Frequently asked questions

How does MSA Arcade work?

Every machine in MSA Arcade is a real arcade cabinet in a physical location, connected to cameras and a network bridge. When you open a machine you see its live video feed and send movement commands to the claw in real time. You line up the claw, drop it, and try to grab a prize, the same as standing at the cabinet but over the web.

Are the machines and prizes real?

The machines are physical cabinets, not simulations, and the video you watch is a live stream of the machine you are controlling. The prizes and currencies are entirely in-game: Battle Arena wins pay virtual coins, the Daily Bonus pays tickets, and both live in your account. They are for play only. Nothing is shipped, and they have no monetary value and cannot be exchanged for cash.

Is it free to play?

Yes, it is completely free, and it always will be. There is nothing to buy on MSA Arcade: no paid coins, no subscriptions, no premium tier. Every machine is free to play, coins and tickets are earned only by playing, and you can start as a guest without creating an account. Advertising pays for the site, and players are never charged.

Do I need an account, or can I play as a guest?

You can jump in as a guest without signing up. A guest session lets you explore the catalogue and start playing right away. Creating an account saves your progress, coins, tickets and history across devices and lets you sign in anywhere. The leaderboard is open to everyone, guests included. You can upgrade a guest session to a full account at any time without losing your progress.

What game modes are there?

• Training: pick a machine category and we put you onto a free live cabinet in it. It costs no coins, there is no limit, and you can change machine whenever you like.
• Daily Bonus: two free bonus plays each day that reward tickets.
• The Battle Arena: a free-entry 1v1 mode on real claw machines, played side by side. The winner takes a prize in virtual in-game coins, which unlock avatars at 100 coins each.

Is MSA Arcade gambling?

No. MSA Arcade is a skill-and-timing arcade game, not a gambling service. Winning depends on how well you position and time the claw, just like at a physical arcade. Nothing is ever staked: every machine is free to play and Battle Arena entry is free. The virtual coins you can win there are in-game items only. They are non-redeemable, non-transferable, and cannot be converted into cash or real-money prizes.

Is the game fair?

The outcome of a grab comes down to your control of the real claw over the live stream, and you can see what the machine is doing at all times. In the Battle Arena each round goes to the player who lands a catch on their own machine, as reported by the cabinet and shown on the live camera. The rule is the same for every player, and there is no hidden score behind it.

What do I need to play?

A modern web browser and an internet connection. MSA Arcade runs on phones, tablets, and desktops with nothing to download or install. A stable connection gives the smoothest video and the most responsive claw control.

Who runs MSA Arcade, and how do I get help?

MSA Arcade is operated by Diamond Apps AG in Switzerland. If you have a question that isn't answered here, email us at [email protected]. You can also read more about us, or review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.