via LAN. In college my friends would LAN their Xboxes so we could get some 4v4 Halo going.

Precisely, that's another part of the market that hasn't been tapped into for this kind of business. And yes Ourobolus, I see your demands, we can talk at some point. :p
 
Precisely, that's another part of the market that hasn't been tapped into for this kind of business. And yes Ourobolus, I see your demands, we can talk at some point. :p
The reason it hasn't been tapped is because a frat party is almost definitely going to result in your van getting WRECKED.

Otherwise, it seems like you're being incredibly dismissive of every other business that does this. Why do they use the larger trailers? Simplicity? Knowledge based on demand and history? You can't just say they're doing it wrong without some kind of non-anecdotal evidence.
 
The reason it hasn't been tapped is because a frat party is almost definitely going to result in your van getting WRECKED.

Otherwise, it seems like you're being incredibly dismissive of every other business that does this. Why do they use the larger trailers? Simplicity? Knowledge based on demand and history? You can't just say they're doing it wrong without some kind of non-anecdotal evidence.

Oh yeah, definitely. I'm not saying it's a fantastic idea, and the market for this idea in general is pretty small, but, just charge outrageous fees for fixing broken stuff. Profit!

don't do this. 17.5%
 
I don't know if a van is a great solution. My kid went to a party with one of these trucks and even the long trailer was tight for a bunch of kids. I couldn't imagine packing adults into a cargo van. Plus the normal air conditioning won't be enough just sitting in a driveway idling. You'll need a stand alone system and a generator. Would you pull that along with a little trailer, because it would take up even more space that you already don't have in the van.
 
I've seen some local outfits doing something similar for birthday parties but I feel like the audience isn't there. If your client has enough scratch to rent all this for a day and earn you any profit whatsoever, they could probably just buy a game console, this stuff ain't expensive. I don't see where the money is in it, it's not like renting something complicated or bulky like a bunch of tables and chairs or a bounce house or whatever.
 
There was one of these in the neighborhood just last week, the kind with a truck and a huge trailer. Had about 8 TVs set up inside with carpeted staggered bench seating (so two rows), and then 2 large TVs on the outside with an awning that lifted up from one side that had kids playing on chairs.

There were like 12 kids inside for a birthday party but about a billion more just random neighborhood kids and parents just gathered around checking it out. Seemed like a cool idea but I dunno how much business you can expect to get consistently.

I had a friend who ran a tour bus with TVs and XBox 360s inside called The Game Train. It was more for adults tho to drink and ride around and bar hop (bachelor parties, birthdays, etc) but they did do kids parties too. I don't think it was as profitable as he'd hoped as he had to hire a driver, etc each time and last time I checked he was looking to sell it.
 
Space is your number one issue. On days with bad weather you'll lose money, maybe pick an angle and focus on that like creating a more open/outdoorsy/mobile arcade by having a deploy-able canopy that comes off the side of a trailer/van/rv whatever. Like you want your game space outside. I really think you lose too much potential for this unless you stick to operating in a high population area with lots of younger/college kids but mostly good weather. I think you should perhaps bank on the portable VR route or portable outdoor arcade rather than "come in my big van and play games"

I don't want to sit in a van to game, I don't care how lavishly you furnish it. And yeah, I'm obviously not your target audience - although I do love video games and am a college student, I don't see how I would ever chance upon something like this unless it was university sponsored or at a friends house.

But even thinking about this from the perspective of a mom/dad, I would be much more inclined to give you money for your service if my lil jon n sally can game outside


Honestly, though - I wish you luck with your further exploration of this idea, but IMO due to the large start up cost and the associated risk, I wouldn't recommend you pursue this idea unless you do some wicked market research
 
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