Australian developer MonkeySplash Studios has revealed Chef It Up, a new cooking-themed arcade game designed for social play, high scores and ticket redemption. The title is one of the more unusual new video-and-redemption concepts announced for IAAPA 2024.
Chef It Up first appeared on test
Before its formal unveiling, Chef It Up had recently been spotted on test at Dave & Busters’ Orlando location. That early sighting also helped identify MonkeySplash Studios, which were already confirmed to be attending IAAPA in November.
The Sydney-based team subsequently shared further details about its debut project, including the game’s unusual cabinet layout and its aim of offering a more engaging alternative to redemption-only play.
Four stations make cooking a multiplayer challenge
Cooking games have appeared in arcades before. BurgerTime is the best-known example, while the little-remembered arcade version of Cooking Mama by UNIS and several Namco projects also explored the theme. One Namco title was also on test recently.
Chef It Up takes a different approach by dividing the experience across four dedicated gameplay stations: Pantry, Prep, Cook and Serve. Each station has controls suited to its role, allowing as many as four players to take part in the cooking process.
The planned content includes 150 ingredients, 100 recipes and 50 levels spread across five stages. Each stage features a different cook, with the five characters bringing their own backgrounds and specialities. Short gameplay videos are available on the game’s official website.
Designed for both scores and redemption
MonkeySplash Studios says operators will be able to configure the game for traditional high-score play or ticket redemption. Although redemption jackpots are part of the design, the team is also developing the experience to remain enjoyable over repeat plays rather than functioning as a single-purpose ticket machine.
“We feel confident (through surveys and the countless conversations we’ve had) that there is a huge sum of money that is left on the table from gamers like us who aren’t well serviced by the redemption-focused arcades of today. Our gut-feel is that in an effort to maximise revenue from the niche audience that is redemption-focused, they’ve missed out on the exponential growth happening in the broader video game industry.”
That philosophy places replay value and broader video-game appeal alongside the commercial requirements of a modern amusement venue. For operators assessing a new arcade machine, the ability to choose between free-play-style scoring and redemption could be an important part of the proposition.
Meet MonkeySplash Studios
MonkeySplash Studios was founded in Sydney by husband-and-wife team Hadi Ayoub and Vanessa Min.
The pair describe their company as a creator of innovative arcade games and out-of-home entertainment experiences, with a focus on social gaming and the goal of delivering new arcade attractions internationally.
Their motivation was straightforward: to make the kinds of games they would want to play themselves. Both founders had strong connections with arcades while growing up and continued visiting venues together. They noticed that many arcade cards retained unused credit because only a small number of games encouraged them to return for another play.
“So we set out to make a game that we’d want to play. Something that could really hold our interest for more than a couple of swipes.”
The team cites Overcooked as a major influence, particularly its restaurant-management pressure and frantic multitasking. However, MonkeySplash wanted Chef It Up to provide something that could not be replicated while sitting at home: players physically moving between parts of the cabinet to keep their dishes under control and protect their scores.
That physical interaction extends to the cabinet controls. The game includes elements resembling oven controls and a bell, rather than relying solely on a conventional joystick and button layout. The developers believe these stations can encourage players to try the complete machine and give the attraction a more distinctive presence on the arcade floor.
Development, manufacturing and release plans
MonkeySplash says it is working with manufacturing partners that bring decades of experience, while people across the amusement industry have provided guidance and advice. The design and development team itself consists of newcomers to the arcade business, an approach the studio believes can bring a fresh perspective.
Testing was expected to continue through the development process, with gameplay systems, user interface details and hardware still subject to refinement before units begin shipping.
The studio stated that Chef It Up would be available globally, with shipping planned from late December 2024. Pricing and distribution details were not confirmed before IAAPA and were scheduled to be announced at the show. Operators could contact MonkeySplash directly ahead of the event.
At IAAPA 2024, MonkeySplash Studios was scheduled to exhibit at booth 811, a 10-by-10 space beside the larger Jersey Jack Pinball booth.
A fresh idea for the arcade floor
Food-based arcade games can be difficult to balance, especially when they need to work for groups, support repeat play and remain easy to understand. Chef It Up stands out through its four-player structure and purpose-built controls, while its dual high-score and redemption modes give operators flexibility.
The final test will be how naturally the stations work together and whether the physical movement feels rewarding during a full game. If MonkeySplash can make those interactions intuitive and entertaining, its debut could offer Australian arcades and venues overseas a distinctive social attraction.
For readers comparing different formats for a games room, our arcade machine buying guide covers the practical considerations involved in choosing a cabinet, while upright arcades provide another way to explore dedicated machines for home or commercial spaces.
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