2010 ISSUES:

January -- February -- March --

March 2010:

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February 2010:

January 2010:

• Cover: Namco America
  • ANNUAL DIRECTORY (price: $25)
    this is the industry's premier reference annual with listings (addresses, phones, faxes, email, key personnel) of manufacturers, distributors, importers/exporters, parts and service suppliers, trade associations...a must-have issue for anyone in the business!
    
    
  (Go back to main 2010 menu)

• Cover: Pyramid Technologies, Inc.
• Parks Show Dispatch -- For a first-hand, hot-off-the-press look at last month's IAAPA, check out RePlay's show coverage of the hot new product debuts from the mammoth trade show extravaganza in Las Vegas.
• Association Merger Finalized -- Speaking of IAAPA, we've got the full story on the recent merger of the International Association for the Leisure and Entertainment Industries into the parks association. RePlay conducted a one-on-one interview with IAAPA topper Charles Bray.
• Spring Show on Track -- The big spring show that will now combine AAMA's Amusement Showcase International and the annual AMOA Expo, previously held in the fall, is on track for success, say top sponsors. Get the latest on planning for this big event in the December print edition of RePlay.
• Counselor's Corner -- We have good news for our readers this month with the debut of a new column from industry legal expert Tom Fricke, a St. Louis-based attorney widely acknowledged as the preeminent expert on the law as it relates to redemption. He starts his column series with a look at Florida's safe harbor for skill games.
• It All De-Pinz -- From the Twin Cities' Anderson Companies comes the latest brand in hybrid bowling, Pinz. Arcade Profile puts their makeover of the sport on the map, as well as their network of traditional centers that have helped locally cultivate and grow the anchor attraction for decades.
• In the Very Beginning -- Few operators expect the economy to immediately take flight Phoenix-like in 2010 from the financial ashes of the past two years, but they have been generally protecting bottom lines and charting courses with business plans to turn today's unknown variables into improved odds for tomorrow. From cost-cutting strategies to advertising plans to Swine Flu prevention methods, find out how operators are applying the lessons of this year to next, along with some frank concerns, in Operator Interface.
• Maryland Maven -- Weiner Distributing celebrates a quarter century of success in style with a profile specially penned by our own "Jersey Jack" Guarnieri, who takes a closer look at founder Chuck Weiner's career, as well as the special team that keeps the dealership moving forward.
• Prize Paragon -- This year, Dennis Foland, founder of The Foland Group under whose umbrella is one of the largest and most respected prize suppliers in the industry, observed three decades in the amusement industry. RePlay celebrates by sitting down with Foland to discuss how his career helped to grow out-of-home entertainment and vice versa.
• Going the Distance -- Vendors Repair Service, along with sister firm Locking Systems International, gets the Nuts & Bolts spotlight for creative operator support and service, which, unlike the products they repair, never break down due to demonstrated long-term integrity.
• Let's Go for a Spinner -- Spinner Toys and Gifts owner Sandy Iyer explains how the Southern California prize supplier mixes traditional novelties with unique generic prizes to enhance redemption offerings in Prize Patrol.
  
  
• (Go back to main 2009 menu)

• Cover: Skee-Ball
• Parks Show Dispatch -- For a first-hand, hot-off-the-press look at last month's IAAPA, check out RePlay's show coverage of the hot new product debuts from the mammoth trade show extravaganza in Las Vegas.
• Association Merger Finalized -- Speaking of IAAPA, we've got the full story on the recent merger of the International Association for the Leisure and Entertainment Industries into the parks association. RePlay conducted a one-on-one interview with IAAPA topper Charles Bray.
• Spring Show on Track -- The big spring show that will now combine AAMA's Amusement Showcase International and the annual AMOA Expo, previously held in the fall, is on track for success, say top sponsors. Get the latest on planning for this big event in the December print edition of RePlay.
• Counselor's Corner -- We have good news for our readers this month with the debut of a new column from industry legal expert Tom Fricke, a St. Louis-based attorney widely acknowledged as the preeminent expert on the law as it relates to redemption. He starts his column series with a look at Florida's safe harbor for skill games.
• It All De-Pinz -- From the Twin Cities' Anderson Companies comes the latest brand in hybrid bowling, Pinz. Arcade Profile puts their makeover of the sport on the map, as well as their network of traditional centers that have helped locally cultivate and grow the anchor attraction for decades.
• In the Very Beginning -- Few operators expect the economy to immediately take flight Phoenix-like in 2010 from the financial ashes of the past two years, but they have been generally protecting bottom lines and charting courses with business plans to turn today's unknown variables into improved odds for tomorrow. From cost-cutting strategies to advertising plans to Swine Flu prevention methods, find out how operators are applying the lessons of this year to next, along with some frank concerns, in Operator Interface.
• Maryland Maven -- Weiner Distributing celebrates a quarter century of success in style with a profile specially penned by our own "Jersey Jack" Guarnieri, who takes a closer look at founder Chuck Weiner's career, as well as the special team that keeps the dealership moving forward.
• Prize Paragon -- This year, Dennis Foland, founder of The Foland Group under whose umbrella is one of the largest and most respected prize suppliers in the industry, observed three decades in the amusement industry. RePlay celebrates by sitting down with Foland to discuss how his career helped to grow out-of-home entertainment and vice versa.
• Going the Distance -- Vendors Repair Service, along with sister firm Locking Systems International, gets the Nuts & Bolts spotlight for creative operator support and service, which, unlike the products they repair, never break down due to demonstrated long-term integrity.
• Let's Go for a Spinner -- Spinner Toys and Gifts owner Sandy Iyer explains how the Southern California prize supplier mixes traditional novelties with unique generic prizes to enhance redemption offerings in Prize Patrol.
  
  (Go back to main 2009 menu)

• Cover: Shaffer Distributing
  
• Vegas Showdown -- On the heels of the AMOA Expo, the amusement and FEC industry returns to Las Vegas in November for IAAPA. Find out what's in store for fun center owners and managers at the mega product showcase.
  
• Indy's Legacy -- As California pursues a hearing in the U.S. Supreme Court over their overturned effort to ban the sale of violent home video games, RePlay takes a look back at how the coin-op industry helped establish a crucial legal precedent in the now famous Indianapolis case.
  
• 80 Years Young -- This month we celebrate a major milestone for one of the most respected names in the trade, Shaffer Distributing, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Get a first-hand look at the business Shaffer has become under the leadership of CEO Steve Shaffer and take a walk down memory lane to see how the four-generation firm got its start.
  
• Centennial! It's our "Ohio issue" as RePlay also celebrates the 100th anniversary of Cincinnati's Pioneer Vending. Our first-hand coverage of the milestone's celebration concludes with a conversation with the man at the helm, Bill Westerhaus, who's happy to be carrying on the family tradition.
  
• Gaming On -- Operators from North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Ohio, the states where video gaming initiatives similar to Illinois have been taken to lawmakers for consideration, discuss where their measures stand and future plans for attack in Operator Interface.
  
• The World According to Bob -- RePlay returns to Funspot in Wiers, N.H., to get an update with founder Bob Lawton, the 57-year industry veteran who's still enhancing his beloved facility through renovation and new construction. Read the story in Arcade Profile.
  
• New AMOA Prexy -- Tennessee operator Gary Brewer is the newest AMOA president, having taken office at the AMOA Expo in Las Vegas. He participated in his first Hail to the Chief interview for this month's issue, discussing the challenges and opportunities ahead for AMOA in maintaining its membership and annual trade show.
  
• Dynamic Duo -- MEI has two new bill acceptors designed to provide solutions to challenges in the contemporary market. The Cashflow 2000 VNR gives operators a way to reliably accept larger denomination bills and still be able to make change, while the MEI 12v battery acceptor has extended the life of the unit's power supply.
  
• Now on the Tee -- Incredible Technologies this month launches the latest update of its global hit Golden Tee. GT 2010 offers new courses, a nine-hole prize play format, the return of skins, and the ability to connect with the social networking phenomenon Facebook.
• Stuck on You -- Prize Patrol heads to Arizona to put Brand Vending Products in the spotlight. Their impressive and original sticker and tattoo designs have put them at the forefront of the flat vending business, leading them to diversify into bulk prizes as well. Craigg Goodman explains.
  

(Go back to main 2009 menu)____________________________________________________________

• Cover: AMI
• The Show Must Go On -- Whether you are preparing your own itinerary for the trip to Las Vegas or need a one-stop resource once you've hit the show floor, RePlay has all the details on this month's AMOA Expo. Our comprehensive coverage, including special events info, at-a-glance calendar, seminar descriptions and more, gets you off on the right foot.
  
• A Gala Affair -- Leaders of the AAMA hosted the group's annual meeting in late July near Chicago. The organization elected new officers, including incoming chairman David Cohen (Firestone Financial), and offered a preview of fall releases at its annual Distributor Gala.
  
• ATMs in Action -- ATM machines are more prevalent on amusement operators' routes as the units have improved and become more affordable. This month, we explore the ATM profit model through a special report including the results of RePlay's survey, supplier profiles, product catalog, Operator Profile of Alpine Vending's Dan Sunday and a focused Operator Interface.
  
• Lone Star Operators Gather -- Texas tradesters gathered recently for the 36th annual convention of the Amusement and Music Operators of Texas in Kerrville. The group elected Larry Lindelow as AMOT's new president, reviewed their recent legislative campaigns and looked forward to the next session. Get the full story.
  
• From the Land of Ice and Snow -- Combine Nordic nostalgia and California-style amusement, and you get Scandia, the nine-acre family fun center and park overseen by Gert Jensen and sons Finn and Erik. We talk to the family about the unique facility's attractions, past and present.
  
• Summing Up -- AMOA president Russ Mawdsley takes stock of his term as top cat at the national operators' association, describing some of the extraordinary challenges posed by the economic crisis. Read more in his Hail to the Chief column.
  
• A Twofer -- ICE, the Buffalo, N.Y., game maker, is off to the races with two new redemption pieces, Photo Finish Racing and Go Ballistic. The former is a competitive ball-roll game themed around horse racing, while the latter is a multi-level ball toss attraction.
  
• Road Trip -- Bay Tek Games' new, three-tier merchandiser, Road Trip, lets players step up and spin the wheel for a chance to accumulate miles and travel to high profile destinations like New York and Chicago, where they can redeem either small or large prizes. Get the details.
  
• Baton Down the Hatches -- Baton Lock has been securing equipment for decades with their range of trusty hardware. Showcased in Nuts & Bolts, the international supplier explains how locks are the most affordable and essential part of games and vending machines.
  

• Cover: Arachnid Inc.
  
• Board Business -- The boards of both IAAPA and IALEI have approved a merger of the two associations, despite vocal criticisms from two former leaders. Now the fun center association members will get to decide.
  
• Striking -- The 2009 Bowl Expo looked mighty familiar to anyone used to attending an coin-op game show with exhibit aisles lined with amusement firms. Get an inside look at the bowling trade's new favorite subject, FECs and amusements.
  
• Vegas Billiard Show -- RePlay stopped by this year's Billiard and Recreation Show in Las Vegas, sponsored by the Billiard Congress of America, and filed this report on the state of the home recreation industry in America today.
  
• Simply Masterful -- A quick portrait of Bill Masterman, a career operator as innovative as he is engaging, is this month's Thumbnail Sketch. Meet him in Tacoma, Wash.
  
• Supplying the South -- As Betson opened its first office in the Atlanta area and Brady readied to do the same, southeastern operators were discussing the role distribution plays in their businesses. How have their decisions been influenced by these developments? Can the combined forces of the national titan and the existing institution cultivate growth in the region? Find out in Operator Interface.
  
• Back in the Day -- In Arcade Profile, meet Brad Little, co-owner and general manager of Hey Day, the fun center that's reinvented out-of-home entertainment in Norman, Okla. Your day has arrived.
  
• A Bright Idea -- Glow Machine's new patent-pending Web Glow Machine vends glow product and then offers buyers a chance to log on to their website and get credits each time they buy premium goods redeemed online.
  
• Updated -- Get the latest on AMI Entertainment's new Megatouch update featuring two new games, more content for its classics and a host of fresh features for operators and players, including a simplified network configuration.
  
• Dynamite -- Delivering higher value for lower prices and prizes that are a blast is the name of the game for TNT Amusements. Tom Hirt and his staff get the Prize Patrol treatment.
  

• Cover: Redemption Plus
  
• A Big Tent -- AMI Entertainment is the new corporate identity under which the popular brands Rowe and Merit will now be marketed. The company has also acquired the commercial assets of Rock-Ola Manufacturing, bringing another venerable jukebox brand under its tent.
  
• Getting Ready for Gaming -- Illinois operators gathered just over the state border at Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wis., last month for their annual state meeting. This year saw a special cocktail equipment show, as well as a packed house for on-point seminars about the coming legalized video gaming initiative. Check out our first-hand coverage.
  
• Strolling Down the Lanes -- We've canvassed the country to showcase some of the most intriguing bowling centers and concepts, serving their communities and entire regions with out-of-home entertainment. From boutique bowling to bowling FECs to FECs with major bowling components, discover the diversity and profitability of the amusement formula in our special section.
  
• By the Numbers -- The information collected from RePlay's bowing center survey has been tabulated and analyzed to create an insightful picture of the bowling industry and the supportive role that amusements plays within it. Get a closer look at the results.
  
• Bowl Goal -- In July's Operator Interface, operators with games in bowling centers, along with facility owners and general managers, discuss trends in the alliance of bowling and amusement games, as well as decisions they've been making regarding games and traditional FEC attractions.
  
• Kirkwood Concept -- Big Al's in Vancouver, Wash., is a prominent headliner of the hybrid bowling facility movement, and Arcade Profile has put the beautiful, 60,000-sq.-ft. facility in its sights. You don't need to rent special shoes but put on your bowler hat and start the tour.
  
• Fraternal Order -- With a legacy dating to 1880, Kipp Brothers has refined its business to focus on the family, from its makeup to its mission. The family-run company, whose services are largely carried out through several families on the payroll all fulfilling the needs of family entertainment centers, is spotlighted in this month's Prize Patrol.
  
• Movers and Shakers -- Head to Virginia, Minn., where Nortech Manufacturing has been improving the coin-op industry with operator-developed product for over 20 years, starting with their EasyLift pool table mover. Read Nuts & Bolts.
  
• Slam Dunk -- Stern Pinball shoots some hoops with their new pinball machine. The NBA pinball game, launched during this year's NBA playoffs, features 20 players from 20 different teams.
  

• Cover: TouchTunes
  
• The Message on a New Medium -- Several new advertising platforms are beginning to hit the streets, as operators begin to deploy marketing technology from jukebox makers turned broadcast advertisers as well as a new player made up of distributors. Get the full story on these initiatives, as well as operator feedback and a closer look at the new partnership between distributors called Rivals Media and their OnSite advertising system.
  
• Ready to Grow -- This month's cover story on TouchTunes serves as an ideal complement to our thorough look at marketing and advertising initiatives for operators. Last month, TouchTunes unveiled plans to aggressively grow its Barfly ad network, rolling out 20,000 units by the end of the year. Read more about TouchTunes big plans for the future.
  
