Quick Overview
- 1#1: Island - Comprehensive POS, back office, arcade management, inventory, and party booking software for family entertainment centers.
- 2#2: QubicaAMF - Integrated center management system handling bowling, arcade, F&B, ticketing, and loyalty programs for FECs.
- 3#3: Party Center Software - Reservation, scheduling, POS, and operations management software designed specifically for party-heavy family entertainment centers.
- 4#4: Specto Technology - Arcade management software with game monitoring, redemption centers, prize inventory, and redemption tracking for FECs.
- 5#5: Accesso - Ticketing, POS, access control, and analytics platform optimizing guest experience and revenue in FECs and attractions.
- 6#6: Ventrata - Cloud-based booking, CRM, ecommerce, and dynamic pricing software to maximize revenue for family entertainment centers.
- 7#7: Aptean Onyx - All-in-one FEC management software covering POS, inventory, membership, and reporting for entertainment venues.
- 8#8: Plexis - Cloud and on-premise POS system tailored for FEC transactions, inventory control, and game card management.
- 9#9: Revention - POS platform integrating food service, arcade integration, and online ordering for family entertainment centers.
- 10#10: Toast - Cloud-based POS handling payments, orders, inventory, and loyalty programs suitable for FEC dining and attractions.
We prioritized tools based on comprehensive feature sets (including POS, inventory, and guest management), user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the unique demands of modern family entertainment venues.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines family entertainment center software tools like Island, QubicaAMF, Party Center Software, Specto Technology, Accesso, and more, aiding users in evaluating their options. Readers will discover key features, operational benefits, and suitability for various center needs, helping them make informed decisions to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Island Comprehensive POS, back office, arcade management, inventory, and party booking software for family entertainment centers. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | QubicaAMF Integrated center management system handling bowling, arcade, F&B, ticketing, and loyalty programs for FECs. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Party Center Software Reservation, scheduling, POS, and operations management software designed specifically for party-heavy family entertainment centers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Specto Technology Arcade management software with game monitoring, redemption centers, prize inventory, and redemption tracking for FECs. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Accesso Ticketing, POS, access control, and analytics platform optimizing guest experience and revenue in FECs and attractions. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Ventrata Cloud-based booking, CRM, ecommerce, and dynamic pricing software to maximize revenue for family entertainment centers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Aptean Onyx All-in-one FEC management software covering POS, inventory, membership, and reporting for entertainment venues. | enterprise | 4.2/10 | 3.8/10 | 4.5/10 | 3.5/10 |
| 8 | Plexis Cloud and on-premise POS system tailored for FEC transactions, inventory control, and game card management. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Revention POS platform integrating food service, arcade integration, and online ordering for family entertainment centers. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Toast Cloud-based POS handling payments, orders, inventory, and loyalty programs suitable for FEC dining and attractions. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive POS, back office, arcade management, inventory, and party booking software for family entertainment centers.
Integrated center management system handling bowling, arcade, F&B, ticketing, and loyalty programs for FECs.
Reservation, scheduling, POS, and operations management software designed specifically for party-heavy family entertainment centers.
Arcade management software with game monitoring, redemption centers, prize inventory, and redemption tracking for FECs.
Ticketing, POS, access control, and analytics platform optimizing guest experience and revenue in FECs and attractions.
Cloud-based booking, CRM, ecommerce, and dynamic pricing software to maximize revenue for family entertainment centers.
All-in-one FEC management software covering POS, inventory, membership, and reporting for entertainment venues.
Cloud and on-premise POS system tailored for FEC transactions, inventory control, and game card management.
POS platform integrating food service, arcade integration, and online ordering for family entertainment centers.
Cloud-based POS handling payments, orders, inventory, and loyalty programs suitable for FEC dining and attractions.
Island
enterpriseComprehensive POS, back office, arcade management, inventory, and party booking software for family entertainment centers.
Seamless integration of online waiver signing and digital party contracts directly into the booking system
Island is a cloud-based, all-in-one management software tailored for Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), offering robust POS systems, online booking, inventory tracking, and CRM tools to streamline daily operations. It provides real-time reporting, automated marketing, and mobile accessibility to help FECs optimize revenue and guest experiences. Designed specifically for the FEC industry, it supports everything from arcade management to birthday party bookings and waiver processing.
Pros
- Comprehensive FEC-specific features like integrated POS, party reservations, and inventory control in one platform
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support for on-the-go management
- Excellent customer support and regular updates based on user feedback
Cons
- Custom pricing can be higher for smaller FECs compared to basic alternatives
- Initial setup requires some training for full utilization of advanced analytics
- Limited third-party integrations compared to more general POS systems
Best For
Mid-to-large FECs seeking a scalable, industry-specific solution to manage operations, boost revenue, and enhance guest satisfaction.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $250/month per location, scaled by size and features; includes free demo and onboarding.
QubicaAMF
enterpriseIntegrated center management system handling bowling, arcade, F&B, ticketing, and loyalty programs for FECs.
Seamless Spark POS integration that unifies payments, inventory, and redemptions across all FEC activities in real-time.
