Bars, breweries and taprooms continue to offer valuable locations for arcade games, although relatively few new titles are designed specifically for these venues. DSM Arcade is targeting that opportunity with Perfect Pour, an original arcade-exclusive game built around the familiar action of serving drinks.
How Perfect Pour Plays
Perfect Pour shares the broad bar-service appeal of Midway’s classic Tapper, but it is a new game rather than a remake. The player operates four taps while customers wait at the window of their selected tap. When a glass appears, it must be filled precisely to the rim: too little or too much results in an imperfect serve.
Once the drink is ready, the customer leaves and the player earns points. A more accurate pour produces a better score.
Testing and Development
DSM Arcade’s first arcade-exclusive project has progressed considerably since its first public beta more than a year before this update. Feedback from arcade operators, brewery taproom managers and players has influenced the game’s design as well as its cabinet.
Testing at breweries and trade shows found that the controls were easy to understand for players of different ages and experience levels. Children and people who did not normally play games could often watch briefly, then use the cabinet correctly. The familiar operation of a tap helped make the gameplay immediately accessible.
While Perfect Pour is designed for one player, groups frequently gathered around the machine. Friends took turns, started together or called for help, giving the game a social quality even when only one person was actively playing.
Major Game and Cabinet Updates
- Gameplay is faster, with customers waiting behind one of four taps and a timer requiring each order to be served in time.
- New distractions include blown kegs, half pours, pitchers and perfectionist customers who require a completely full glass.
- Progression now includes standard levels, boss fights and mini-games.
- The difficulty curve has been planned with venue earnings in mind.
- Operators can add a customised logo, which appears in the game above the bar as pixel art.
- Custom attract-mode slides can display specials, upcoming events and additional venue branding.
- Fun Company is building the cabinets, continuing its work on DSM Arcade’s previous titles.
- Durable metal drink trays are fitted to both sides of the control panel.
- Real wooden beer tap handles are used as joystick toppers.
- Soda Pop Mode changes the drinks from beer to soft drinks, supporting use in non-bar venues.
- An operator-menu revenue report gives venues access to revenue information.
- The game does not show drunkenness, fighting or angry customers. Waiting patrons become thirstier rather than more aggressive.
Artwork and Venue Appeal
The marquee artwork was created in collaboration with Des Moines-based artist Maddy Fusco. Her work includes a mural at Confluence Brewing Company.
Production Plans
Perfect Pour was not ready to enter production at the time of the development update. Production was expected in either the fourth quarter of 2024 or the first quarter of 2025, with Fun Company building the cabinets in Wisconsin.
For operators assessing a dedicated venue cabinet, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide covers key purchasing considerations. The arcade machines catalogue provides a broader look at cabinet options, while upright arcade machines offer a useful format comparison. Readers planning a custom project can also explore DIY arcade kits and keep up with industry coverage through the arcade blog.
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