• It Takes a Family -- Rockwall, Texas, is the lucky home of Shenaniganz, one of the newest, most sophisticated and eye-popping eatertainment destinations that the industry has to offer. Take a first-hand tour of this major new player in out-of-home entertainment in this month's Arcade Profile.
  
• Advertising Their Thoughts -- Operators compare and contrast on-premise advertising systems in this month's Operator Interface, explaining their experiences installing them, what they hope to get out of the partnerships revenue-wise and their opinions on the overall model.
  
• Equal Opportunity -- In less than a decade, Larry Parsons and his wife Pam of L & P Vending in Barboursville, W. Va., have built a route operation of approximately 2,400 machines on location with more than 20 staffers. They have done so by treating all locations as an equal opportunity to grow their income and build trust in their service and support.
  
• The Money Matrix -- A master distributor for three major ATM manufacturers, ATM Network has a wide-spread and growing market presence across the U.S. by partnering with more and more amusement operators. Find out the latest developments on the cash-dispensing front, including the new frontier of ATM advertising.
  
• Lucky & Good -- Skee-Ball's latest redemption game, Super 21, offers a skill-play spin on a popular card game, Blackjack. Players learn to time their coin drop to get as close to 21 in point value, without of course going over that limit and having to start all over.
  
• On Fire -- Medalist's new Spectrum Fireball is a head-to-head, fast-paced action game with an aggressive price point and near service-free engineering, reports the factory. Get more information on this unique table game in our On the Market feature.
  

• Cover: Elaut USA
  
• Face Time in Florida -- Enhancing this fall's AMOA International Expo and improving member benefits topped the agenda for the national operator association's mid-year board meeting held last March on Amelia Island. Get a full wrap up of their progress committee by committee in RePlay's first-hand report.
  
• IALEI Update -- Leaders with the International Association of the Leisure and Entertainment Industry, the FEC trade association that sponsors and owns half of Fun Expo, has revealed more details about its proposal to merge with IAAPA. The group would become part of the theme park association's FEC Committee.
  
• Ecast Anniversary -- Ecast Inc., the broadband music service that serves thousands of digital jukes across the country, reaches a 10-year milestone in style, promoting a wide range of solutions from affordable upgrade kits to their upscale EQ unit with music, advertising and social networking.
• The Big Picture -- Well-run FECs remain an important part of their community, offering families a place to have fun and enjoy each other's company in a wholesome environment that offers real value for their increasingly hard-earned dollars. Learn more about this part of the industry in our special section.Sites of the Roundtable -- Incorporating new attractions and upgrading existing installations are more important than ever in underscoring the family entertainment concept, whether it's about playing mini golf or soft play, go-kart tracks or tracking redemption. The 2009 Fun Academy brought in specialized experts to demonstrate how to improve offerings for their Attractions Roundtable.
  
• It's No Mirage -- Sahara Sam's, a water park marrying the latest and greatest in water sports with amusement attractions, has just opened its doors in New Berlin, N.J., and made quite a splash in the region. Don your swimsuit and take a tour of this stunning, eco-friendly facility with owner Ilya Girlya as guide.
  
• Gameroom Gambits -- Operators across the FEC landscape have planted new ideas and promotions for growing business even in a cloudy economic climate. They share their novel ideas and successful strategies to implement them on location in this month's Operator Interface.
  
• Phazed and Amused -- PhazerZone Extreme by Media Vision is set to revolutionize lasertag, paintball and video simulation with an intensely theatrical, sci-fi experience, creating a heart-pounding spectacle for FEC goers. Prepare to teleport to the next frontier in immersive, out-of-home attractions.
  
• Big Winner -- Andamiro USA has a new prize game, Winner's Cube, that challenges winners to properly align the game's controls in order to get their hands on one of many attractive prizes. Get all the details on this new redemption game.
  
• Have You Got the Time? Family Fun Companies says it's "Time 2 Win" with their new self-merchandiser. With a beat-the-clock scenario, the experience of potentially winning two tiers of prizes can't be beat.
  

• Cover: H. Betti Industries 75th Anniversry
  
• ÔªøVegas Show Report -- Last month's Amusement Showcase International and Fun Expo played host to smaller, but more focused, crowds in Las Vegas. We've got the full scoop on the Vegas expos inside this issue, including overview stories on both shows, as well as a piece on the Pizza Expo next door. Plus, there's a RePlay exclusive new product catalog offering a detailed look at all the new equipment debuted at the show.
• Playing for Keeps -- Leagues have turned out to represent a cost-effective past-time for players, as well as a life support for amusement operators as the economic crisis has tightened its grip around the country. Industry leaders discuss how league programs have, in turn, grabbed hold of and kept players invested even when their total discretionary income may be less.
• The Man from Michigan -- In the second installment in our Why I'm Here series, featuring respected industry veterans and their philosophical take on what makes this biz tick, check in with former AMOA president and Michigan route operator Mike Leonard. We think you'll get a chuckle at his wise and witty perspective.
• Research and Development -- In this month's Operator Interface, tradesters step into research-and-development roles to share what specific product advances and thinking they would like to see come from factories to enliven coin-op's sales and image.
• Capturing the Castle -- Kid's rule, in all ways, at Burbank's jewel in the crown of family entertainment, Kid's Castle. Owner Michael Daglian and consultant Reggie Moultrie give readers access to the kingdom of fun, food, memories and profits.
• 75 Years and Counting -- This month, we celebrate H. Betti Industries' 75th Anniversary, chronicling the firm's growth from a single restaurant in New York through its evolution as a successful operating company and then metro area distributor to the international equipment supplier the company has become over the last two decades. Today, the expansive company serves operators coast to coast with service and support while forging unique marketing relationships with several key proprietary game developers, including the increasingly popular Raw Thrills and Play Mechanix. This special section includes a look at the past and present plus a thumbnail sketch of each of its branches across the U.S.
• The Tabletop Talk -- The Shuffleboard Federation has been presiding over its namesake sport since the late 1980s. In this month's Nuts & Bolts, we check in with president John McDermott to evaluate the status of the long table game today and tomorrow.

• Cover: Smart Industries
  
• Three For One -- ASI and Fun Expo tie the knot alongside the co-located Pizza Expo this month in Las Vegas. RePlay's comprehensive coverage, including special events info, at-a-glance calendar, seminar descriptions, planners' thoughts and more, gets you in the mood for show time.
  
• Slim Pickings for Coin-Op in Cuba -- RePlay's Eddie Adlum spent a weekend in the "forbidden zone" of the Caribbean, Cuba, where the music is hot, but it's not coming from the jukebox.
  
• The Post-Recession Consumer -- Entertainment consultant Randy White, who has helped create many cutting-edge leisure venues, offers readers a rare glimpse into the kind of high-octane research his firm pursues, in this case on the evolution of consumers in these dramatic times. Don't miss the invaluable portrait he paints.
  
• Barack and Business -- Operators get political on how President Obama may potentially affect small businesses like amusement operators through initiatives to re-energize the economy, as well as changes they would like to see implemented, in this month's Operator Interface.
  
• State Affairs -- Leaders and executive directors from state operator associations gathered last month in Phoenix under AMOA auspices to compare notes and discuss strategies for moving forward in turbid times.
  
• Funny Bone -- The Boneyard isn't a desert of death, but one of the most amusing eatertainment destinations delivering upscale amusement play. Arcade Profile invites you to bring your appetite and take a tour with owner Michael Schwartz and GM Scott Hoffman.
  
• Century of Success -- AMI, which started as a player piano maker called National Automatic Music Co. in 1909, is now the AMI Entertainment Network, a cutting edge broadband music service for jukes. A century later, the company is still providing affordable music for average people. Take the 100-year journey from then to now.
  
• Hit 'Em Hard -- Kalkomat USA is hoping to blaze new boxing trails with their new Wheel of Boxing game, which rewards more than just brute strength. Players can walk away with a prize from the game's multiple play formats.
  
• Modern Play -- Nuts & Bolts heads to Vancouver, where Orca Coast Playground has been designing and executing indoor playground installations for facilities around the world while growing their firm's size and reputation year after year.
  
• Kovens Culture -- A&A Global has embraced the world by delivering prizes, novelties and candy to a myriad of industries with a special focus on amusement and renewed dedication to bulk vending. Find out more about the personality of the firm run by the Kovens family in Prize Patrol.

• Cover: JVL
  
• Three's Company -- The buzzed-about co-location between ASI and Fun Expo is around the corner. Get an update on advance planning, from activities on and off the show floor to news about The Pizza Expo taking place next door, all to better organize your trip to Las Vegas next month.
  
• The Wide World of Games -- The international amusement scene has been bracketed by rampant growth in location-based entertainment at one extreme and the worldwide credit crunch on the other, both of which have influenced export sales. RePlay gets worldly this month in a special focus on foreign markets.
  
• Tackling 2009 -- The ball has dropped, the shot's been fired, and operators around the country and different segments of the industry have made their plans on how to make 2009 a better year. Operator Interface finds out how.
  
• Tricorp Nation -- From humble beginnings to a widespread operation, Tricorp Amusements has promoted quality product and attentive service on top of surefire business savvy. Get an inside look at the major route operation.
  
• Off to the Races -- Go-karting has become a more high-octane sport, albeit with electronic karts, because of the MB2 Raceway concept in Southern California. Put on your racing gear and pull up to the starting line.
  
• Test Your Skiller -- Skiller, the air-powered gun game attraction, has been reintroduced to the U.S. market after an extensive redesign by the folks at QubicaAMF. Take your best shot at this high-tech shooting gallery.
  
• Take Your Best Shot -- Coastal Amusements hits the market with two novelty shooters including the new Sea Wolf -- The Next Mission, a followup to their naval hit from last year, plus the merchandise-ready Spider Bot.
  
• Show Time -- Jennison Entertainment Technologies is now shipping its two latest games including Intermission, the quick-coin game followup to Hollywood Reels, and Vegas Sensations, the well-priced six-player pusher.
  
• Buggy Down -- Bob's Space Racers' Bungie Bugs may be a redemption piece with free-falling insects, but the cartoonish attraction is riding high after winning IAAPA's Best New Arcade Game Award for 2008.

• Cover: Sega Amusements
  • ANNUAL DIRECTORY (price: $25)
    this is the industry's premier reference annual with listings (addresses, phones, faxes, email, key personnel) of manufacturers, distributors, parts suppliers, trade associations, music one-stops...a must-have issue for anyone in the business!

• Cover: Merit Entertainment
• ÔªøParks Show Report -- Check out our breaking news coverage from the IAAPA parks show, which concluded just days before Thanksgiving in Orlando, Fla. We've got a first-hand look at the latest products and prizes debuted there.
• Weathering The Storm -- The economy is issue number one for just about everybody, prompting us to reach out to some of the cooler heads in the trade for some sage advice on how to stay afloat in these troubled waters.
• Celebrating Half a Century -- Coin Acceptors Inc. (Coinco) recently celebrated 50 years of delivering industry-changing payment solutions. CEO Jack Thomas said they got there by "continually reinvesting in our markets and reinventing ourselves to better serve our customers."
• All The Young Dudes (and Dudettes) -- Coin-op's next generation of operators has spent the better part of the year giving us the news about their take on the industry and what role they intend to play in its future.
• Interface on the Economy -- This month's Operator Interface looks at how operators are dealing with challenging economic conditions, especially as they begin making plans for the coming year.
• Fun For A Fee -- Rafiki is a 7,000-sq.-ft. FEC in Boise, Idaho, that utilizes a unique business model: kids are charged an entrance fee while their parents get in for free. Once inside, all attractions are set on free play with a deli and coffee bar where parents can relax while their kids have fun.
• Multiball Mystery -- Stern Pinball debuted their new CSI: Crime Scene Investigation flipper game. The pinball machine adapts CBS's original Las Vegas-based television series into an exciting game, and TV show creator Anthony E. Zuiker, a huge pinball enthusiast, even assisted in the design of the pinball machine.
• Delivering the Goods -- Family Fun Companies put out a spread of market-ready product at IAAPA last month with six new pieces boasting fresh twists on the redemption formula. The manufacturer's Jim Chapman describes their development details and fun-powered functionality in our final Spotlight Special of the year.
• LAI Round-Up -- LAI Games unveiled four unique products during last month's IAAPA, including Textminator, Starblitz, Mini Stacker and Double Up Stacker. "These products demonstrate the out-of-the-box game play experiences LAI has come to be known for," said LAI topper Alan Freimuth.
• The World According to Theisen -- Theisen Vending, the Midwestern kiddie ride operator and manufacturer and bulk vending supplier, takes center stage this month in Prize Patrol as president Tom Theisen details what each division of the company has to offer.

• Cover: Golden Tee Golf
• Show Coverage -- This month's issue of RePlay is packed with first-hand coverage from the AMOA and Fun Expos, which were held last month in Las Vegas. Literally hot off the press, you are holding a thorough look at both shows including booth-by-booth coverage, an update on association news and events including AMOA's 60th birthday celebration and a complete catalog of new games debuted at the conventions.
• IAAPA on the Way -- No sooner have you unpacked your suitcase from AMOA and Fun Expos, or returned from the latest distributor open house, then it's time to start making plans for the mega-parks show that IAAPA is staging next month in Orlando, Fla.
• Mr. President -- Russ Mawdsley of Russell Hall in Holyoke, Mass., became the new president of AMOA at last month's association show in Vegas. He becomes the second operator to follow his father to the group's top spot. Meet Russ and learn what he plans to do as president.
• All in the Family -- Julie Nordeen shares the helm of one of the most recognized companies in coin-op, Stansfield Vending of Wisconsin. From the slopes to boardroom, get to know Julie, daughter of industry legend Jim Stansfield Jr., a little better through our portrait in Thumbnail Sketch.
• Cranium Logic -- Ed Cappola of C-M Novelty-Plush explains how incorporating cranes into his operations bolstered the bulk vending company enough to make several strategic business moves, expanding its coverage from Maryland to Connecticut.
• 40 Under 40 -- We're in the home stretch of our Operator Interface series as five more amusement and vending professionals of the younger generation share their stories and perspectives. Then check out the discussion on iPod and Guitar Hero Nights culled from RePlay's blog.
• Redemption Richers -- Skee-Ball's new Strike It Rich, this month's Spotlight Special, is an exciting, stop-action game that challenges players to stop the scrolling LED light ball in the highlighted ticket area. If a player reaches the final level, they have the opportunity to play for a progressive jackpot.
• Start Your Engines -- Global VR is now shipping the new Need for Speed Carbon dedicated game. Operators can choose a standard cabinet that comes with a 32" LCD display or a deluxe version with a 42" LCD display, unique attraction marquee and molded side panel. The factory has also released team and track updates for their popular NASCAR driver.
• Basketball Anyone? Sized properly for youngsters, Shirts and Skins Jr. is a kiddie basketball game where players earn points for each basket they make with more points per shot as they approach the sounding of the shot clock.
• What's New? A lot! Take a look at the brand-new product on display at the AMOA and Fun Expos in RePlay's traditional post-show catalog.
  