QubicaAMF provides a comprehensive, industry-leading software suite tailored for Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), specializing in integrated management for bowling, arcades, laser tag, mini-golf, and more. Their platform, including the BES (Bowling Entertainment System) and Spark POS, streamlines operations with real-time analytics, customer loyalty programs, and mobile booking capabilities. It excels in unifying disparate venue activities into a single, scalable system for efficient daily management and revenue optimization.
Pros
- Robust all-in-one integration for bowling and FEC attractions
- Advanced analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
- Reliable global support and proven scalability for large venues
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Higher pricing suited better for established centers
- Less flexibility for highly customized non-standard setups
Best For
Mid-to-large FECs with bowling as a primary attraction seeking enterprise-grade management software.
Pricing
Custom modular pricing; typically $5,000+ initial setup plus monthly subscriptions starting at $500-$2,000 based on venue size and features (contact for quote).
Party Center Software
specializedReservation, scheduling, POS, and operations management software designed specifically for party-heavy family entertainment centers.
Advanced arcade game tracking and redemption management that accurately handles gameplay credits, prizes, and inventory in real-time.
Party Center Software is a comprehensive management platform tailored for family entertainment centers (FECs), offering tools for point-of-sale transactions, party bookings, arcade game tracking, and inventory management. It streamlines operations with features like customer relationship management, detailed reporting, and redemption center handling to boost efficiency and revenue. The software supports both on-premise and cloud deployments, making it suitable for various FEC scales.
Pros
- Extensive FEC-specific features including arcade accounting and party management
- Strong reporting and analytics for business insights
- Reliable customer support with long-standing industry experience
Cons
- User interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Setup and customization can require technical expertise
- Limited native integrations with third-party apps
Best For
Mid-sized family entertainment centers seeking a robust, all-in-one solution for daily operations and revenue optimization.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $150-$300 per month per location, depending on modules and scale; one-time licensing options available.
Specto Technology
specializedArcade management software with game monitoring, redemption centers, prize inventory, and redemption tracking for FECs.
Seamless card-based play and prize redemption system with real-time tracking across all revenue streams
Specto Technology offers Spectra, a comprehensive management platform designed specifically for Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), handling everything from point-of-sale transactions and arcade card systems to party reservations and redemption centers. The software integrates ticketing, inventory management, customer loyalty programs, and detailed reporting to streamline daily operations and drive revenue. It supports both on-premise and cloud deployments, making it adaptable for various venue sizes.
Pros
- Extensive integration for POS, arcade, and attractions
- Powerful analytics and reporting for business insights
- Scalable modules that grow with the business
Cons
- User interface can feel outdated and clunky
- Steep learning curve for full customization
- Pricing lacks transparency without a quote
Best For
Mid-sized FECs seeking a robust, all-in-one operational suite with strong arcade and loyalty management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $1,000-$5,000/month depending on modules, venue size, and deployment type.
Accesso
enterpriseTicketing, POS, access control, and analytics platform optimizing guest experience and revenue in FECs and attractions.
Hyperconnected ecosystem via accesso Orbit, unifying online reservations, on-site POS, and CRM for real-time data synchronization across all touchpoints
Accesso is a comprehensive technology platform designed for leisure and entertainment venues, including family entertainment centers (FECs), offering integrated solutions for ticketing, point-of-sale (POS), access control, and guest relationship management (CRM). Key products like accesso Siriusware provide robust POS and arcade management, while accesso Passport handles memberships, loyalty programs, and analytics to optimize revenue and operations. The platform supports seamless online-to-on-site experiences through self-service kiosks (Loqbox) and mobile apps, making it ideal for high-volume attractions.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of ticketing, POS, CRM, and arcade management
- Scalable for mid-to-large venues with strong analytics and reporting
- Advanced RFID and contactless payment options for smooth guest flow
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup for smaller operators
- Enterprise-level pricing may not suit budget-conscious FECs
- Customization requires significant support involvement
Best For
Mid-to-large family entertainment centers with high guest volume needing an all-in-one enterprise platform for ticketing, POS, and loyalty management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically subscription model with per-transaction fees, starting at several thousand dollars monthly for mid-sized venues depending on modules and volume.
Ventrata
enterpriseCloud-based booking, CRM, ecommerce, and dynamic pricing software to maximize revenue for family entertainment centers.
Intelligent yield management that dynamically adjusts pricing in real-time to optimize occupancy and revenue
Ventrata is a cloud-based booking and revenue management platform designed for family entertainment centers, attractions, and leisure venues. It provides an all-in-one solution for online ticketing, point-of-sale transactions, membership management, digital waivers, and inventory control. The software emphasizes revenue optimization through dynamic pricing, analytics, and CRM tools to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive revenue management with dynamic pricing and yield optimization
- Seamless integrations with POS, payments, and third-party apps
- Robust reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Higher cost structure unsuitable for very small FECs
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Limited customization without developer support
Best For
Mid-sized family entertainment centers focused on scaling bookings and maximizing revenue through advanced analytics.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around $500/month for smaller venues, scaling to $2,000+ for larger operations based on transaction volume and features.
