Game Card

For the earlier system, see Sega Game Card. For the US arcade hints, see Game Cards.

A Game Card.

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The Game Card (ゲームカード) system was a method of payment introduced by Sega for its Japanese amusement machines in early 1999. It was an IC card that could be paid for in advance, which would then be read by compatible machiens.

The Game Card system was envisoned as a membership service that would reduce maintenance costs in Sega's chains of amusement facilities. Rather than pay with coins (which would have to be collected by staff), customers would pay with a single card, allowing for venues to transition to a cashless system.

In addition, machines could track Game Card usage more effectively, giving Sega more feedback on how often their arcade games were being played. It also could allow operators to charge varying prices for games, rather than the usual ¥100 (something envisioned for promotional events, discounts and off-peak hours). While many of Sega's traditional arcade games were equipped with the technology, medal games were exempt.

Club Sega Shibuya was the first venue to introduce the system, although continued to offer coins as a payment option. It is not known how popular this specific system was, however payment through IC cards would become widespread during the 2000s and 2010s (although coins remain widely accepted).

Gallery

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  A cabinet housing Columns with added Game Card support