• Cover: Expo Showbook
• AAMA Gala Alert -- AAMA held their annual meeting and Distributor Gala near Chicago last month, and RePlay was in attendance to chronicle the scene. Check out the latest news and equipment debuts from the factory association gathering.
• It's Showtime! Whether you're preparing for the trip to Las Vegas or need a one-stop resource once you've hit the aisles, RePlay has all the details on the AMOA and Fun Expos. Our comprehensive coverage, including special events info, at-a-glance calendar, seminar descriptions, planners' thoughts and more, gets you off on the right foot.
• Celebrating 60 Years -- This month's issue is dedicated to celebrating the 60th anniversary of the national Amusement and Music Operator's Association. RePlay published an exclusive special issue commemorating the group's exciting 50th in 1998. With a special nod to their illustrious past, we pick up where we left off. And there's been a good bit to talk about over the intervening decade.
• Point, Counterpoint -- Are chain locations the future of our industry or a less-than-advantageous opportunity for traditional route operators? What role should management companies play in securing those deals? Get the pros and cons of national chain operations from Chicago operator Ed Velasquez and management pro Richard Scherer of The Pelican Group.
• Kruse Control -- Ryan Kruse of Omaha's Nebraska Technical Services steps into the spotlight in this month's Thumbnail Sketch. Find out more about the man and the Kruse family behind one of the state's largest route operations.
• Second Generation Success -- Florida operator Albert Miniaci, son of renowned jukebox operator Al Miniaci of New York, has built his own coin-op empire in the Sunshine State with amusements, vending and coffee.
• A King and His Castle -- Take a trip to Spokane and meet Brent Botzenhardt, owner of Wonderland Family Fun Center, a veritable palace of fun surrounded not by a moat but some of the most beautiful mini golf greens the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Feel like royalty.
• A Shining Star -- Rowe International recently debuted their new Solara 2 Internet juke, which offers a 19" touch-sensitive LCD that replaces the prior generation's CRT touch equipment and a 2.8 GHz CPU that more than doubles its processing speed.
• Worldwide Acceptance -- AstroSystems has been bringing bill acceptor solutions to a spectrum of marketplaces. Their latest combo feature allows for greater pricing flexibility for the U.S. market, especially for cranes.
• Wish Upon an Allstar -- Allstar Vending has grown from operator to vending and bulk goods supplier to manufacturer, permeating all levels of the North American vending market from their headquarters outside of Montreal. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the firm.

• Cover: RePlay's Annual Jukebox Issue
• Almost Showtime -- Next month, the trade will make its annual fall pilgrimage to Las Vegas for the AMOA and Fun Expos. Get the early line on events, hotels, travel, etc.
• Bowling People Over -- Bowl Expo 2008 was the place to be for seizing coin-op amusement opportunities. More than ever before, the tradeshow demonstrated that bowling centers are adding and entirely rethinking gamerooms as part of a surge in upscaling facilities.
• Three Years Later -- August marks the third-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the life-changing disruption in the region's amusement scene. RePlay checks in with New Orleans and Gulf Coast operators and others to find out the incredible strides they've made on the road to recovery.
• Music Makers -- RePlay continues its August tradition in fine style with another special jukebox section, detailing the latest and greatest from all of the major jukebox factories and checking in with two successful jukebox operators from very different parts of the U.S.
• 40 Under 40 -- Our popular Operator Interface series continues with another batch of the industry's best, brightest and most youthful explaining their unique stake in the industry.
• Associations in Action -- The state operator association show season is in full swing this summer and we've got reports from Michigan (MOMA) and Ohio (OCMA) inside this issue.
• Making Over Fun -- In one of the fastest expanding areas of the country, Fun Fore All FEC has experienced its own growing pains within a unique architectural space. The owner and general manager explain what has made their facility work before and after a remodel and more changes being entertained around the bend.
• Dark Knight -- Stern Pinball is out with another pinball game tied to a big summer movie release. This time it's Batman, which came out last month along with the film Dark Knight. The new game offers many exciting features, including The Joker's Reveal Mechanism, Scarecrow's Crane, the Batmobile Bridge, an upper mini-playfield and lots of multi-ball action.
• Power of the Electronic Touch -- Elo TouchSystems' line of touch and non-touch screen technology is familiar to many throughout the amusement industry. The manufacturer's boldest product, the multi-touch platform, could also help revolutionize game play in the future. Find out more in Nuts & Bolts.
• Esco in the Know -- The coin-op industry has recently become a prime market for Esco Imports, a novelty supplier with a varied history in a handful of trades. Learn more about what potential the amusement business has for this established but relative newcomer in Prize Patrol.

• Cover: Eyes on the Prizes -- Play Time Toys Focuses on Growing Product Mix & Customer Loyalty
• A Gala Affair -- AAMA is set to hold its annual Membership Meeting and Distributor Gala Aug. 8 near Chicago. The event has become an important chance for factories to debut their works in progress to distributors and other association members in preparation for the fall buying season.
• Sporting Summit -- Incredible Technologies hosted 80 operating companies to its annual Summit meeting held in Chicago. They debuted their newest video, Mini Golf Master, showed the latest on Golden Tee Live and spent some quality time with operators talking about marketing, promotions and the current state of the coin machine business.
• They Brake for Games -- The national route pros at Travel Center Entertainment have found a special niche providing amusements for long-haul big rig drivers at trucks stops across the country.
• Tournament Central -- This issue is heavy with coverage from several national amusement game tournaments including the annual VNEA, BullShooter and NDA.
• Way Down to Kokomo's -- Kokomo's Family Fun Center in Saginaw, Mich., is embarking on the newest chapter in its long and exciting adventure as the home to an Italian-made Galaxy roller coaster called The Serpent. Get the full story on this impressive location.
• Power of Promotion -- AMI, the broadband music service affiliated with Rowe, has launched their latest software update, Version 2.7. One of the powerful new features is attract-mode processing, enabling jukeboxes to update promotional attract loops more frequently.
• Pyramid's Architecture -- In Nuts & Bolts, we shine a light on Pyramid Technologies, the currency acceptor manufacturer that has made interesting inroads in markets at home and abroad. Sit down with president David Mays for a look at the real innovations they've made in acceptor design, particularly in the Trilogy line.
• The New Bonita Marie -- BMI Merchandise has been busily cultivating more streamlined, automatic solutions for all types of prize supply. From Tickets to Prizes to their Tickets to Redemption program, BMI has staked its claim on fulfilling any prize need, instantly. Take a peek inside one of the largest amusement prize suppliers.

• Cover: Coast to Coast: Celebrating a Decade of Growth
• Bulking Up in Vegas -- The 2008 National Bulk Vending show might have welcomed smaller crowds, but they were dedicated to buying. RePlay takes you to the show floor for highlights on product; issues facing vending and, increasingly, amusement operators; and the NBVA agenda for the rest of this year.
• Brainstorming in the Big Easy -- TouchTunes Music hosted its Operator Advisory Board in the historic New Orleans French Quarter. The jukebox firm's top operators provided valuable input and got an update on their plans for growing a digital interactive network that includes music, ads and games.
• FEC Extravaganza -- This month's RePlay showcases our third annual FEC special issue, including a special overview report, the cover story on Coast to Coast Entertainment and commentary from a number of family entertainment experts like Frank Seninsky, George McAuliffe, Bud Umbach and Scott Drumond. We've also got a closer look at one unique location, a brand new redemption game supplier and words of wisdom from more of our regular contributors.
• Not Just Child's Play -- Camp Iliff in Newton, N.J., is the starting point for a new wave of revenue in family fun centers: child care. Owner and operator Theresa Iliff and others demonstrate how traditional day-care programming offered within a fun center location can both drive profit and improve a facility's overall appeal.
• Up, Up and Away -- Justin and Kern Jennsion, the principal family members and certified pilots behind Jennison Entertainment Technologies, emerged from the FEC world to become the newest game makers in the biz. The two started out as operators and tried distributing and consulting along the way to becoming a factory. Go from the drawing board to their friendly skies in our profile.
• Echaves Emerging-- Longtime behind-the-scenes game designer Carlos Echaves, responsible for many redemption hits, is now launching his own product brand, and his first debut Monster Games is hitting the biz backed by a powerhouse of sales experience too.
• What's for Dinner? Nuts & Bolts showcases Quick n' Crispy, makers of greaseless fryers. Their units offer the beauty of a full kitchen and none of the insurance premiums for a small portion of the cost outlay. President Paul Artt details product models with a healthy twist and what's needed to jump-start food services for hungry players.
• The Latest and Greatest -- L. M. Becker, the bulk vendor manufacturer and supplier of sensational prizes, recently started distributing the Take II unit, capable of vending up to four-inch capsules and prizes valued up to $9.99. In Prize Patrol, learn more about this diversified family firm that's putting U.S. operators in step with those in Canada and Europe.

• Cover: ASI: Quantity vs. Quality
• ASI Show Coverage -- A large section of this issue is dedicated to our firsthand coverage of the Amusement Showcase International held at the end of March in Las Vegas. We've got an overview story, booth-by-booth coverage, new product catalog and close look at all the special events including seminars, the Big Bar and a special Celebrity Coin-Op Olympics.
• Another Spring Show -- The Spring NAMA expo was held in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay convention center during two of the days ASI was also in town. Take a look at the news from the vending side of the business in our report.
• Lucky & Good -- The operator group Club Lucky, which has raised many eyebrows across the trade as it launched a national tournament program and struck direct deals with high-profile suppliers, continues to grow and forge new partnerships. RePlay checks in on the exciting and controversial group, which recently held a national summit meeting just before ASI.
• A Moment in the Sun -- AMOA returned to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, this spring for the association's mid-year board meeting. Fortunately for the association, this year's meeting was devoid of many of the stressful issues the group faced when it last met there a decade ago.
• Meet Mr. Shaffer -- Andy Shaffer, a fourth generation tradester, is the AMOA's newest officer. As the head of a progressive street route operation in Ohio and with a family background in both operations and distribution, Shaffer brings a unique combination of youth and experience to his latest role.
• More 40 Under 40 -- RePlay continues its discussion with young operators as part of our 40 Under 40 series of interviews. We continue to seek out the next generation for their ideas and insights on the industry today and tomorrow.
• Strategic Fortress -- The transformative power of family entertainment has never been more evident than in the story of Stocktons Entertainment complex, an oasis of amusement in Fort Stockton, Texas, situated in a desert of convenient, out-of-home leisure options. Allie Slater starts the tour.
• New-at-ASI Products -- As has become a tradition in post-tradeshow issues of RePlay, we've compiled the brand-new equipment in a handy reference guide. Check out our catalog.
• Reviving the Vision -- The Vision jukebox, created by View Interactive, is back. The jukebox created by operators for operators had ceased production last year, but it's set to make a comeback through a partnership with Rowe's AMI music service.
• Vending Vistas -- A new firm started by an Animaland industry vet came to ASI to debut its new concept in vending, a fully wired unit that can vend just about anything through its touchscreen sales interface. Get the full story on this true innovation in this month's Spotlight.
• The Age of Advertising -- With over 30,000 connected units, TouchTunes is set to capitalize on two growing markets, interactive and out-of-home advertising, but they need the help of their already loyal partners, street operators. Learn more about their plans.
• The Golden Years -- National Ticket has been celebrating their centennial milestone with the next generation of wristbands, along with emphasizing their variety of customized ticket options that have been implemented around the globe. Take part in the festivities in Nuts & Bolts.

• Cover: Apple Industries: Photobooths So Cool They're Hot!
• Red Carpet Welcome -- The Amusement Showcase International has once again spread out the red carpet over the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. RePlay is your one-stop resource for the tradeshow, seminars and special events sponsored by the AAMA. Get up to speed on the latest news from ASI, map your way to exhibitors and plan for local entertainment.
• The Other Spring Show -- The 2008 Nightclub & Bar Show was a coin-op intense extravaganza with new amusement industry exhibitors including Club Lucky. Feel like you were there for all the action with our in-depth coverage.
• A Solid Foundation ­­ Check out RePlay's first-hand report from the Foundations University near Dallas, a three-day seminar for FEC operators put on by the industry's top teachers.
• State Summit -- AMOA held its annual Council of Affiliated States meeting in Chicago. The event saw lively discussion of the state of the trade around the country plus visits to local coin-op firms and a trip downtown to see the industry's lawyer.
• 40 Under 40 -- Our series on burgeoning operators forging careers in coin-op continues with another batch of the youngest generation explaining their impressions of the trade's past, present and future. Read what they have to say in this month's Operator Interface.
• Bowling Anyone? Bowling-based FECs are the hot trend right now with new centers opening across the U.S. and around the world. We check out one of these snazzy new centers near Dallas. Alley Cats actually grew out of a 20-year-old Putt Putt operation that still co-exists with its new sister location.
• New Products Galore -- This issue of RePlay is chock full of new product reports, ranging across the spectrum from the newest I.T. video bowler and Raw Thrills' Big Buck Hunter Safari to a crane machine and novelty game by Smart Industries, a new rotary merchandiser based on a classic from Brady Distributing, Stern's latest flipper Shrek and even a new twist on the photobooth from Fotozines, not to mention our cover story report from the photobooth kings at Apple Industries.
• The Sweet Spot -- One of the most diversified companies in the amusement business, S & B Candy & Toy Co. is much more than just candy and toys. Find out about their equipment operations, distribution company and more in this month's Prize Patrol.
• Full Time Parts -- The growth of the Spanish parts maker and supplier Industrias Lorenzo encapsulates the history of the international amusement industry. Now, the company is embracing broader distribution ties to the biz. Visit their new Midwest facility in Nuts & Bolts.

• Cover: Leisure & Allied Stacks up 50 Years
• Come One, Come All -- The Amusement Showcase International is fast approaching with new product from the London show set to have their U.S. debut on the tradeshow floor in Las Vegas, March 27-29. Get up to speed on all of the details about exhibitors, entertainment and seminars in our comprehensive show guide.
• London Show Review -- Overall numbers were up and ATEI attendance was down, but exhibitors were happy anyway. Check out our extensive coverage, including an exhaustive look at new product, from RePlay's roving reporter in the U.K. Kevin Williams.
• Redemption is Still King -- Redemption remains one of the driving forces in the amusement business, representing a key area of profitability for many amusement centers and even a significant amount of street operators. Find out what's hot in redemption games from the key factories and listen in on a daylong redemption seminar held at Betson Texas.
• Star Wars Redux -- Laser tag has come back from the brink to become a must-have attraction in fun centers. Everyone's favorite futurist game has never been able to predict its own future, but for now the sport's model and growth mode is in full blast.
• Jewel of the Gem State -- One of the best and brightest models of family entertainment is found in the skinny, perpendicular panhandle of Idaho. Take a trip north to Triple Play Family Fun Park and discover how they have broken the mold in attracting not only local residents but families from hundreds of miles away and nearby Canada.
• 40 Under 40 -- Those who say the industry needs young blood, look closer. This month's Operator Interface Special Report kicks off an extended look at operators under 40 who have carved out a foothold in the amusement business.
• Lone Star Legions -- Operators in the Lone Star state got together recently to make plans for the future. The Texas legislature only meets every other year, and operators there are using the off season to broaden their appeal and get ready for upcoming elections.
• All for One -- A handful of innovative street operators in Illinois have forged Bar Stool Promotions to offer tournaments for prizes on JVL touchscreens to players all across the Land of Lincoln.
• Celebrating a Half Century -- Leisure and Allied Industries got its start as an Australian street route in 1958 and has grown to become a global entertainment center operator, amusement game factory and leading payment systems provider.
• Tao Jones Industrial -- International Currency Technologies has currency handling systems spread over most of the world, and their upcoming bill acceptor, the Tao, is set to show operators and even manufacturers a new way.
• More for Less -- In this month's Prize Patrol, meet Redemption Headquarters' Randy Gordon who holds down a singular niche in the amusement business: that of a toy manufacturer's rep offering manufacturing pricing.

