Not everything in the arcade world took place at IAAPA, although hang tight, we’re still working on compiling news for that to wrap it all up. Until then, let’s look at a game that wasn’t there in-person called Perfect Pour by DSM Arcade. We’ve covered this game before, but now it is approaching it’s launch window. Let’s see what the latest is.
What Is Perfect Pour?
For those who missed the news on this, Perfect Pour is an independently developed arcade game, created by Dan Fessler of DSM Arcade. He had the idea when at a bar and mulling over some ideas that could fit with the huge bar arcade scene that exists out there, while offering something new. Many of course want to have Midway’s Tapper on hand, but demand far outpaces supply in that regard, and Warner either doesn’t know that they own the IP, or care. Something original was in order.
Thus enter in Perfect Pour. The concept is “easy to learn, difficult to master” – patrons appear with their glasses, and you as the player is working the taps at the bar. Your goal is to fill those glasses to the exact top (not too little nor spill) to earn points and satisfy the customers. Speed and accuracy are needed, and that often results in some innovative and memorable games.
Here’s a quick bullet list of the features:
- Intuitive gameplay that suits all ages. Joysticks work just like a real tap.
- Pitchers, blown kegs, half pours, and perfectionist customers trip you up along the way.
- Boss battles and mini-games.
- Unique environments range from breweries and patio bars to pubs and festivals.
- Family-friendly Soda Pop Mode changes drinks to colorful alternatives.
I would also throw in that this one is exclusive to arcades, which I think gives it that extra edge.
Perfect Pour – Launching Early 2025
So what’s the latest on this game? There has been a bit of buzz about it after Bay Tek showed off a game which uses the same basic idea, sans all of those additional features mentioned above, at IAAPA 2024. Perfect Pour was not at the show unfortunately, but it’s clear that the concept is sound. I also should emphasize from that list above, Perfect Pour does have a non-alcoholic game option, where operators can set it to be soda. While there aren’t a ton of “sodacades” out there, there are a few, so it could still work in that situation. From the site, here
Here’s a new trailer showcasing Perfect Pour:
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Now if all this sounds like the kind of game you would want to put into your venue, you might be asking: when and where? Currently, Dan is projecting a launch for February 2025 and you can already pre-order the game for one of the lowest prices I’ve seen in the industry, $4899.
Of course, one might ask, is there enough room for two games like this in the industry? In my view, yes, as they are targeting very different markets. ICEE as an FEC piece probably won’t appeal to many (if any) bar arcades and retrocades out there, who also tend to shun purchasing new games unless there is something about them that will appeal to the type of bar-hopping customer. That tends to be something retro, a retro remake that isn’t too expensive, alley bowlers, and pinball. Anything above $10k, and most bar arcades I’ve seen scoff at the idea. A local bar arcade to me loves to grab indie arcade games, so this is the kind of piece that will be right up their alley.
FECs however, don’t like to buy smaller upright games, especially ones that aren’t covered in LEDs and stand at 11′ tall or higher. I imagine that DSM could produce a DX version of this that would appeal to FECs, but I think both will hit their niches just fine for now.
What are your thoughts on this?
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