THREE new machines have arrived at Clacton Pier's amusement arcade as part of a significant investment.
Dinosaur Era X-Treme, which is expected to be the most popular of the recent additions, is a four-player action game displayed on a 65-inch HD screen.
Players can battle through six stages, and the game has adjustable difficulty settings to make it suitable for all ages.
A two-player Smurf coin pusher and a Breaking News machine have also been installed.
Harry Peek, general manager of Clacton Pier, said the arcade is a vital part of the wider attraction and crucial to its long-term sustainability.
He said: "Without it, the pier would simply not be sustainable.
"It is absolutely essential to our offer and contributes greatly to our finances.
"That is why we backed a nationwide campaign aimed at preventing proposed tax increases which would have had a very damaging impact on the entire seaside amusement sector in general, not just Clacton Pier.
"The success of the campaign resulted in the potential tax increases being dropped and will definitely help investment in this area to continue."
The upgrades are part of a programme of investment in the arcade which has exceeded £100,000 in 2025, with further spending planned for next year.
Earlier in the year included a VR fighter jet simulator, a carnival wheel and a VR car machine were also introduced.
Meetings have taken place over the past few weeks to finalise a new events programme at the pier in 2026.
The team is looking to enhance the core favourite events which take place year, as well as coming up with something new.
Harry said: "The final schedule is almost there and we will be making a significant announcement in the new year.
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"We always try to offer events for all ages and make sure that no one misses out.
"The events have become an important part of the business plan."
Clacton Pier operates for 364 days a year, only closing on Christmas Day,
A £4 million development was completed in 2018, and three new rides, including a big wheel and Looping Star rollercoaster, were added in 2021 to celebrate the pier's 150th birthday.
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