• Cover: Global Billiards -- Old World Craftsmanship Meets Modern Technology
• A Surprise Move -- Allen Weisberg, the New York City operator turned photo booth maven at Apple Industries, has acquired the assets and rights to Face Place, a rival photo booth maker that closed its doors last year. Apple will make new Face Place booths and sell its Polaroid media.
• We the Vendors -- Congressional lawmakers have picked up the battle for increased regulation of children's products in 2008 as the NBVA has lobbied and petitioned the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Learn more about what they are doing on behalf of the vending industry in the face of bill stipulations plus more about the political climate of toy importing.
• An Inspiring Tale -- TouchTunes sales veteran Dan Clarton is back to work after a year of fighting cancer. In an essay for RePlay, Dan chronicles his successful battle and the way it has changed his outlook on work, family and life in general.
• Peach State Show -- Operators from across the Georgia Amusement and Music Operators Association gathered late last year at the Stone Mountain Park Evergreen Conference Resort to showcase new products, discuss legislation and raise funds.
• New Year, Same Issues -- Operators sound off in this month's Interface on their positive developments and concerns as the new year gets into full swing. Take the industry's pulse through their opinions.
• Making Tarzan Proud -- Patti Garrand takes readers on a tour of the newest FEC in New York state's north country, the TreePaad Family Entertainment Center in Glens Falls. Find out how this impressive destination got up on its feet, inspect their most popular attractions and find out why the bar on tree houses has been significantly raised .
• Reggie to the Rescue -- Industry veteran Reggie Moultrie has been working behind the scenes on some of the most impressive FEC and bowling facilities being developed. Reggie sits down to discuss the accomplishments of consulting firm Reggie Moultrie Inc. and the state of the fun center industry today and tomorrow.
• Along for the Ride -- Kiddie rides have long been popular with the industry's youngest customers, and online game supplier BMI Gaming is now representing the popular Falgas line here in the U.S. and Canada. Check out what's new with their ride line-up.
• High Marks -- Redemption factory Benchmark Games is coming off their best year yet, and they've got a few more tricks up their sleeve including a new mystery piece that sales topper and co-founder Al Kress says might be their biggest hit yet.
• Partying Goes High-Tech -- This month's Nuts & Bolts shines a light on Party Center Software, a suite of facility management tools that automates celebrations, marketing and so much more. Meet Scott Drummond, owner of Bounceopolis in Folsom, Calif., who implemented the software in his own location to impressive results.

• Cover: Benchmark
  • ANNUAL DIRECTORY (price: $25)
    this is the industry's premier reference annual with listings (addresses, phones, faxes, email, key personnel) of manufacturers, distributors, parts suppliers, trade associations, music one-stops...a must-have issue for anyone in the business!

• Cover: Sacoa: 50 Years in Entertainment
• CELEBRATING HALF A CENTURY -- This month's special feature on Sacoa Entertainment celebrates the company's 50 years of success, starting from the humblest of routes in Argentina, the company now operates dozens of FECs and a major theme park. They are also known worldwide for the Playcard System, an innovative card-based approach to currency on location.
• IAAPA REPORT -- The mega parks show staged annually by IAAPA was underway as this issue went to press. We filed a first-hand dispatch after the first two days of the show, reporting on new product and major news events. See this breaking new coverage. Click here to download the expanded version of our IAAPA coverage in PDF form. This file contains additional information and photos!
• BY THE BOOK -- Noted seminar speaker and FEC operator Michael Getlan has put his ideas and experience on paper in a new book about redemption entitled How Much Is That Doggie in The Showcase. Check out our preview of Michael's impressive literary effort.
• YEAR IN REVIEW -- Wildfires, the stock market tumbling, escalating gas prices, company buyouts and more topped the most notable events of 2007 for various operators around the country. In Operator Interface, find more stories about 2007's highs and lows and what some are predicting for the New Year.
• COWBOYS & GALS -- Launching Horseshoe Junction has been a grand exercise in theming amusements around an idealized 19th-century Texas with a saddlebag full of unique surprises for visitors and family entertainment tradesters alike. Set up camp awhile and take a tour with Brett Smith.
• GAMES TO GO -- Florida print shop owner turned operator got in the games business after a Eureka moment. If kids aren't coming to the game room as often, why not bring the games to them in a customized motor coach.
• GETTING IN THE GAME -- Brunswick, the amusement giant that owns Valley Dynamo, is now getting in the amusement game business. After debuting their first piece, Ultimate Tic Tac Toe, they debuted three more new games including Block Party, Tot Shot and Cruisin' Hoops, last month. Check out their line-up.
• ART OF THE PARTY -- Rebecca's has three generations of amusement expertise backing their inventory of low- to high-end prizes. The company spent 2007 revamping and expanding their party supply business with more changes in store for 2008. Meet or get to know better the Nazzaro family and their take on the art of the party.
• HOW ADVANTAGEOUS -- Coin Acceptors has released its superior line of Vantage bill acceptors just in time for their 50th birthday as a present to their customers who made the milestone happen. Get an up close and personal look at the company and its latest and greatest product offering.
• CAN WE HAVE A P -- For pinball that is, specifically the new Wheel Of Fortune pinball with original speech by Pat Sajak, host of the show, as well as Charlie O'Donnell, the show's announcer. Backglass art on this prime time pingame also features Pat Sajak and hostess Vanna White.

• Cover: Smart Scores a Solid Show (Expo Vegas Revue)
• A Big Splash -- This fall's AMOA Expo offered a host of festivities including a dunk tank for trade celebrities, plus a show floor full of new product debuts, all brought together under the "Fun & Games" banner. There was also headline news and much discussion about the future of shows. Get the full story including booth coverage and new products.
• For the Love of Fun -- Fun Expo fostered quality deals for the family entertainment industry and saw one of the best Fun Academy turnouts in recent years. Get the full scoop on exhibitors and product, the seminar program and IALEI politics and events.
• Courses of Action -- Whether you were too busy prowling the aisles of the fall expo to take in AMOA's seminars or want a refresher course, check out our in-depth coverage of the popular and informative estate planning and sound design seminars.
• Expo Face Off -- Operators of all stripes had lots to say about the 2007 AMOA and Fun Expos, as well as the souvenir show. Find out opinions about new product and perspectives on the industry in Operator Interface, direct from the show floor.
• The Pecking Order -- David and Harry Peck of Family Amusement Corp. have been keeping Angelenos amused for over three decades. Now it's time for the second generation to learn the game. Take a close look at what makes this institution tick and keeps a major metropolis entertained.
• The President Speaks -- Incoming AMOA president Lloyd Williamson steps up to the plate for his first one-on-one Hail to the Chief interview. "I'm looking forward to a strong year for the association, which will hopefully bode well for the industry," he told RePlay.
• Getting in the Game -- TouchTunes Music, the digital jukebox supplier, entered the touchscreen game business this fall with the acquisition of White Rabbit Game Studio, originally started by industry veterans Ken Fedesna and Ed Pellegrini. The firm developed the PlayPorTT handheld touchscreen game system, which will be sold and supported by TouchTunes.
• Three for One -- NRI, Cashcode and Telequip, all manufacturers of currency handling devices for diverse applications, have all been gathered under the umbrella of Crane Payment Solutions. Get to know this division of Crane Co. better, and what they have in store for the vending and amusement industry, in November's Nuts & Bolts.
• Madame Matriarch -- U.S. Toy Company is a Midwestern titan of toy and prize supply, especially educational items for many marketplaces. In Prize Patrol, we honor the late great founder Frances Gershon, a pioneer in this field going back more than half a century.

• Cover: The Reinvention of Golden Tee
• It's Showtime! AMOA and Fun Expos, with all their new product, exhibitors, colleagues, industry politics, parties and more, were set to invade Las Vegas as this issue hit the streets. Our show coverage offers an easy, complete reference to make the best of your stay in Las Vegas. Let this be your first stop to get the lay of the land at the shows.
• A Sad Loss -- California route operator Rick Caviglia made news at ASI 2005 when he launched View Interactive, maker of the JukeBoost Ecast-powered kits for old CD jukes. He followed with a new juke model called the Vision and graced the cover of this publication but sadly in a hyper-competitive market had to shut their doors last month.
• Homeward Bound -- Long thought of as competition, home entertainment sales have emerged in the last few years as a healthy market for arcade games. This month, RePlay talked to a handful of suppliers about the success they have had selling to the home .
• Home is Where the Games Are -- Operator Interface continues this month's examination of the state of home game sales. Take the pulse of the recreation market with operators who have incorporated a retail component into their business and compare their opinions with your experience taking games off the street and into the home.
• Mr. Music-- Many patrons in the Pacific Northwest have enjoyed his tunes, although they probably don't know his name. Quiet in his behind the scenes role, operator Dave Ruthruff of Kent, Wash., got his start in the video boom but later transitioned to music, first CD jukes and now the broadband digital craze.
• Fit for a King -- Palace Entertainment's star is in ascendance. Take a tour of Boomers in Dania Beach, Fla., to see how the largest operator of amusement parks in the U.S. has developed its showcase facility. Also get an inside look at major changes in the corporate structure of this mega-operator.
• Roll Over -- Roll 2 Win, the latest roll-down from Smart Industries, offers a dual cabinet and a flatscreen for promotional videos, both for the game and for the location. The game maker discusses their decision to put this self-promotion tool in the hands of operators, not to mention what looks like an impressive game.
• A Part of Your World -- This months' Nuts & Bolts shines the light on Amusement Emporium, which has spent over 35 years maintaining an expansive parts inventory and providing knowledgeable and convenient customer service. Read more about this Colorado-based one-stop parts shop.
• Rhodes to Hoe -- Rhode Island Novelty, a supplier of oodles of prizes, has a keen business eye trained on satisfying redemption needs while opening up new avenues of business. Get better acquainted with Frank Bebjl, sales manager, and learn more about how the company is meeting these goals in Prize Patrol.

• Cover: Bay Tek'x 30th Anniversary
• Remembering Bill -- The life and legacy of industry icon Bill Cravens, who passed away at this spring's ASI, was celebrated last month near Chicago as part of the annual AAMA meeting. "He was responsible for creating this brotherhood of sales reps. He made sure they took care of each other," remembered Steve Walton.
• A Gala Affair -- AAMA hosted their membership meeting and fourth annual product gala last month near Chicago. More than two-dozen hot new games were unveiled to the trade. Meanwhile the trade group elected a new chairman plus officers and board members. Read our full coverage.
• Get Exposed -- AMOA and Fun Expos team up with Big Kahuna West for the largest annual amusement product spread at the end of this month in Las Vegas. In this second installment of our three-part preview, find everything you need to know about getting there, navigating the show floors and special activities, plus a calendar and list of exhibitors and seminars.
• Show and Tell -- Operators discuss plans to attend expo, their agendas or lack thereof and in what directions they are focusing their businesses in this month's Operator Interface.
• Hot Shots -- For over 20 years, Hot Shot Amusements has been keeping central Florida amused and entertained with a variety of games. The experiences of owner Louis Riposte and Darrel Kainer have informed their side businesses, which are smoking hot, literally. Check out our Operator Profile.
• The Swaders Way -- Several years of hard work and even more future plans make Swaders Sports Park's mission to combine sophisticated mini-golf attractions and family entertainment look like a hole in one. Take a trip to Virginia to meet Ken Swader and stroll one of the most handsome, award-winning mini-golf courses.
• Start Your Engines - Global VR is roaring into fall with their new deluxe video attraction, EA Sports NASCAR Racing, a game that already has distributors buzzing. They also debuted the new shooter America's Army.
• Save Room for Desert - Gold Medal Products has created a legacy of taking traditional concessions to a new level with hundreds of product that make fun food as convenient and efficient as it is tasty and satisfying. Get your fill of SnoKones, Caramel Corn, cotton candy and some surprisingly company stats in Nuts & Bolts.
• Slimming Down - Rock-Ola's new Ecast powered Slimline juke, the first designed from the ground up for the digital age, may come in a smaller package, but under the hood it's a powerhouse of Peavey sound.

• Cover: A Two-Way Street: Ecast Forging New Ways to Partner with Operators Via Its Broadband Network

• Fall Show Preview -- It may seem like the middle of summer, but this year's annual fall shows, AMOA and Fun Expo, are just around the corner. Get the early line on these co-located trade events, both of which are scheduled to get underway in Las Vegas late next month.
• BCA Returns to Vegas -- The BCA International Billiard and Home Recreation Show made a successful return to Las Vegas in June, posting a 17% increase in attendance and a slight decrease in the amount of booth space sold. RePlay visited the show, where coin-op remains a significant presence.
• Jukebox Special -- What does the future hold for music, technology and the jukebox? Our special jukebox section kicks off with manufacturers and others discussing the ways music will continue evolving and what's on the research and development front for the future. Our annual jukebox issue also includes a series of distributor interviews, input from AMOA leader Russ Mawdsley on licensing angles, our cover story on Ecast, the full Buy Line on jukeboxes currently available, an appreciation of the classic coin-op phonograph first published by the venerable Wall Street Journal and more.
• State Show Season -- If it's summer, it's state show time. This month, we have coverage and the latest news from two of the nation's most active state operator associations, Wisconsin's WAMO and Minnesota's MOMA.
• Young & Worldly -- Florida operator Mike Matta is already a worldly veteran, despite his youthful appearance. He got his start operating pay phones in Michigan before relocating to Florida, where he now runs a traditional amusement route. Along the way, he traveled to Russia to follow his heart. Read about his adventures.
• Menage A Trois? As the AMOA Expo looms, the debate continues over whether the AMOA, AAMA and IALEI should combine their forces for one tradeshow a year. Listen in on how operators view the pluses and minuses of one show or two in this month's Operator Interface. You might be surprised.
• Marketing Medalist -- Medalist Marketing recently hosted 27 operator partners from 21 operating companies across the U.S. to its Annual Operator Council at the company's headquarters near Seattle. Together, they finalized plans for several major new promotional initiatives.
• Dreaming in Circles -- M & J Fabricators are improving cranes and bottom lines around the country with a series of spinning turntables for higher-end prizes. Nuts & Bolts highlights this product series called Circle of Dreams.
• Recall Mania -- Boatloads full of imported items, especially toys, have been pulled from shelves due to rampant recalls over the past two years. In a Prize Patrol Special Report, we look at how certain prize suppliers are managing the politics of this problem and ensuring that their product is safe.

