For arcade operators, determining the success of a game isn't about nostalgia or flashy graphics; it's a precise science driven by cold, hard data. The primary metric is the almighty coin drop or cash box count. Operators track the daily, weekly, and monthly revenue generated by each machine. This raw earnings figure is the most direct indicator of a game's profitability and popularity.

Beyond simple earnings, operators calculate a more nuanced metric: earnings per day per unit or Earnings Per Day (EPD). This standardized measure allows for a fair comparison between games with different coin mechanisms (e.g., $0.50 vs. $1.00 per play). A high EPD signifies a game that consistently attracts players and generates revenue.

Another critical factor is player engagement. Operators observe the "play-through" rate—how many players continue to insert coins after their first game. A high play-through rate indicates compelling gameplay. They also measure the average length of a game session; longer sessions mean more revenue from a single player. The sight of a crowd gathered around a machine is a qualitative but powerful sign of a hit.

Operators also keep a close eye on maintenance logs. A successful game isn't just one that earns a lot; it's also one that doesn't cost a lot to maintain. Frequent jams, hardware failures, or software glitches lead to downtime, which is lost revenue. A reliable machine with low maintenance costs significantly boosts its overall profitability.

Finally, operators consider the cost per play and the return on investment (ROI). They analyze how long it takes for a machine to pay for itself and then become a pure profit generator. A game might have a high coin drop, but if it was extremely expensive to purchase, its long-term ROI might be lower than a cheaper, consistently performing unit. This holistic view of income versus expense is the ultimate measure of an arcade game's success.