Aptean Onyx
enterpriseAll-in-one FEC management software covering POS, inventory, membership, and reporting for entertainment venues.
Advanced supply chain and inventory optimization tailored for high-volume distribution operations
Aptean Onyx is a robust ERP platform primarily designed for distribution, manufacturing, and wholesale industries, offering modules for inventory control, sales order management, CRM, financials, and supply chain optimization. While it provides general POS capabilities and inventory tracking that could be adapted for basic Family Entertainment Center (FEC) operations like concessions and merchandise, it lacks specialized tools for attraction management, online ticketing, party bookings, or guest pass tracking essential to FECs. This makes it an overkill solution for most entertainment venues, better suited to logistics-heavy businesses.
Pros
- Strong inventory and warehouse management for prize redemption and concessions
- Scalable for multi-location FECs with enterprise needs
- Integrated CRM for customer loyalty programs
Cons
- No native support for FEC-specific functions like game tracking or arcade billing
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation typical of full ERPs
- High cost with limited ROI for entertainment-focused venues
Best For
Large-scale distributors or manufacturers entering the FEC space who require heavy-duty supply chain integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually depending on modules and users; requires quote.
Plexis
specializedCloud and on-premise POS system tailored for FEC transactions, inventory control, and game card management.
Advanced cashless arcade card system with seamless integration for games, prizes, and reloads
Plexis is a comprehensive POS and management software platform tailored for family entertainment centers (FECs), amusement parks, and arcades, handling everything from ticketing and arcade card systems to food & beverage sales and inventory. It offers cloud-based and on-premise options with tools for memberships, online reservations, and detailed reporting to streamline operations. The system emphasizes high-volume transaction processing and cashless payments, making it suitable for busy entertainment venues.
Pros
- Robust arcade and redemption management with cashless play support
- Fast, reliable POS for high-volume environments
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics for operational insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full customization
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small FECs
- Limited native mobile app functionality
Best For
Mid-sized family entertainment centers with arcades and attractions needing a scalable all-in-one management system.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts around $500-$1,500 per month per location depending on features and transaction volume.
Revention
enterprisePOS platform integrating food service, arcade integration, and online ordering for family entertainment centers.
Revenue Intelligence engine that uses AI to dynamically adjust pricing, promotions, and inventory for maximum profitability
Revention is an all-in-one management platform tailored for family entertainment centers (FECs), providing point-of-sale (POS) systems, attraction management, online booking, and customer relationship tools. It handles everything from arcade games, laser tag, and go-karts to food & beverage sales, inventory tracking, and party reservations. The software emphasizes revenue optimization through integrated reporting, loyalty programs, and dynamic pricing features.
Pros
- Comprehensive FEC-specific tools including attraction dispatching and redemption tracking
- Strong analytics and revenue intelligence for optimizing sales and promotions
- Reliable customer support with dedicated onboarding
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small or startup venues
- Learning curve for advanced customization and reporting
- Limited out-of-the-box integrations with non-standard hardware
Best For
Mid-sized family entertainment centers with diverse attractions needing robust, integrated operations management.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on locations and features; typically $400-$800 per month per site plus setup fees.
Toast
enterpriseCloud-based POS handling payments, orders, inventory, and loyalty programs suitable for FEC dining and attractions.
Toast Go² handheld POS devices enable servers to take orders anywhere, ideal for mobile concession service in entertainment venues.
Toast is a cloud-based POS system designed primarily for restaurants, offering robust tools for order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and customer loyalty programs. For Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), it excels in managing high-volume concession stands and food/beverage sales with features like handheld ordering devices and kitchen display systems. However, it lacks native support for core FEC functions such as arcade game tracking, attraction ticketing, or membership management, often requiring third-party integrations.
Pros
- Highly reliable for concession and F&B operations with fast transaction speeds
- Excellent mobile and handheld devices for quick service in busy environments
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics tailored to sales performance
Cons
- No built-in tools for FEC-specific needs like game cards, bowling, or attractions
- Custom pricing can become expensive for multi-location setups
- Limited customization without add-ons or integrations
Best For
FECs with a strong focus on food and beverage sales that need a scalable POS for concessions but can integrate other systems for attractions.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $69/month per location for Essentials (POS + payments), up to $272+/month for Growth plans; plus hardware (~$500+) and processing fees (2.49%-3.69% + $0.15 per transaction).
Conclusion
The top family entertainment center software tools showcase diverse strengths, but Island emerges as the clear leader, offering a comprehensive mix of POS, arcade management, and party booking features. QubicaAMF excels with its integrated handling of bowling, F&B, and loyalty, while Party Center Software stands out for venues focused on party-heavy operations. Together, these options demonstrate the versatility required to thrive in family entertainment, with Island leading the pack for its all-in-one capabilities.
Ready to enhance your center’s performance? Try Island first to experience its robust features, or explore QubicaAMF or Party Center Software if your needs lean toward specific areas like bowling or party scheduling.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