• Cover: Merit Celebrates its 30th! Mike Maas Reflects On Winning Legacy, Plus What's New

• Coin-Op Centennial -- To celebrate reaching the rare 100-year mark, The Lieberman Companies family hosted a spectacular bash for their extended industry family, welcoming a Who's Who of the trade to their Minnesota headquarters. Check out their history and centennial festivities.
• High & Dry -- AMA Distributors and Lucky Coin in New Orleans weathered Hurricane Katrina and unforgettable aftermath and are no worse for wear. Their remodeled facility is now one of the finest distributor bases in the country, which they showed off in a festive, politician-studded opening reception. Discover the new and improved AMA.
• Summer Showtime -- Find out about the AAMA's high-profile summer calendar, including their presence at the National Restaurant Show and how they are preparing for August's Annual Meeting & Distributor Cocktail Gala, where about 45 new games will reportedly be shown.
• Standing Tall -- Only two-years-old, Betson Midwest's presence has gone from a foothold to a strong stance and is becoming stronger by the month. President Ryan Cravens gives an update.
• Coin-Op Caravan -- The AMOA met with the nation's lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to keep the importance of amusement operators and their business interests alive in the eyes of politicians. Find out how association members and their stances on issues were received on Capitol Hill.
• Give & Take -- Publicizing the charitable deeds of operators on both local and national levels is one surefire way to improve the coin-op industry's reputation. RePlay is doing its part by finding out how companies are giving back to their community, country and world in Operator Interface.
• Eternal Recurrence -- I.T.'s Operator Summit introduced operators to their new Golden Tee software update set to debut this fall, which signals a back-to-basics approach.
• Stair Stepping -- Lectro-Truck has been moving this industry forward, up and down, one machine at a time, for almost 40 years. Check out exactly why their series of motorized hand-trucks, comprising their Innovative Moving Systems, are so durable and multi-functional in Nuts & Bolts.
• Prize Patrol -- Strategic alliances with mainland China are key to keeping prize inventories stocked fresh. Manley Toy Direct's parent company is headquartered there and acts as a direct siphon of goods to the U.S. supplier, passing the savings along to the customer. Check out Prize Patrol.

• Cover: Triotech: Fun in Motion

• Buying in Bulk -- Check out a snapshot of this year's annual Bulk Vending Show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, including a look at the convention numbers in News Digest and a first-hand report from the American Amusement Machine Pavilion.
• Delta Blues -- They only play on the jukeboxes of Delta Music because Donovan Fremin certainly isn't singing them. The third-generation operator was recently elected to the AMOA executive board and is poised for the association presidency. Get to know the man behind the name that will be cropping more and more.
• Follow the Money -- We take an investigative look at the investment phenomenon that's putting the "fun" back into funding. Find out who is putting money into the new FEC concepts spreading across the nation and how they are navigating the risks differently than many of their predecessors.
• Scary Fun -- As part of this year's special FEC issue, we profiled two unique locations, both relatively new and both leaning heavily on theming. The Ghostly Manor Haunted House FEC, located in the shadow of Sandusky, Ohio's famed Cedar Point roller coaster mecca, is part of the popular haunting trend that's made its way into amusements. Farther south in Florida, the route operators at Sunshine have revitalized an old-school beach arcade, turning Treasure Island into a true entertainment adventure.
• Gurus Speak -- The FEC industry is blessed with many great minds, and our annual special issue includes input from many of them, both in the aforementioned look at investment and directly. We have a Q&A on the state of the trade from Frank Seninsky plus a look at the leisure vs. entertainment argument from none other than LBE creator Randy White.
• Factory Focus -- Toy Factory lives up to its name by producing many iconic, licensed properties from major studios. Discover more about this giant of prize suppliers and what recent and new licenses have been acquired.
• Movie Mania -- Stern Pinball's timing couldn't be better as they released their new Spider-Man flipper game right as the latest movie in the series was breaking box office records its first weekend. Get the full story on this new silver ball adventure.
• Drifting Away -- Raw Thrills is on a roll, this time with another high-speed hit, The Fast and Furious Drift. The new driver offers 12 licensed cars with model-specific upgrades, 21 tracks and dynamic drift racing action.
• Game Smorgasbord -- No one can say this industry is lacking in new product with all the games Namco alone has been releasing (with more planned by year's) end. Look under the hoods of several of these , including Shoot the Moon, Chase HQ 2, Family Bowl and the Rockin' Bowl-O-Rama kit. 

• Cover: Rowe's Star is on the Rise with New Juke & Prexy; Product-Heavy ASI Draws Serious Buyers to Vegas

• ASI Show Review -- The spring ASI expo in Las Vegas headlines this issue of RePlay with full coverage of the show including feedback from attendees and exhibitors, the official line from organizers and sponsors, news about special events on and off the show floor, booth photos from one end of the convention to the other and a catalog of all the new product debuted.
• Sad Passings -- Amidst the hubbub of the ASI, trade members learned the sad news that industry veteran Bill Cravens passed away in his hotel room, after attending the first day of the show. Another industry luminary, longtime Windy City distributor Fred Skor, lost his battle with cancer. We have tributes to these two impressive men, plus the news of several others losses to the industry.
• Thumbs Up -- Appreciation for ASI 2007 was the prevailing sentiment in our survey of attending operators, whether they bought truckloads of equipment or went to examine product now to buy in the fall. Check out May's Operator Interface.
• SoCal Sitdown -- The AMOA board of directors met in San Diego for four days of committee work to consider ways of improving the fall expo and the national organization. Find out where the group stands on everything from membership numbers and benefits to what this fall tradeshow holds in store and who will likely become the new powers-that-be down the road.
• Associations in Action -- Two of the nation's largest state associations for amusement and music operators recently held crucial get-togethers with their state's lawmakers. These events, which took place in Springfield, Illinois, and Austin, Texas, offered members of the trade valuable time to meet with legislators and their staff and put a face to the industry and its issues.
• Advantageous -- Advantage Entertainment has secured a foothold in the northeast with its special concept of the mall FEC. Discover Krazy City in West Nyack, N.Y., and what it bodes for transforming shopping plazas throughout the region.
• Merit on the Move -- Merit Entertainment, the touchscreen game specialists, brought their tested and production-ready Aurora, with its larger format touchscreen, to ASI along with new software and a renewed commitment to customers.
• Reaching Out -- TouchTunes Music was busy at this spring's ASI, rolling out their Gen 3 system with easier navigation and online playlists for customers, auctioning a juke for the Lance Armstrong Livestrong cancer organization and raffling another for operators.
• Refreshing Music -- The digital jukebox kit pros at View Interactive have an all-new kind of upgrade for existing CD (and 45 RPM) jukes either on location or in the shop. Now, you can salvage all the key components and install them in the new InnoVision cabinet, powered by Ecast.
  

• Cover: Andamiro Puts Its Pieces Together for Spring Season

• ASI "007" -- The Amusement Showcase International is in full swing, and RePlay has assembled the complete guide to the show, as well as extracurricular activities, both sponsored by the AAMA and those throughout Las Vegas. Check out the latest news on tradeshow events and seminars, consult our exhibitor list with booth numbers for a quick reference and plan your entertainment options.1
• Direct Threat -- The prospect of a digital jukebox company, in this case upstart Jukes Direct, selling direct to locations caused quite a stir in late February. The controversy appears to have calmed, for now.2
• Top Notch -- Pool table maker Valley-Dynamo took distributors on a tour last month of their new manufacturing facility in Reynoso, Mexico, just across the border from McAllen, Texas. The world-class facility impressed the factory's dealer network.
• State Summit -- AMOA hosted its annual gathering of state association presidents and executives in mid-February at the Omni Hotel in downtown Austin, Texas, where they discussed the state of the trade in their respective locales. Read our first-hand report.
• Growth City -- It may be Sin City to the thousands of visitors who go every year, but Las Vegas represents a growth environment for Desert Amusement, the route operation headed up by three newcomers to the industry who are already making their mark in the desert.
• Developing Worlds of Fun -- The popularity of pizzacade development shows no sign of abetting, as evidenced by Wisconsin's stylish Stonefire Pizza Company. Meet general manager Ted Cutting and president David Church, a real estate pro making it in the amusement business.
• They're Nationwide -- Club Nation is the second national operating group to form in the name of leveraging their street presence for promotions with larger prize pools. They have already run three national tournaments and are off and working on their fourth.7
• Bayside Redux -- Our Spotlight Special shines on Shelti's Bayside pool table with a dollar bill acceptor. Coming in three different models, the table has been performing well on location and driving different kinds of enhanced play.
• Coming to America -- The Photo Play phenomenon, which has swept Europe over the last decade with more than 160,000 units in the field, is now making its way to the U.S. through a partnership with former Rowe topper Doug Johnson.
• Andiamo Andamiro -- Andamiro USA has slated an ambitious plan to release games from ASI through the AMOA Expo. In this month's cover story, we take an early look at the product, including a redemption game, self-merchandiser and linked touchscreen platform, and find out how business has fared in recent years with EVP Satinder Bhutani.
• Counting the Years -- After over 75 years, KLOPP's name has become indistinguishable from coin counters, but who are the people who have made it happen? Discover a company whose product still has rare, die-hard integrity and the record to prove it in April's Nuts & Bolts.
  

• Cover: Family Fun is Heading to ASI

• It's Showtime! The Amusement Showcase International 2007 returns to Las Vegas for what organizers are claiming will be a bigger and better extravaganza, thanks to boosts in exhibitor and registrant numbers over recent years. The complete resource for navigating the show floor, seminars, special events, logistics and more unfolds in this issue.
• London Calling -- ATEI, known to most as "The London Show," was sporting a new look and layout at the familiar Earl's Court exhibit venue in late January. Amusement attendance was down this time around (while gaming was up) but there was still hot new product on display. Read our exclusive report from "Mr. Stinger" Kevin Williams.
• Redemption Rules -- That's the word from distributors across the U.S. We surveyed a number of top dealers from different parts of the country from whom we learned that both ticket and instant-win redemption is thriving in games rooms and on the street. Read what they have to say, as well as a number of related articles on the subject of redemption, in a special section.
• Lucky and Good -- A group of 17 top operators banded together last year to form a promotional co-operative called Club Lucky. Now, they want to take it to the next level, working directly with suppliers on promotions, prizes and game purchases
• A Diamond Day -- Pittsburgh game operator H. Lazar & Son, now headed up by third generation operator Dale Lazar, celebrated 75 years in business last month with a jukebox-themed party in honor of the company's forefathers. Editor Steve White attended in person and filed this report.
• Two for the Road -- Sunshine Companies and Sega have joined forces to create Sega Amusement Works. We check in with Robert Noell Jr. and Takeshi Inoue to find out more about this joint venture (two years in the making) and their plans for reciprocal success in street locations and game manufacturing.
• Striking Out, On the Town -- Strike Long Island, an entirely underground bowling center with a nightclub atmosphere, has transformed an industrial area of New York into a hip destination. Take a grand tour of this facility with the general manager and execs from the parent company, Strike Holdings, which has been busy spreading its vision of sophisticated whimsy around the country.
• Prize Kings -- Noel Industries has grown into a major supplier of prizes for rotaries and other instant-win games, thanks to a family history in the business, down-home friendliness and Chris Noell's inventive game designs. Go south in Prize Patrol and drop in on the family business to find out more about why it's Christmas year round - and not just because of the nam.
• A Family Affair -- Stern Pinball and famed designer Pat Lawlor have teamed up again, this time for a new flipper game based on the wisecracking comedy of Fox's Family Guy. The game's also got some snazzy new playfield features.
• To Infinity and Beyond! Infinite Peripherals has been riding a wave of technological advances in remote receipt issuing, transforming basic printers into efficient, multi-tasking solutions. In March's Nuts & Bolts, discover more about the near-limitless possibilities in this field.

• Cover: Medalist at 25: a global enterprise

• Street Scene -- We take a good look in this month's RePlay at the state of the game biz on the street, the bread and butter for many operator readers. Conditions appear to vary from region to region, but promotion, new product and now prizes are key to maintaining revenues, say ops. Fortunately, our own Frank Seninsky also offers tips (see page 89) for doing redemption on the street.
• ASI on the Horizon -- This spring's Amusement Showcase International, the AAMA-sponsored game expo, is already on the horizon. Check out the early line on the show including travel deals, hotel information and what to expect as ASI returns to Vegas.
• Full Circle -- The promotional pros at Medalist Marketing have come full circle, back to their roots in topper Lee Peppard's first business, Tournament Soccer. Having established their expertise in building, operating and promoting darts, Medalist is celebrating its 25th anniversary by entering the table game business with new foosball and pool tables for coin-op.
• Class is in Session -- AMOA's most recent Class XIII of the Notre Dame Management Education Program is already off and running with 40 students. Meanwhile, the association is launching a graduate version. Read the last of editor Steve White's first-hand Notre Dame notes from Class XII.
• The Year in Store -- After taking stock of last year, operators are looking to grow or maintain their market presence in 2007. Find out how they are waging battles against consolidation through diversification, lobbying, firing locations and more, plus check out their New Year's Resolution blog comments.
• Mountain Top Fun -- Fort Fun & Camp Thunder have helped make Gatlinburg, Tenn., one of the most attractive vacation spots in the east. Tour these facilities with co-owner April Montgomery.
• Operators in Action -- West Virginia operators met late last year to elect new officers and approve a name change in one of the few states that enjoys limited, operator-run gaming machines. Check out coverage of the WVA & LVLOA.
• Star Struck -- Bay Tek Games of Wisconsin is heading to Hollywood with their newest game, the American Idol merchandiser. In addition to specially licensed AI prizes, players will also get a shot at tickets to the show's grand finale as part of special factory promotions in the works.
• Double Whammy -- American Alpha's newest releases, Fearless Pinocchio and Fist Talks, are fun, engaging and addicting games for youngsters - and that's no lie. The puppet-come-to-life and Rock, Paper, Scissors attractions combine to create memorable experience.
• A New Video Juke -- Barden Entertainment, the new video jukebox development firm started by casino mogul Don Barden, hopes to launch their digital video box this spring with a wide range of revenue-friendly features including special advertising screens.

• Cover: We're Still Having Fun -- TouchTunes
• ANNUAL DIRECTORY (price: $25)
  this is the industry's premier reference annual with listings (addresses, phones, faxes, email, key personnel) of manufacturers, distributors, parts suppliers, trade associations, music one-stops...a must-have issue for anyone in the business!

• Cover: Bowling Innovators at QubicaAMF Take Aim at Game Manufacturing.
• Inside: 2006 in Review

• Dispatch from IAAPA -- The IAAPA parks show was ongoing in Atlanta as this issue went to press, but we managed to squeeze in a few pages of late breaking coverage. If you weren't there, get the early line on the show.
• A New Look -- That's what the annual London show (ATEI) will be sporting next month when it takes over all of the exhibit space at the world-famous Earl's Court venue. Get a sneak preview of the new two-tiered show from our regular contributor Kevin Williams.
• On the Road -- Industry suppliers have continued to take to the road during this fall show season as regional distributors showcase new wares to their operator base. Check out reports from open houses in Chicago and L.A.
• Class of 2006 -- Members of the newly graduated Class XII of AMOA's Notre Dame management program sound off on the courses, instructors, fellow alums and the lessons they took home to apply to their businesses in Operator Interface.
• Christmas in the Boonies -- For the third year, Boondocks Fun Center in Colorado has transformed its mini-golf course into the Winter Wonderland of Lights. Take a walk through the festive light extravaganza and among the FEC's multitude of attractions.
• Less is More -- Micro-tournaments that cater to player schedules and are largely managed by locations have been popular for two operators in the heartland. Find out how and why this format has increased the tournament cashbox by as much as 20%.
• Time is Running Out! Benchmark is busy shipping their newest pusher-style ticket game, Beat the Clock, which first debuted at AMOA in Vegas. Time your coins to spell the title phrase and win big! Check out the details of this timely license from China's UNIS.
• Back to the Future -- JVL's new Retro touchscreen game has got the latest in hardware technology, not to mention the factory's most recent software update, all packaged in a flashy art deco-style cabinet sure to attract players with a taste for the classics.
• Bowling for Keeps -- After two mega names in bowling merged over a year ago, QubicaAMF has rapidly rolled out Highway 66 mini-bowling, renovated bowling centers all over the world and overseen the greater integration of their sport of focus and coin-op. The bowling specialists have now turned their focus to developing and manufacturing amusement games.

