Arcade ceiling lights compared: saucers, hexagons, linear runs, and feature pieces

The ceiling is the one surface every seat in an arcade shares, and it is the first thing a visitor sees from the door. Almost every game center ceiling we design uses some combination of four kinds of light. This article explains what each one does, so the choice between them is made on purpose.

Saucer modules

A saucer is a round vacuum-formed module with an illuminated center and rim, usually 600 to 900 mm across. On its own above a counter it works as a single accent. Repeated across a ceiling in a loose pattern it forms a constellation, and that repetition is what most people picture when they think of arcade ceiling lights.

Saucers suit long rooms with a regular machine layout, because the repeat follows the rows. They are light, easy to mount, and forgiving of ceilings that are not perfectly flat.

Hexagon panels and light boxes

Hexagon modules tile edge to edge into honeycomb ceilings and walls. A cluster of seven or nineteen hexagons above a zone reads as one large shape from the floor, while each panel can still change color on its own. Deeper hexagon light boxes add relief, so the ceiling has shadow as well as light.

Hexagons suit venues that want a technical, esports look, and they cross over well into gaming cafe ceilings. They are the most versatile module in the range, because the same part works on a wall.

Linear runs

A linear run is a continuous length of light, cut to the length of a corridor or a machine row. It does not draw attention to itself; it draws attention along itself. Linear light is how a game center guides visitors from the entrance to the prize counter, and how a large ceiling avoids reading as a scatter of unrelated pieces.

Linear runs are built to length, not chosen from a catalog, and they are usually the connective element between the feature pieces.

Feature pieces

A feature piece is one large statement light: a giant three-tier flying saucer of around 1.5 m, a four-meter suspended ring with satellite saucers, or a triangular deluxe light of 3 m by 2.8 m for an entrance hall. A venue normally has one, above the entrance or the main floor, and it is the piece visitors photograph on the way in.

Feature pieces are standard products in fixed sizes; they ship in sections and are assembled on site.

How are the four combined on one ceiling?

A typical arcade ceiling has one feature piece, saucers or hexagons repeated over the machine rows, and linear runs along the corridors tying the two together. The feature piece is placed on the main sightline from the entrance. The repeated modules follow the machine layout. The linear runs follow the walkways. Each is wired to its own controller, so the ceiling can run one calm scene by day and a louder one in the evening.

Modules and feature pieces are standard products with fixed sizes and shapes; a logo, text, or artwork can be printed on them. Linear runs, entrance frames, column wraps, and arches are built to the dimensions of the venue.

Browse the ceiling lights page for every ceiling product, or start from the arcade and game center solutions page.