Business
BY KAREN CHANEY
Free Play CEO Corey Hyden plays a game of Cruisin’ Blast with Richardson store manager Autumn Hargett.
Skee-Ball is one of the most popular games at Free Play Richardson.
Free Play Richardson, an arcade that o ers a single admission fee for access to over 95 games, opened in 2015.
PHOTOS BY KAREN CHANEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Free Play marks 10 years as retro gaming destination
In 2015, when Richardson resident Corey Hyden opened Free Play in Richardson with his wife Kelsie Hyden and brother-in-law Richard Tregilgas, he thought his primary customers would be re ec- tive of himself. However, in the ensuing decade, he has been pleasantly surprised by the far-reaching demographic his arcade business attracts. “I was 29 [years old] and a lawyer, so I assumed we’re gonna target young professionals,” Hyden said. “I very quickly found out this is a place for everyone. Our primary core demo is families and the going-out-at-night crowd.” The setup An entry fee of $12.89 allows customers to play over 95 arcade games and pinball machines, which are set to free play. Guests under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Adult-only times are in e ect after 9 p.m. The most popular games at Free Play Richardson are Ms. Pac-Man, Skee-Ball and Killer Queen, Hyden said. Killer Queen, a 10-player arcade game, is a popular because of its social component. “Ms. Pac-Man is number one,” Hyden said. “It’s perhaps the best game of all time ... everyone imagines it in this type of arcade.” Skee-Ball wasn’t on the original game roster, but due to customer demand, it was added. “Skee-Ball on unlimited play had never been done before because there’s moving parts ... a lot of damage and wear,” Hyden said. “We did a ton
of investigative work and parts sourcing before we brought it here.” What makes them special? Hyden said Free Play’s four North Texas locations attract visitors from across the nation. From museum-quality monitors and consoles to original laser discs, Free Play strives to o er one-of-a-kind experiences. “Dragon’s Lair was famously the very rst game that cost 50 cents instead of 25 cents, and it runs on an authentic laser disc,” Hyden said. “We’re now the only location in the country running the original laser disc.” What else? Free Play has a food and beverage program. Food options include appetizers, sandwiches, atbread pizzas and more. The beverage menu features a variety of beers and themed cocktails, including Mario Mario, The Fresh Prince, Ms. Pac and more. From the music to the games, Free Play aims to provide a “time-travel experience”, Hyden said. “We have spent 10 years building the greatest 80s playlist that exists in the world,” Hyden said. “We are not technologically advanced. We’re running the cutting edge of 1988 ... and that’s really hard to do. It’s really special that we have it here in DFW.”
The Free Play food menu includes a double pepperoni and hot honey atbread pizza.
Theatre of Magic is one of many pinball machine options at Free Play Richardson
E. BELT LINE RD.
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1730 E. Belt Line Road, Richardson www.freeplayrichardson.com
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RICHARDSON EDITION
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