Game Room Attendant: Chuck E Cheese's Fun Facilitators

A Chuck E. Cheese game room attendant is responsible for supporting guests as they play games and ensuring that all games are clean and operational. They also fill up tickets, troubleshoot machines, balance skee balls, run pizzas, and bus tables. The role is suitable for first-time job seekers and can be a fun and easy job, although it can be stressful during busy periods.

Ensuring all games are clean and operational

Ensuring that all games are clean and operational is a key part of being a Chuck E. Cheese game room attendant. This involves regular spot-cleaning and bussing tables, as well as sweeping floors and taking out the trash.

Game room attendants are also responsible for performing a "game tap" at the start of every shift. This involves playing every game in the store to check that it is working properly and reporting any issues to corporate. This is important for maintaining a high standard of customer experience and keeping guests happy.

In addition to spot-cleaning, game room attendants need to be able to fix games when they break down. Most of the time, this simply involves turning a game off and back on again, but each game is different and has its own quirks that attendants will learn over time. Some games may need to be balanced, such as ensuring that there are an appropriate number of balls in games like skee-ball or NBA Hoops. Other games may require paper or ink replacement, such as photo games or rides.

By performing these tasks, game room attendants ensure that all games are clean and fully operational for guests to enjoy.

Troubleshooting machines

Troubleshooting arcade machines is an important part of a Chuck E. Cheese game room attendant's role. Here are some detailed instructions on how to troubleshoot arcade machines:

Step 1: Determine What is Right

First, determine if there are any signs of life from the machine. Check if the marquee or other lights are working, or if you can hear the monitor. If the game appears dead, check if you have 120 VAC going into your power supply. If your power supply is good, check if it is supplying the correct voltage (usually 5 VDC and 12 VDC) to the main board and other components.

Step 2: Start with the Obvious

Try using the self-test on the PCB or in the test menu if the monitor is working. Input and output tests will show if certain things are functioning correctly. Find a manual for the game online and look for troubleshooting tips. If the manufacturer is still in business, don't hesitate to contact them. Look for burned areas or loose wires and connections.

Step 3: Use a Multimeter

Check for blown fuses. Read the manual for your meter or find one online. You can use a multimeter for various tests, from simple ones down to the component level.

Step 4: Check All Wiring

Do some basic continuity checks with your multimeter and ensure good connections. The wiring harness can be a common place for issues, as previous owners might have flexed or mishandled the wires. Trace the wires using the connector on the harness as a test point.

Step 5: Ask for Help

If you ever reach a point where you don't feel comfortable, don't hesitate to ask for assistance. Make sure you have as much information as possible when asking for help, such as the name of the game, the manufacturer, and the time period.

Additionally, here are some general tips for troubleshooting arcade machines:

• Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure arcade machines function properly.
• Always ensure safety when working on arcade machines, as they often contain high-voltage components that can cause bodily harm or damage the machine if mishandled.
• When dealing with card reader issues, check the wires going to the card reader, as they can become pinched in the coin door or damaged.
• If a game is not working, start by checking the outlet and power cord for AC power.
• Many machines have a master fuse at the machine's entry point, which can be tested using a multimeter.
• Test for AC power getting to the game's power supply, and ensure there is lower DC voltage going from the power supply to other components.
• Check for power at the main board and ensure DC power is reaching it. Bad wiring can result in low or no voltage.
• If the board is not working properly, it may be broken, or there may be a broken component in the game causing a current draw that shuts down the board or power supply.
• When unplugging or plugging back in wires, ensure the game is turned off to avoid "hot swapping."
• Keep a log of repairs to help identify recurring problems and areas requiring preventive maintenance.
• Read the manual for the game, as it often contains valuable guidance for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
• Invest in diagnostic tools such as a multimeter and ticket emulator to aid in troubleshooting electrical problems.

Balancing balls in games like skee ball

A Chuck E. Cheese game room attendant is responsible for ensuring that the games are up and running, as well as helping with food service and cleaning. They also help create incredible experiences for guests and ensure that "all guests that come together leave together" using the Kid Check™ system.

Now, onto the topic of balancing balls in games like Skee-Ball. Skee-Ball is a super fun arcade game that can also be played at home or at carnivals. It involves rolling a ball up an inclined lane with a "ball-hop" hump, which propels the ball into bullseye rings. The goal is to collect as many points as possible by getting the ball into holes with progressively higher point values.

• Get into a good stance: Brace the foot of your throwing hand against the machine and place your non-dominant foot slightly behind you for leverage. Choose the same spot on the machine for each shot and always follow through with your throwing arm. Consistency is key.
• Aim for the right ring: While the highest point ring is the smallest and most challenging, it's easy to overshoot and end up with a low score. Aiming for the second-highest ring, typically worth 40 points, is a better strategy as it's easier to land in and you can still earn a good number of points.
• Practice, practice, practice: Muscle memory is essential in Skee-Ball. The more you play, the better you'll become at judging distances and controlling the speed and strength of your rolls.
• Stay low: To counter the loss of perspective due to the incline, crouch down a bit before making your roll. This will help you better judge the distance to each ring. However, avoid rolling from your knees as it restricts arm movement.
• Know the basics: Understand the rules and gameplay before trying advanced strategies. Skee-Ball is a redemption game where players receive tickets based on their scores, which can then be traded for prizes.

Running pizzas and bussing tables

Running pizzas involves taking food orders from customers and delivering them to the correct tables. This task requires good customer service skills and the ability to work under pressure during busy periods. It is important for game room attendants to be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds and to be able to stand, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, walk and squat during their shift.

Bussing tables involves clearing away dirty dishes and cutlery, wiping down tables, and resetting them for the next customers. This task is particularly important in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for guests, especially in the context of a global pandemic. Game room attendants are also responsible for sweeping floors, taking out the trash, and spot-cleaning any messes or spills.

Overall, the role of a game room attendant at Chuck E. Cheese is fast-paced and varied, requiring excellent customer service skills and the ability to work well under pressure. It is a great opportunity for a first-time job seeker to gain experience in the food service and entertainment industry, with the potential for career advancement within the company.

Fixing games

Troubleshooting and Quick Fixes:

• Game attendants are responsible for ensuring that all games are functioning properly. This includes troubleshooting and fixing jammed or malfunctioning games. A simple fix is often to turn the game off and on again, which solves the issue about 85% of the time.
• Each game has its own quirks that attendants learn over time. For example, some games require balancing the number of balls, like in skee ball or basketball games, while others may need replacement paper or ink for photo booths or rides.
• Building a good rapport with the store's technician is beneficial, as they can provide valuable information and guidance for fixing games.

Regular Maintenance:

• Game room attendants are expected to perform regular maintenance to keep the games clean and operational. This includes performing a "game tap" at the start of every shift, where attendants play each game to ensure it is working correctly.
• This information is then reported to corporate, helping them keep track of which games are functional and which require attention.
• Regular maintenance also includes spot-cleaning, bussing tables, sweeping floors, and taking out the trash to maintain a clean and safe environment for guests.

Advanced Repairs:

• In some cases, game room attendants may be cross-trained to handle more advanced repairs. This includes technical management positions that focus on the electrical and mechanical aspects of the games.
• Technical management is responsible for the maintenance and repair of everything in the game room, from video games and skill games to coin and ticket mechanisms.

By following these steps and guidelines, game room attendants at Chuck E. Cheese can ensure that the games are in good working order, providing a positive and enjoyable experience for their guests.

Frequently asked questions