• Cover: Global VR Team Flexes New Product Muscles at the AMOA & IAAPA; Inside: Expo Fotoblitz!

• Another Good Show! AMOA International Expo is on a roll in Las Vegas, hosting another successful convention along with the IALEI-sponsored Fun Expo, co-located in the same convention center hall. Attendees were upbeat, new product looked good and the numbers were better than last year. See our full coverage of this year's show including news coverage, new products, booth pictures and a first-hand look at special events and seminars.
• Considering the Unthinkable -- The methods of shoring up operator businesses was the timely topic at the AMOA panel discussion, "What to Do Before Disaster Strikes Your Business." Experts navigated the way through the thorny process of agreeing on an insurance policy and discussed ways of making certain the plan in place effectively offers an umbrella of protection before it is too late.
• Open Season -- The post-show open house season is underway and we have coverage of two of the early events: Birmingham Vending and C.A. Robinson.
• Was it Good for You? Find out how opinions of expo 2006 stacked up as operators discuss new product, sponsored events and overall show design in Operator Interface.
• IT'Z Here! Arcade Profile zooms in on Albuquerque where a new FEC has sprung up in the desert. IT'Z is no mirage but the conflation of coin-op amusement, dining and entertainment in a smorgasbord of fun. Start your tour and find out what is next in store for the curious brand name.
• The Right Touch -- This month's Spotlight Special is on TouchTunes Music Corp., the digital jukebox pioneers who have now reached 20,000 units online and celebrated at AMOA by showing off their Gen. 3 operating system, giving out prizes and free jukes and basking in their AMOA Innovator Award win.
• Tickets, Please -- Muncie Novelty and Indiana Ticket have built a ticket-printing empire amidst rural Midwestern cornfields. Indiana Ticket in particular has supplied hundreds of millions of tickets to the amusement industry alone thanks to a 24/7 operation and a commitment to customer service. Discover the history of the company and the Broyles family behind it in Nuts & Bolts.
• Element of Surprise -- Peek-A-Boo Toys has built its business on designing and manufacturing genuinely adorable plush with the option of customized branding. Barry Lederman discusses the supplier's knack for getting the details right that speak to both crane players and customers on the other side of the redemption counter in Prize Patrol.
• Making Connections -- Ecast Inc., the broadband music pros who have partnered with NSM, Rock-Ola and View Interactive, pulled back the curtains on their newest online platform. This new system will support videos and revenue-generating advertising.

• Cover: ICE Spanning the Globe with New Product

• Vegas, Baby! It's show time in Las Vegas for the AMOA and Fun Expos and the Big Kahuna West souvenir show. Use this issue as your guide for finding everything you need to know about exhibitors, seminars and extracurricular activities for each tradeshow in our coverage.
• Dollar Coin Redux -- Washington is once again abuzz with discussion of a new dollar coin. This time around the Mint will be producing a whole series of dollar coins featuring the images of deceased presidents. To promote circulation, an all-new coalition has been formed.
• Coin-Op's Future -- The future of just about every industry, including the amusement game business, will be affected by the awakening of China's mammoth economy. Check out what industry vets predict this growth in both manufacturing and a new consumer market will mean for coin-op.
• Strange Bedfellows -- Relationships with bar owners can be fortuitous or thorny, depending on the location and the incentives an operator has in place to nurture business associations. Find out from six operators exactly how they try to keep owners happy and, conversely, whether they are happy with their owners in this month's Operator Interface.
• Getting Lucky -- Ten operators who gathered at Chicago's Club Lucky this spring during ASI have formed a group under that same name to leverage their routes for Golden Tee contests, prize purchases and more.
• State Show Update -- Tradesters in the Show Me State gathered for the Missouri Amusement Machine Operators Association's 10th annual show and general membership meeting in Osage Beach. More than 110 operators, staff and family attended, and 25 companies took exhibit space.
• Madden Mea Culpa -- Acknowledging that their first effort two years ago was fraught with problems, Global VR toured the country in August and September to re-introduce their new Madden Season 2 football video. "This time, we got it right," said CEO Jim DeRose.
• Tennis, Anyone? This month, we focus our Spotlight Special on the new deluxe sports video from Sega, Virtual Tennis 3. The game features the top players in the world from men's pro tennis for singles and doubles action. Players can also select from a list of eight play styles and lots more.
• Money-Taking Business -- MEI has been steadily upping the ante on coin acceptors, bill validators and now combo payment acceptors. After being purchased by two private firms earlier this summer, the manufacturer now stands freely on its own in the field of currency acceptance devices. RePlay got to know MEI in its current incarnation and assessed its product.
• Getting Your License -- As soon as One Stop Toy Company embraced licensing, significant entertainment corporations embraced them. The supplier now has North American licenses for creating and distributing The Family Guy, Superman, Spider-Man prizes and more. Execs Evan Kaltman and Dave Schwartz discuss their product, from design to redemption counter.

• Cover: Namco: Where West Meets East

• Go Expo! AMOA and Fun Expos team up with Big Kahuna West for one of the largest product spreads the industry has seen in a while later this month in Las Vegas. In this first installment of our two-part full preview, find everything you need to know about getting there, navigating show floors and special activities, plus lists of exhibitors and seminars.
• A Gala Affair -- The American Amusement Machine Association gathered in late July for their annual membership and board meeting, as well as the 3rd Distributor Gala, featuring a preview of new product in the pipeline. During this year's meeting in suburban Chicago, AAMA leaders engaged in a soul-searching discussion about the group's future.
• True Brew -- Our series on the AMOA executive board wraps up by training the spotlight on Gary Brewer, who will become secretary following the expo this month. He elaborates on how his family business has withstood the test of time and why involvement in the AMOA was a natural progression for a native of the Volunteer State.
• Expo Agendas -- Operators discuss plans to attend expo, their agendas or lack thereof and what the tradeshow might say about the state of the industry in Operator Interface.
• Thumbnail Times Two -- This month we have two Thumbnail Sketches for your reading pleasure. Meet Mississippi operator Ron Lott who hails from the Deep South terrain in and around Jackson, Miss., and Lou Georges, whose suburban Pennsylvania route has shrunk from its former interstate status. Both second-generation operators offer up tales of success and survival.
• Associations in Action -- Summer is the season for state shows, and this month we have coverage of two important stops on the circuit: the Amusement and Music Operators of Texas annual show and convention and, from earlier this summer, the annual gathering of the Wisconsin Amusement and Music Operators.
• Stern Sets Sail -- Stern Pinball is hitting the high seas of pinball with their newest flipper game, Disney's Pirates of Caribbean. Stern honcho Gary Stern says the game has "lots of mechanical action pinball shots and toys for casual players, yet the story cries for deep rules to challenge the best players."
• Take the Wheel -- Andamiro's newest quick coin game, Winner's Wheel, thrives on players' timing skills. Release the coin at the right time to win tickets. Keep playing, and you might win the jackpot. Check out the details on this game, plus their newest pounder, King of the Hammer DX.
• What's Your Fantasy? Fantasy Entertainment has been manufacturing and operating thousands of innovative photo booths for years. They recently teamed up with Brady Distributing to sell product exclusively to the amusement industry. Step inside and get a picture of their cutting-edge technology and what the world can expect of self-imaging booths in the future.
• All Aboard -- Prize Patrol checks in with Fun Express to see how the supplier has further developed solutions for redemption centers, why the personality of the amusement/redemption team is so valuable to business and what new product expo goers can expect to play with at expo.
  

• Cover: More Fun Stuff Swell's Bob's Space Racers' Arcade Lineup

• A Million and Counting! Jukebox maker Rowe International threw a party last month at their Grand Rapids, Mich., factory commemorating their one-millionth jukebox rolling off the factory line. Industry leaders, media and factory staff were on hand to celebrate. See our first-hand report.
• Set for Vegas -- It's already time to start planning your trip the co-located AMOA and Fun Expo shows in Vegas next month. New this year will be the addition of the Big Kahuna West prize show. Check out our initial preview including travel deals and a preliminary look at what's on tap.
• By the Numbers -- The AMOA/University of New Orleans 2006 Jukebox Survey, released earlier this summer, is a gold mine of data when it comes to the association's street operator members. We followed up this month with a closer look at some of the "other" numbers in the survey, providing an in-depth look at the size and scope of the so-called average operator.
• Getting Warmed Up -- August continues RePlay's profile of the AMOA executive committee in preparation for the fall expo right around the corner. Treasurer Lloyd Williamson has grown Williamson's Amusements throughout the Midwest through concentrated league play and homegrown tournaments. How will he continue to apply these fundraising skills to the association as first vice president next year and as president in 2007-2008?
• License This -- Operators across the country were particularly revealing about the issues and ordeals they face when obtaining licenses for equipment. Find out how your experience and expenses compare in this month's Operator Interface.
• Pizza Pie in the Sky -- The Amazing Pizza Machine shows what fresh perspectives can accomplish when combined with one of the best minds of the industry. The Omaha FEC fuses an upscale pizzeria with an enviable environment for coin-op games. Meet the men who dared dream it: the Alesio brothers of Grand Italian Buffet renown and Reggie Moultrie.
• Medalist Makeover -- Medalist Marketing, the dart league and tournament specialists from the Pacific Northwest, have been busy expanding their reach both into overseas markets and diverging equipment lines including a newly created foosball table.
• How it Happened -- Last month, Happ celebrated 20 years of stratospheric growth that catapulted the parts supplier onto the international stage in the amusement, gaming and vending markets. Frank and Tom Happ, as well as Jim Norton of parent-firm Pfingsten Partners, discuss the past two years of changes since Happ was sold, as well as the firm's recent acquisitions of the Mazzco and ProSource Group supply houses.
• Takes One to Know One -- A prize supplier with a sophisticated personality that goes the extra mile is needed to recognize product that does the same. Sadie's Toy Box president Lee Ann Howell takes readers on a fascinating tour of the company, shows off new product and explains what sets apart Sadie's inventory and customer appreciation apart from the rest of the class.

• Cover: Incredible Technologies & Silver Strike Bowling 2007 Bowler's Club Now with Online Weekly Sweepstakes

• A Hundred Years Young! Coin biz patriarch Sol Lipkin, the king of shuffleboard, celebrated his 100th birthday recently at a big Dave & Buster's bash in Philly. RePlay publisher Ed Adlum was there for the event with Sol and brought back a special report on the grand old man of games.
• Sound and Fury -- The 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo drew large crowds and loud exhibits as always, but the focus was more on marketing new software than hardware, with only one new platform previewed at the expo. Check out our own Loni Reeder's report.
• The Throw Line -- The year's two big dart finales, Arachnid's BullShooter and the AMOA NDA Team Dart finals, were held this past May. We've got coverage of both.
• Tee Time -- Global VR crowned their most recent EA Sports PGA Tour Golf champ in Las Vegas. A newcomer, Shawn Powers, walked away with $15,000 and serious bragging rights.
• To Reinvest or Not to Reinvest -- July's Operator Interface tag-teams with RePlay's survey of operators, mapping the rough and uneven terrain of route investment. Find out who re-investments what and how much .
• FEC Forefather -- Next year, Family Fun Center of Omaha will mark a quarter century in business during which it has quietly set a precedent for facilities of its kind. Meet Chad Reznicek and find out what has made this successful family business a renowned attraction not just in the Midwest but throughout the nation.
• Treasuring AMOA -- Our series profiling the AMOA executive committee looks at incoming treasurer Russ Mawdsley of Russell-Hall in Holyoke, Mass. Russ speaks further about the recently released jukebox survey and explains why he went from coin-op to law and back again.
• Are You Happy? If not, Brady's Happy Zoo will lift your spirits. This promising new game for kids combines entertainment and education in an explosion of sound and adorable charm.
• Rock Around the Clock -- Wurlitzer's Classic 2100 brings back the days of greasers, poodle skirts and diners in a vision of glass and chrome. Combining yesteryear looks with today's technology has created a jukebox that is a blast from the past for patrons.
• Automatic Solution -- Nuts & Bolts for July continues our idea of reinvestment by highlighting a new genre of product for some operators: ATMs. For those interested in something different, Western Reserve Group explains the ins and outs of ATM management and why adding cash dispensers can be one of the more fortuitous decisions an operator ever makes.

• Cover: Prime Time Revs It Up ... FEC Special

• Jukebox Update -- The news is in and digital jukeboxes are hot, according to results from AMOA's updated Jukebox Survey. Get the complete picture, including a look at average earnings for digital and CD jukes.
• Do You Know What It Means? We must not fail to appreciate the scope of damage from Hurricane Katrina and lessons gleaned in her aftermath, so RePlay takes a look at Plush Appeal, the longtime plush supplier in the Crescent City and the company's near-total obliteration. Daryl Fletchinger and Dolores Bergeron walk readers through the tragedy and painstaking recovery.
• Family Fun -- Family Entertainment Centers continue to represent a vibrant sector of the amusement game industry, although the focus has shifted much more heavily to redemption in the past half-decade or more. This month, we take a comprehensive look at that part of the business, including an essay on the state of the industry, as well as some sharp analysis from Randy White, plus our cover story on Prime Time, two more FEC profiles, a Q&A with IALEI prexy Frank Seninsky and the latest installment of Redemption Round-Up.
• Play It Again, Jim -- June's Operator Profile trains a spotlight on Jim Catalina of Play It Again Amusements. The Houston operator's outgoing personality, the driving force of his success in this second career, comes to life as he describes the inner workings of this truly mom-and-pop operation and the legal landscape of coin-op amusement in Texas.
• Very Presidential -- Howard Cole of Cole Vending will take the presidential reigns of AMOA this September. In our profile of the current first VP and president-elect, we look at Howard's background to find out what makes this North Carolinian tick and what the industry can expect during his tenure.
• How Far Will They Go? The home game industry has periodically been in legislative crosshairs for almost purely political reasons. While the AMOA aggressively monitors legislation on national and state levels, the question begs to be asked whether lawmakers might again turn their attention to coin-op. Operators sound off in this month's Interface feature .
• What's So Funny? Surfnote is hoping to get into the touchscreen game with their Funny Touch, a multi-game unit that is specifically geared for five- to 15-year-olds. There will also be kits with the ability to outfit and refresh older units. Get your funny bone tickled.
• The Great Outdoors -- Bring the appeal of cranes into the elements with Smart's Outdoor Crane, one of the most durable machines of its kind with ironclad security. Jeff Smart explains how the company's newest and most customizable product opens up new venues and opportunities.
• Covering All The Angles -- Dave Ellison has carved out a unique niche in the industry with Mach 5 Products. The OEM manufacturer works each extreme of the field, serving manufacturers with an array of parts for games and operators with route data management and services. Find out how Dave's talents for electronics and software development, combined with the efforts of wife Carolee, launched this far-reaching company in June's Nuts & Bolts feature.

