Timezone (video arcades)

Timezone is an international chain of family amusement arcade centers based in Australia.

History

The first Timezone arcade opened in 1978 in Perth, Australia. Timezone claims that it is the first family-oriented amusement centers of that time, and said that its family emphasis is the key focus of their brand.[1]

Outside Australia

In 1995, Timezone started their ventures outside Australia.[1] Now, Timezone has its presence in India, New Zealand, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia.

New Branches in the Philippines

In 2015, Timezone Opens at Robinsons Malolos, Bulacan.

Timezone Opens at Plaza Angelita Mall in Balanga, Bataan.

Timezone Opens at The District both in Dasmariñas and Imus, Cavite.

Powercard

Timezone family entertainment centres, like most current arcades, previously had coin-operated arcade machines. However, Timezone had many special deals which caused many problems and much inconvenience for staff. For example, a flat fee could be paid to have a party at Timezone, where a group of people could play an unlimited amount of games for a certain period of time. This meant that, generally, a member of a group having a party would have to call a staff member over to a machine, where he or she had to open the game's cabinet and 'trick' the desired game into playing for free.

In response to this, and presumably to maximise profits, the entire Timezone arcade system moved to a magnetic swipecard system known as the Timezone Powercard. This meant that customers, rather than having to carry many coins around, could simply deposit a larger amount of money (for example, $10) onto their Powercard account. In order to use a machine, they simply had to swipe their card through a detector located on the machine, and the credit would be deduced from the card account. This system was supplied by Australian company Embed International.

In 2004, bonus paper tickets issued by some (higher-priced) arcade machines which could be redeemed for prizes were replaced by a ticket count kept on the card.

As of 2005, Timezone Powerclub credit in Australia lasts one year from the date of credit. Cards can be used at venues other than the one where it was issued, but only with credit put on at that venue.

As of 2008 after many Timezone stores closed, balances can be used at any venue regardless of where the credit was put on. However, in order to progress to the higher Powerclub levels, customers can only put credit on at the venue which issued the card. The exception to this is where the issuing venue has subsequently closed down and a new 'home venue' has been selected.

Powerclub

As an incentive to add credit to a Powercard, Timezone created three different types of Powercard:

Powercard is the basic type. As well as being issued with starting accounts, it is also issued as part of time-limited party deals. It is made of paper. This card offers no benefits.

Powerclub is the second type, issued when an account's balance reaches $30. This card offers VIP prices, as well as eligibility to participate in Powerclub events. A holder is given the opportunity to create a personalised greeting given by the card terminal's LCD whenever the card is swiped on an arcade terminal.

Powerclub Gold is the third type, issued when an account's balance reaches $250 (previously $500, $100 before that). Like the regular Powerclub card, this card offers VIP prices and eligibility to participate in Powerclub events, however it offers additional benefits like regular free games. As well as having a personalised arcade swipecard terminal greeting, the Gold card also has the cardholder's name printed on the front.

Powerclub Sapphire is the fourth type, issued when you recharge up to $750. This type offers VIP pricing and two free Yellow Swiper games everyday (as long as you recharge at least $10 every 30 days). The Sapphire card is not available in Singapore

Powercard Platinum is issued when you spend $2000.

Timezone Stores

Australia

New South Wales

Victoria

Queensland

Western Australia

Philippines

Metro Manila

References

  1. 1 2 About Us. Timezone Australia website. Accessed 2015-04-08

External links

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