Are video games actually enhancing the customer experience—or quietly creating new problems?
This article explores the real impact of video games in waiting rooms, where they work, where they don’t, and why many modern businesses are shifting toward curated, brand-safe TV networks like It’s Relevant TV.
Why Businesses Started Using Video Games in Waiting Areas
The idea of games in waiting spaces isn’t new. Businesses adopted them for several key reasons:
- Perceived wait-time reduction: Engaged customers feel like they’re waiting less.
- Distraction for children: Especially common in medical and family-focused environments.
- Interactive novelty: Games feel more engaging than passive screens.
In theory, this makes sense. In practice, the results are mixed.
The Hidden Downsides of Video Games in Waiting Rooms
1. Not Inclusive for All Audiences
Video games often engage one person at a time. While one customer plays, everyone else waits—watching someone else have fun. For adult-heavy environments like auto dealerships, medical offices, banks and financial institutions and corporate lobbies games can feel juvenile or irrelevant, creating a disconnect rather than comfort.
2. Hygiene and Maintenance Issues
Shared controllers, touch screens, and buttons raise real concerns—especially post-pandemic.When neglected, broken or dirty game stations hurt brand perception more than they help. Devices require:
- Regular cleaning
- Ongoing maintenance
- Staff oversight
3. Zero Brand Messaging Opportunity
Perhaps the biggest drawback: video games don’t tell your story. The screen becomes entertainment—but not communication. While customers play, they’re not learning about:
- Your services
- Specials or promotions
- New offerings
- Your brand values
The Shift Toward Smart, Curated Waiting Room Content
Modern businesses are rethinking what waiting-area screens should actually do.
Instead of asking, “How do we distract people?” they’re asking:
“How do we engage, inform, and reinforce our brand—without creating risk?”
This shift has fueled rapid adoption of custom in-business TV networks like It’s Relevant TV.
Why Businesses Are Replacing Games with It’s Relevant TV
Unlike video games or traditional cable, It’s Relevant TV is designed specifically for business environments.
1. Engages Everyone at Once
IRTV delivers short-form, professionally produced content that’s:
- Easy to glance at
- Family-friendly
- Appealing across age groups
Instead of one person playing, everyone benefits.
2. Zero Hygiene Concerns
No controllers. No touch screens. No shared devices. IRTV provides passive engagement—safe, clean, and effortless.
3. Built-In Business Promotion
This is where IRTV truly separates itself.
Businesses can seamlessly integrate:
- Promotional videos
- Service explanations
- Social media clips
- Announcements and reminders
These messages are automatically mixed with entertaining, licensed content—turning waiting time into marketing time.
4. Brand Safety by Design
Unlike cable TV or open gaming platforms, IRTV avoids: Competitor ads, Political news, Violent or controversial material Everything is curated, filtered, and controlled.
Why Cable TV and Game Consoles Fall Short
Some businesses try to split the difference—running cable TV alongside games. That often creates even more problems.
Cable TV can introduce:
- Competitor advertising
- Negative or stressful news
- Content misaligned with your brand
Gaming consoles introduce:
- Disputes over turns
- Staff interruptions
- Hardware failures
In contrast, IRTV operates quietly in the background—always fresh, always relevant.
Industries Where Video Games Make the Least Sense
Based on real-world deployments, games are often a poor fit for:
- Medical offices and urgent care
- Dental practices
- Auto service centers
- Financial institutions
- Multi-location franchises
These environments benefit more from calming, informative, and brand-controlled content than competitive gameplay.
The Psychology of Waiting—and Why Content Matters
Studies consistently show that perceived wait time matters more than actual wait time. Short-form video content makes time feel like it’s passing faster, reduces anxiety and improves overall satisfaction. IRTV was built around this insight—using entertainment to enhance the emotional experience while reinforcing the business’s value.
Video Games vs. Smart Business TV: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Video Games | It’s Relevant TV |
|---|---|---|
| Engages Large Groups | No | Yes |
| Includes Brand Messaging | No | Yes |
| Hygiene Friendly | No | Yes |
| Content Control | Very Limited | Full |
| Maintenance Required | High | Minimal / None |
The Smarter Waiting Room Strategy
Video games can be fun—but fun alone isn’t enough. Modern businesses need waiting-area solutions that: Enhance the customer experience, protect the brand, communicate value and require minimal staff effort.
That’s why more businesses are choosing It’s Relevant TV—transforming passive waiting time into a meaningful, controlled, and profitable experience.
Because the best waiting rooms don’t just distract people—they connect with them.