• Cover: Taking it to the Streets: View Ships Its Option Rich Vision Digital Downloader

• TouchPlay Hangs in Balance -- Iowa operators, at press time, were still unsure of the fate of their popular but now-banned TouchPlay lottery games. A compromise in the state house that would keep them on location through September appeared to be stalled, spelling imminent shut down.
• Happy Hour in Vegas ­-- As in year's past, the AAMA took their traveling coin-op show to this spring's annual Nightclub and Bar Expo in Las Vegas, just prior to their own ASI show in Chicago. Check out pictures and a report from their Location Trade Show Pavilion.
• ASI Redux -- RePlay follows last month's initial coverage of the 2006 Amusement Showcase International with a comprehensive look at the show through extensive photo coverage of the show's exhibits, stories on special events and a catalog of newly-introduced machines.
• Hitting the Books -- At ASI 2006, AAMA and IALEI teamed up to sponsor a seminar program that taught operators how to prepare for and soar over possible hurtles when starting an arcade. Other seminar coverage includes a report from the Michael Getlan/Ben Jones "Think, Win, Plan" session.
• Bayou Rendezvous -- The AMOA descended on the Big Easy for their mid-year board meeting to do what they do best: refine plans for the AMOA expo, evaluate committee goals and promote the amusement industry on all fronts. This serious work was balanced with plenty of New Orleans fun, cuisine and eye-opening excursions around the city still pulling itself up by the bootstraps after Hurricane Katrina.
• Sound Off -- ASI 2006: Thumbs up or down? Most attendees in this month's Operator Interface section, who also weighed in via RePlay's new online blog, gave the spring tradeshow enthusiastic marks though their reasons for doing so varied. Find out how your experience compares.
• Welcome to the Jungle -- Hawaii's Jungle Fun arcade, that is. Set in the Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu, it's part of the growing fun center operations of Linda Fernandez's Fun Factory. With super theming and equally great mix of machines and prizes, it is truly a jungle of fun.
• A Dynamic Duo -- Namco America is known for classic action-style videos, and this spring they are it again with two much-awaited sequels, their latest shooter Time Crisis 4 and the newest coin-op version of the fighting franchise Soul Calibur.
• Sacoa World -- Sacoa's PlayCard Marketing System has been installed in FECs around the world with more on the way. May's Nuts & Bolts section showcases their highly flexible, all-encompassing, debit card product while analyzing its more technical aspects. Read the story of Jorge Mochkovsky, his sons and the cutting edge of electronic management technology.
• Kemac Clan -- Kemac is a supplier with one-of-a-kind prizes and a one-of-a-kind mascot. Ken Cipperly tells all about the New Jersey-based company in Prize Patrol, including the vision of CEO Maggie Mitchell and the main reason why one should never ever try to break into their office.

• Cover: Getting Hooked on Sega UFO Catcher -- Sega Joins the Crane Makers; More ASI Product News Inside

• Lifetime Achievement -- Jerry Marcus, a figure long familiar on the U.S. trade scene, was honored last month as AAMA's Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Marcus started his career at Rowe in the 1950s. After almost two decades there, he moved on to work at several Chicago area distributors, held a top position at Atari and then founded his own Windy City dealership, Atlas.
• AMOA Gone South -- The 2006 AMOA Mid-Year Board of Directors Meeting was set for a four-day session in New Orleans, where the national operator association will look closely at committee initiatives and elect new officers. Check out our preview of the agenda as well as AMOA's efforts to support a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.
• Phoenix Rising -- State association reps delved into wide range of topics at the 2006 AMOA Council of Affiliated States gathering in Phoenix. The meeting provided an insightful barometer of the industry at large, from the local to the state to the national level.
• Sight to Behold -- The jewel in the crown of the Huish family's many amusement operations is The Family Fun Center and Bullwinkle's Restaurant in Tukwila, Wash. Scott Huish and Rich Yee give a personalized tour of their fantastically inspired, 36,000-square-foot facility ­­ a must-see attraction of not just Seattle but the Pacific Northwest.
• Midwest Maven -- Downstate Illinois operator Stan Williams of Williams Enterprises in Carmine got his start working his father's route. Today, after many years and even more colorful experiences, he oversees an operation that serves over 1,000 customers across three Midwestern states.
• Impact of Gambling -- Indian gaming, state lotteries, skill game payout, gray games: How are these and other related issues discussed at the Council of Affiliated States affecting routes around the country? Find out in operators' own words in this month's Operator Interface.
• One Stop Shopping -- One Stop Shop Vending and Redemption is a prize supplier that knows what game room operators need from first-hand experience. The company started last year as an offshoot of Global Vending, which handles game operations for the Marwin Group's CiCi's pizza locations in the Houston area.
• Tournament Pinball -- Starting with the new World Poker Tour game, Stern Pinball is shipping all of its new flipper games with their Tournament Pinball System (TOPS) built into the game. Now, the tournament details are spelled out for the player on the game's dot matrix display.
• Time and Money -- Coin ConneXion continues to make life easier for operators with their ezRoute Pro system, handhelds and array of time-saving, money-making, error-reducing gadgets. Dave Jensen, founder and president, discusses the technology that has become indispensable to so many routes in this month's Nuts & Bolts section.

• Cover: Rock-Ola: On the Front Line of the Digital Jukebox Revolution

• SHOW TIME IN THE WINDY CITY - Tradesters blow into the Windy City to check out new equipment and future trends at ASI. Our coverage provides an in-depth look at exhibitors, seminars and extra-curricular events, complete with charts and maps, to make your holiday weekend as productive as it fun. .
• PARTY ON - We are proud to introduce our newest column, Party Professor, featuring the expertise of Beth Standlee, the brainpower behind the consulting firm Trainertainment. Beth will provide monthly ideas to improve and grow party programs and group events through savvy, aggressive marketing campaigns. Her out-of-the-box ideas match her style: fresh, vibrant and inspiring.
• LONDON CALLING - Under new ownership, this year's ATEI London coin-op show drew big international crowds and played host to a crop of good looking new video - yes, video-games. For more, check out coverage from contributor Kevin Williams.
• STRAIGHT TALK - Minneapolis operator Bill Lethert grew up in the business and, when he found himself at a career crossroads, restarted the Mendota Valley route founded by his father. Since then, this straight shooter has grown the biz and branched out into chain location management.
• WHAT'S IN A NAME - The Mulligans FEC chain recently opened its newest dazzling location in Palmdale, Calif. Director of operators Tom Guagliardo gives a tour of this stunning facility, an oasis in the desert that definitely is no mirage of fun. He also shares historical tidbits on Mulligans' other locations and their updates for the future.
• SPRING CLEANING - Exactly how are arcade owners and operating companies jazzing up their inventory and business for the upcoming summer season? New games, different floor design, innovative promotions? March's responses are extensive, diverse and brimming with ideas to consider when strolling the aisles at ASI and beyond.
• THEY'RE NOT BLUFFING - The flipper fanatics at Stern Pinball are holding a winning hand with their new World Poker Tour pinball. Players use the game's playfield to travel from city to city, playing Texas Hold 'Em until they reach the final table.
• ON TARGET - Sureshot Redemption has been a premier prize supplier since 1997, servicing the industry with not just phenomenal prizes but highly customized service. Rorie Keller discusses the factors that put Sureshot Redemption in the top tier of the prize game and what the future holds for merchandise counters and cranes.
• MINT CONDITION - Token customers and coin lovers will find much to fascinate them in our profile of TokensDirect, a leading producer of the basic units of symbolic currency in game rooms. March's Nuts & Bolts section starts the minting process.
• AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER - Valley-Dynamo will unveil its newest and classiest pool table yet at ASI: the Metro. Get a close-up look here first at the table whose sophisticated image, execs hope, will open new doors for tables and operators. Jay Scanland also opens up about the manufacturer's continuing foray into distributing redemption games.
  

• Cover: Jarvis & Company -- A Thrilling Coin-Op Performance

• A GRAND OPENING -- Betson Distributing is now up and running in their newest market, the Midwest. The national dealership, which serves the east and west coasts, as well as Texas, opened Betson Midwest with a well-attended Chicago area soiree.
• INSURANCE IS A MUST! Our latest report from the ongoing AMOA Notre Dame Management Program delves into the all-important issue of ensuring a small business, whether it's property, liability, auto or umbrella.
• LIFE OF THE PARTY -- Trainertainment has bolstered party programs at FECs across the nation since Beth Standlee launched the company last year. Its success is due almost wholly to Beth's vibrant personality ­­ a mix of enthusiasm, business savvy and wealth of professional experience across the amusement industry. She shares her party expertise.
• TEXAS STYLE -- Operator Charles Batson, whose Angleton Amusement route serves over 75 locations in towns along the Texas Gulf Coast, has been in the route biz since he graduated from high school in June of 1958. Learn more about his life in coin-op.
• CUSTOMER APPRECIATION -- -2006 is underway, ASI is next month and the busy summer season is around the corner. Looking ahead, what thoughts do operators want to share with customers and accounts about business in 2005, industry issues, fresh ideas and future expectations?
• ALL ABOARD -- In scenic North Carolina, one of the most beautiful sites happens to be indoors: Asheville's Fun Depot. This FEC's impressive coin-op element flows throughout the main depot room, connecting other attractions while surrounding an 18-hole miniature golf course. Celebrating only its second birthday, Asheville's Fun Depot has caught the attention of IAAPA and IALEI, garnering numerous accolades.
• LOOKING GOOD -- TouchTunes Music is now shipping their newest downloading floor model juke, the Allegro, which features a nostalgia style cabinet and a new fan-less computer that cuts down on overheating problems.
• CHANGE -- This month's Nuts & Bolts feature examines the factors that led to Hamilton Manufacturing Corporation producing some of the most widely respected change machines and token vendors on the market today. What makes them so durable, secure and affordable? The answer is a company story that mirrors the development of various industries.
• What's IN A NAME? The name of Prizes! says it all, but there's more to it than meets the eye. Brothers Tom and Bob Portale have become a premier supplier of sports-themed merchandise, among other prize genres, and for good reason: their belief that quality service is dependent on a quality staff.

• Cover: Rowe & Merit -- Even Better Together
• ANNUAL DIRECTORY (price: $25)
  this is the industry's premier reference annual with listings (addresses, phones, faxes, email, key personnel) of manufacturers, distributors, parts suppliers, trade associations, music one-stops...a must-have issue for anyone in the business!

• Cover: Bay Tek's Geared Up For Game Ops

• HOT FROM HOTLANTA -- The annual IAAPA parks show was in full swing as this issue of RePlay was going to press. Check out our late breaking coverage of new product and people from the show floor in Atlanta.
• AN UNSETTLING YEAR -- 2005 will not go down in history as the coin machine industry's best year, unless you're in the digital jukebox business, and then it may. One trade leader described it best as an "unsettling year" marked by natural disaster. Take a walk down short-term memory lane.
• THE VALLEY LEGACY -- Valley, often the standard by which coin-op pool tables have been measured, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Today, the combine known as Valley-Dynamo is part of the larger Brunswick. Read about the early days of the brand and the company today.
• CORPORATE SAVVY -- Pelican Communications is a firm run by operators for operators. The company, which still runs a sizeable pay phone route, manages national chain accounts, partnering with amusement and vending operators across the U.S.
• KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER -- California operator Gary Spencer says you should know potential customers, as well as existing accounts, if you expect to ever get their business. To that end, Spencer's company California Coin keeps detailed database records on all the locations in their trading area.
• WHERE WORM IS KING -- There's no place like home, and there's no arcade that provides a sense of place like a family-run arcade. Little Squirt Sports Park in Lima, Ohio, is just such an arcade, covering seven acres downtown and recognizable by its spotted green mascot. The story of Little Squirt Sports Park is one of evolving along with, and moving deeper into, the world of amusements ­­ a journey made possible by the support of Lima's residents and their love of Squirty Worm.
• EYE ON THE PRIZE -- Indiana crane operator turned distributor and toy supplier David Kamen of K&K Sales in Bloomington has steadily, and quietly, grown his business from one pinball game to an impressive business that includes designing and importing their own toy lines.
• HANDS ON APPROACH -- JVL's newest countertop, Vortex, has been much-discussed by industry watchers because of many of its enhancements, but most of all for its power pad base, offering a whole new method by which to play a countertop.
• DINO DUEL -- LAI Games knows kids, and kids are obsessed with dinosaurs. The manufacturer's newest game Dino Duel is turning heads for its ability to tap into that fascination in a straightforward, addicting card and video game.
• THE RIGHT TICKET -- The latest from the game mavens at ICE are Break the Bank (players race their coins or tokens down an alley ramp, aiming for the unlock target on the wheel) and Super Trivia game (where a far-reaching knowledge and luck of the draw come into play).

• Cover: Coast to Coast Entertainment Has Cranes & Games...Plush Toys, Too!

• IAAPA INVASION -- The coin-op amusement industry will be a leading part of the 2005 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions tradeshow and convention, which travels north this year to Atlanta on the week before Thanksgiving. Our full preview of exhibitors, workshops and special events makes the colossal show more manageable for operators.
• BIG TENT APPROACH -- Incoming AAMA chairman Jon W. Brady says the manufacturer's association is hoping to pitch a bigger industry tent at this spring's ASI show, attracting would-be entrepreneurs to the coin machine business through special seminars and even a drawing for a "free arcade."
• SHOW WRAP-UP -- Last month saw our initial hot of the press coverage of AMOA. In this issue, we are following up with a complete look at the exhibit booths, new equipment, special events and a seminar on developments in debit cards. Check out our exhaustive show wrap-up.
• TALKING TRADE SHOWS -- This month's Operator Interface voices the compliments, concerns and criticisms of a handful of tradesters who attended the AMOA and Fun Expos. They saw the new product first-hand. Read what they had to say and what their plans are as a result.
• BALTIMORE TONY -- Operator Tony Paszkiewicz is the second generation owner of Columbia Vending in Baltimore, a route which started out when his dad Raymond bought the gumball machines in the store where he worked. Today, Columbia is a major operator on the East Coast with a staff of 50 and more than 500 locations in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.
• ON THE BOARDWALK -- The Boardwalk Mall Arcade in Wildwood, N.J., has been a fixture on the legendary Jersey Shore for almost 30 years. When Michael Blickman took control of this seasonal location, he concentrated on emphasizing redemption while also providing the right amount of other game types. The methods used to create his ideal game room show how the Boardwalk became one of the most successful arcades in an area famed for them.
• TOUCHY FEELY -- Merit Industries took center stage at this fall's AMOA Expo with the release of their new Ion touchscreen series, which includes Elite Edge and e.V.o. Wallette versions. The games feature Merit's signature touchscreen as well as a new joystick interface. Merit also debuted the M-Box digital juke and their affordable Megatouch Champion location-based tournament unit.
• ULTRA HAPPENIN' -- Vidgame maker Ultracade Technologies has entered the redemption game fray with five new licensed titles from Tecway. Get a first-hand look at these units, along with an update on a host of new features for their award-winning Breeders' Cup thoroughbred racing game.
• PLUSH DEALS -- Discount Plush has turned rewarding customers into an art with a variety of incentive programs. Sean Weber details the company's operator-friendly services, product features and impressive perks of doing business with the Arizona supplier in this month's Prize Patrol.
• THE LATEST CRAZE -- Hot redemption items offered as the weather turns cool, and featured in our Redemption Roundup, include an awesome tattoo product and poker plush.

