Rusty Key and the other two original owners of The Game Preserve got tired of having their private collection of classic arcade games sitting idly in their houses, they decided to create a place where everyone would have a chance to play the vintage coin-operated games.

The Game Preserve first opened in January 2012 in a 1,900-square-foot space. The owners soon saw the need to expand, and they opened what is now the existing 6,500-square-foot location on Sawdust Road last March.

“The whole idea of creating The Game Preserve was just to be able to pay the bills and play some games,” Key said.

The Game Preserve features over 125 arcade games that range from the 1960s to contemporary favorites. Games range from The Lord of the Rings and Back to the Future pinball machines to skeeball and video games “Donkey Kong” and “Pac-Man.”

“This location has helped us a lot—the exposure here is great,” Key said. “We have a sense of family here, and we get to know everybody.”

Key said the arcade works on a membership-based system. All of the games and machines are set to free play and customers are offered one-day passes or a monthly membership, which can be used for individuals or families. The entry fee gives customers unlimited game play at the Game Preserve.

The arcade also serves as an event center for birthday parties and pinball tournaments.

“Every month we have a pinball tournament here that is all skill levels,” Key said. “We also have a room in the back for birthday parties. It’s also BYOB here as well as bring your own food. While people are playing games, we then put on old music videos, such as Twisted Sister or Devo, on a screen projector.”

473 Sawdust Road, Spring 281-353-5189 www.gamepreservehouston.comHours: Tue.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight, Sun. 4-10 p.m.