DSM Arcade began as an independent game developer and was preparing for a larger role in the amusement industry entering 2024. Founded by Dan Fessler in Des Moines, Iowa, the company takes its name from the city’s DSM airport code and abbreviation.
For Australian operators and collectors following new arcade industry news, DSM’s expanding catalogue offers an interesting mix of compact game design, competitive play and commercial arcade hardware.
Switch ‘N’ Shoot
DSM Arcade launched in January 2018 and brought its first game, Switch ‘N’ Shoot, to market in May of that year. A mini cabaret edition followed in 2020, although those smaller units are no longer available.
Switch ‘N’ Shoot is a single-player shoot ’em up built around one button. Each press fires the spaceship and changes its direction at the same time. There is no joystick, so players must use the firing input to manage both attacks and evasive movement.
The larger upright cabinets remain available. Their listed retail price is $4,999, although distributors may set different prices. Buyers comparing formats can also explore RETROCADE’s upright arcade machines and arcade-machine buying guide.
Nidhogg II
DSM’s second release was Nidhogg II, the indie sword-fighting game adapted for arcade play. Released in August of the previous year, the cabinet uses a conventional joystick-and-button control layout and supports two players.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $5,999, with the final amount potentially varying by distributor.
Software improvements
Owners and prospective operators were also given details of several updates:
- A substantial increase in computer-controlled opponent difficulty for a more demanding single-player experience.
- A three-minute match timer intended to create a more focused session for players and operators.
- A Winner-Stays-On setting that gives the match winner a free additional round.
Revised cabinet design
A second cabinet model improves the original without changing the price. Its changes include:
- More vibrant vinyl artwork.
- A new coin door with a cut-out suitable for a bill acceptor or electronic payment hardware.
Production, performance and the next game
Operators are reporting an average return on investment of 16 to 20 months for both Switch ‘N’ Shoot and Nidhogg II. More than 40 units of each game had been produced at the time of the update.
DSM also established a relationship with Fun Company, a recognised amusement-industry business. As a result, DSM cabinets are being manufactured at the Fun Company factory in Wisconsin. Interested distributors can obtain pricing through Fun Company, while customers can purchase games straight from DSM’s website.
The planned next release is Perfect Pour, a concept developed by Dan after watching a busy bartender at work. The idea draws inspiration from Midway’s Tapper, while applying a different approach to turning bar service into an arcade challenge.
Perfect Pour is designed as a bar-focused game, a category that remains relatively uncommon despite the number of American bars that host arcade machines. It was scheduled for launch in autumn 2024, with pricing not yet finalised. The expected price range was not anticipated to sit outside the levels established by Switch ‘N’ Shoot and Nidhogg II.
With two released games, reported operator returns and production support in place, DSM Arcade entered 2024 with a clear path from small independent releases towards broader amusement distribution. Perfect Pour was the project to watch next.
For more arcade hardware, compare arcade machines or browse the racing arcade range for other commercial and home entertainment formats.
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