• Cover: Play Time Toys: Game Prizes with the Operator in Mind
• AMOA and Fun Expo early coverage

• SHOW REPORT FROM VEGAS -- The news is in from Las Vegas, and it's good news at that. This year's amusement trade-show extravaganza was well attended and, by all accounts, generated nice business for exhibitors at both AMOA and Fun Expo. Check out our show report filed fast on the heels of the conventions' final day. .
• DISASTER DOWN SOUTH -- Hurricane Katrina roared on shore in the Gulf Coast region August 29, and the world will never be the same again. In the face of downed communication lines and very little hard and fast information, RePlay tracked down amusement tradesters and began to chronicle industry response.
• PINNING DOWN AUTISM -- Attractions to pinball are as diverse as the machines, but Ken Walker's passion for pins overlapped with his son Andrew's in an intriguing way. What started out as a way to get out of the house became a renaissance of interest for Ken, a way to release Andrew from the effects of autism's mental confines and a burgeoning interest for the youngest Walker, Anna. Discover the family's unique story.
• 40 YEARS OF FINANCE -- Firestone Financial, the national lender that has specialized in providing credit to the amusement industry for 40 years, celebrated its 40th anniversary last month in style. Take a walk down memory lane to see who they are and from where they came.
• VIDEO BLUES -- Operators may still fondly recall the days when video game collections were fueling unprecedented growth, but according to this month's straw poll the video game's star is in decline. Collections aren't what they used to be, and operators are more selective than ever about new purchases.
• FUN IN THE FOOTHILLS -- When in West Virginia and environs, look no further than Billy Bob's Super Wonderland for fun. The massive family amusement center boasts an assortment of redemption games, a laser tag center, a miniature golf course and much more. Rex Donahue, owner, expounds upon why people travel from far and wide to the heart of Appalachia.
• A FALL BUSINESS BOOST -- The infamous summer season has passed, and the AMOA and Fun Expos have come and gone. As the leaves change color, what plan of action will operators take to boost fall earnings and possibly make their businesses golden once again?
• TIME TO PLAY -- The staffers of Play Time Toys, this month's cover story focus, believe that every item in their inventory provides the most perceived value for any vend. Dawn Noyes, president, explains what makes their product distinctive, elaborates on some tidbits of company history and describes the firm from the top down.
• UNDER LOCK AND KEY -- Innovations in security are essential to preserving profits, and Camlock Systems has been on the edge of these trends for decades. GM Dale Padjean tells us why the company's integrity is not only evident in its strong security systems but in its people.
• REDEMPTION ROUNDUP -- RePlay's section highlighting popular prizes is changing to a monthly edition to better serve buyer and seller interests and to move the coolest prizes onto redemption counters and into machines faster. The new section debuts this month.

• Cover: Merit Entertainment Unveils Its Trackball Multi Game.
• AMOA & Fun Expo Showbook

• EXPO EXTRAVAGANZA -- If it's September, it's time to head to Las Vegas for the combined 2005 AMOA and Fun Expo shows, taking place at the Convention Center, Sept. 14-16. We've got all the details on special events, a list of exhibitors, seminars and more in our overview of both the amusement game and family fun center expos.
• A GALA AFFAIR -- Distributor members of AAMA were treated to a special preview of over two-dozen new products, many still in some phase of development, at late July's factory association distributor gala. Check out our coverage of the gala and association's annual meeting.
• BOWLING FOR COIN-OP -- Bowling venues have always been great locations for coin machine operators. Today, as that industry goes through a major transition, catering more to casual players and less to hardcore leaguers, we have coverage of the Bowling Expo from both AAMA and Frank "The Crank" Sensinsky, plus a related story on a new concept from Brunswick Bowling.
• SOUNDING OFF ON SHOWS -- September's Operator Interface is a barometer reading of how the national trade shows and distributor open houses are valued and how perceptions of them may have changed over the years.
• PIER GAZING -- George Gordon, founder of Playland Arcade, is as much of an institution as the Santa Monica Pier on which he worked. RePlay looks back on the life and times of George, whose life story covers and is, in fact, indistinguishable from the narrative of Santa Monica's beachfront development.
• STRIKING IT RICH -- Brunswick Bowling's Build to Bowl program kicked into full gear over the past year, offering would-be ten-pin operators the ability to customize an entire facility with a turnkey package. Chris Albano, co-owner of Stars and Strikes Bowling, developed a Georgia center that features bowling along with a strong coin-op component.
• CONTINUING EDUCATION -- This month's report on class XII of the AMOA Notre Dame Management program focuses on how small, family businesses can best handle the transition of leadership from one generation to another, either in a crisis or as part of a planned retirement.
• ON THE HUNT -- Chicago area game developer PlayMechanix has just completed their latest Big Buck Hunter game, called Big Buck Pro. They will release the two-player video offering head-to-head competition through a partnership with Raw Thrills and Betson.
• SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS -- Jukebox maker Rowe has released a new version of the software that controls their line of Internet jukeboxes including the interface with the factory's AMI music network server. Among other new features, this software upgrade enhances music management and supports credit card transactions.
• FIT FOR A KING -- Pat Klasno's King Plush is a mega-supplier of plush, and his kingdom of satisfied customers stretches far and wide. Pat and fellow King Plush staffers offer valuable insight about what makes their product distinctive and what buyers can look forward to this fall.
• THE CHAIRMAN SPEAKS -- Global VR's newly-appointed chairman of the board Jim DeRose, who also serves as president and CEO, says he is putting the company back on track with solid fundamentals and a strong commitment to the future of the company and the coin-op industry.

• Cover: Ecast -- Digital Day Dawns in Coin-Op
• Jukebox 2005 Special

• VEGAS ON THE HORIZON -- The trade is already bracing for the one-two punch of AMOA and Fun Expos, set to open next month in Las Vegas. Catch our initial preview on these two important stops on the annual trade show calendar.
• STILL JUKIN'! If it's August, it's RePlay's annual jukebox special section with an up-close look at the music biz from the perspective of operators, manufacturers and even this month's cover story focus, Ecast Inc., the broadband music service for jukes. We also have a look at the current crop of jukeboxes as well as a profile on a unique video jukebox that is doing well in Canada.
• AMERICAN DREAM -- From its founding vision of furnishing inexpensive, reliable change machines to becoming a corporation with near ubiquitous product recognition, American Changer has shared its success with its clients. They also share their own details and some product tidbits with readers in August's Nuts & Bolts feature.
• YOUNG AND OLD -- In today's workplace, offices are populated with workers who run the gamut from so-called veterans whose births predate World War II to Generation Y staffers born in the '80s. Listen in on our latest coverage of the AMOA Notre Dame Program, as we delve into the nuances of managing workers from different generations.
• STATE SHOW SEASON -- Summer is the season for coin machine operators to gather for their annual state association meetings. They discuss the state of the biz and political hurdles past and future, elect officers, enjoy good food and fellowship, and often tee it up for a round of golf. This month, we have reports from Wisconsin and Minnesota.
• CAN YOU SPARE A NICKEL? After many years in the biz with notable accomplishments to his name, Jon Daugherty has devoted his energies of late to the concept of nickel arcades. The performance of NickelWorld locations have survived the test of time and continued to pay out.
• A COMBO MOVE -- Roxor Games and Andamiro have teamed up in an alliance that promises to usher in the next age of dance games. Its first model in a projected series is Pump It Up: In the Groove 2, a technological synthesis of the best that each company has to offer.
• START YOUR ENGINES -- Stern's new NASCAR Pinball, designed by Pat Lawlor and his team of creative engineers, features a playfield racetrack that encompasses the entire surface. The pin also sports a truck hauler that can launch a ball and a test toy car that the player can bang with the pinball.
• MORE RACING ACTION -- Global VR has driven its latest videogame, Need for Speed Underground, into arcades with new online tournaments. The game's heart-pumping capabilities have been knocking the socks off of even the most accomplished game racers, thanks to a design that makes it the next best thing to sitting in a Ferrari.
• INTERCARD'S INTERESTS -- The electronic debit systems firm has seen the popularity of its ultimate product soar. Giving greater efficiency to operators and customers alike, Intercard's One Card Solution tracks activity in multiple locations and provides convenience and various rewards.

• Cover: I.T.'s 20th Anniverrsary -- Elaine Hodgson and Richard Ditton of Incredible Technologies

• LEGAL DANCE OFF -- Konami's lawsuit against Roxor Games over its In the Groove dance simulation has sparked much talk in the industry and analysis on Internet message boards by players. The president of Roxor, Jason Asbahr, responds to the charges.
• A REAL PLUS -- Kansas-based prize distributor Ron Hill revolutionized not only the quality of prizes but their ordering and distribution as well. Redemption Plus' philosophy of offering solutions for operators has created success stories for virtually everyone at all levels of business. An extended look at Redemption Plus is this month's inaugural Prize Patrol feature.
• THE FIRST 20 YEARS -- Incredible Technologies has made its mark on the industry with the world famous golf video Golden Tee, as well as other popular games. This month, the game factory celebrates its first 20 years, as they look forward to the future with their new, always-connected version of golf, Golden Tee Live.
• YOUR BIGGEST BEEF -- What is it? That's what we asked operators for this month's Interface question. Their answers were individual and unique, just like the personalities of the independent business people that make up the operating trade.
• VNEA SILVER ANNY TOURNEY -- The "Valley League" has grown like a Canadian pine since its inception back in 1980, and its quarter century anniversary was celebrated in grand style at its recent Las Vegas international pool playoff. We also have thoughts from league patriarch Chuck Milhem.
• BACKBONE OF THE INDUSTRY -- That's what Arizona route pro Jim Hall says of the American street operator in his impassioned Stepping Up and Speaking Out this month. Reacting to a story in our recent arcade issue about a pizza chain that took over its amusement operations, Hall says: "Do what you do best and leave the game operations to your local street operator."
• MORE HOMEWORK-- RePlay continues its series of reports on the ongoing AMOA Notre Dame Management Program, Class XII, with a look at strategic positioning and how this kind of analytical approach can help you outdistance the competition.
• A WINNING COMBINATION -- Andamiro USA's new Winning Shot, a smaller version of Real Shooting, challenges players to use their shooting skills to win prizes, either directly or through a unique key-based bulk vending hardware attachment.
• A HYBRID SOLUTION -- Namco's newest version of Flamin' Finger is called the Hybrid because it offers both tickets and a merchandise prize vending unit for the player that conquers the game's maze. The game combines both tickets every time and high-end prizes for the best performances.
• KEEP ON ROCKIN' -- Rock-Ola may have gone digital with their line of Ecast-powered jukeboxes, but they haven't forgotten their roots. They are shipping a new CD floor model. The CD-9000-PV comes with a Peavey sound system (1080 Watts of true RMS Power) and vivid new graphics package.
• GET IN THE ACTION -- Brand new mixes with bodacious prize assortments have been released north of the border from ActionMatic. Details about these hot new mixes are discussed by the capsule maker and distributor's sales manager, Greg McPhail.

• Cover: Great American Catches Electronic Pool Wave

• REMEMBERING STEVE -- Around 50 tradesters gathered in early May to honor the memory of Steve Blattspieler, who passed away earlier this spring of cancer. The memorial took place at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Chicago, and RePlay was there to record the event for posterity.
• A CLASS ACT -- Chicago distributor Fred Skor, who retired earlier this year after more than 55 years in the business, tells how he got his start with World Wide in '49, working his way up the ladder and ultimately buying the company, which he just sold to longtime competitor American Vending Sales.
• TOURNAMENTS, ANYONE? Online tournaments remain a hot topic when it comes to pay-for-play video, and RePlay contributor Kevin Williams turns his keen analysis to a closer look at how they came to be and where there may be going in the future.
• SCHOOL DAYS -- AMOA's newest class of Notre Dame students, including RePlay editor Steve White, was back on the South Bend campus last month for another round of high-intensity education.
• A PREMIUM BENEFIT -- AMOA members faced with rising health care costs now have somewhere to go for sage advice on lowering premiums and tailoring insurance programs to meet their needs. The association has partnered with a firm called Mass Market Insurance Consultants to broker the best policy for its individual members.
• FILLING STATION BLUES -- Operators, like most small business people, are feeling the crunch of rising fuel prices. Listen in on this month's Operator Interface to hear how some route operators are dealing with the increasing cost of servicing and collecting locations.
• DARTING FAME -- Electronic dart game maker and tournament promoter Arachnid has just inducted the first four players into its newly-formed Hall of Fame: soft tip legends Bruce Holmes, Tom Pace, Teresa Nevills Murphy and Kathy Karpowich. Read more about their accomplishments.
• THE GRAND TOUR -- Sega is back with a new version of its hit driver OutRun 2. This follow-up called Special Tours offers new features and modes. The game will be available in two dedicated versions as well as an upgrade kit for OutRun 2 cabinets.
• TAKING OFF -- Skee-Ball is set to launch its newest skill-stop novelty game, Blast Off, a smaller version of the chasing light attraction Tower of Power. Align the lights properly, hit the stop button and win the jackpot.
• A REVOLT GIVEAWAY -- Tsunami Visual Technologies is using the Internet to promote its remote-control themed video driver ReVolt by staging monthly drawings for an $80 miniature remote control car as a prize for everyone who plays the game and enters their codes online.
  

• Cover:AO.K. Spins Out Their "Son of Gravity Hill" -- GH2 Extreme Shipping Now

• HOME RECREATION -- For years, the amusement biz has been fighting competition from home entertainment, console and computer games in particular. But in recent years, coin-op found a niche selling amusement products to the home. RePlay editor Steve White hit last month's BCA Billiard and Home Recreation Show in Vegas to learn more about this related trade.
• ARCADE EXTRAVAGANZA -- This month's RePlay is devoted to the arcade, be it a traditional stand-alone game room, overgrown sports bar with high-end games, or multi-attraction FEC. We also conducted our own poll of top arcade operators across the country to find out what's happening on the front lines.
• PRIZE PARADE -- Redemption Round Up, RePlay's regular prize feature section, is a perfect fit with this month's arcade special issue. Check out the latest prize offerings from the industry's top plush, toy and novelty suppliers.
• BEEN THERE, DONE THAT -- Arcade maven Steve Thomas, who has overseen game operations at high profile chains like GameWorks and Jillian's, got his start in the pizzacade biz with ShowBiz in the 1970s. He's back at it today, managing over 40 corporate stores for Peter Piper Pizza.
• SPORTS & FUN -- That's what makes the Big Dog sports bar and FEC one of Boston's hottest entertainment destinations. Learn how they went from humble bar to popular restaurant to a full-fledged family fun center with Merit games on every table and multiple simulator attractions.
• GO IT ALONE -- Can a stand-alone arcade make it in today's on-demand, high-expectation consumer marketplace? It's a tough question and one we posed to a group of top arcade operators across the country in this month's Operator Interface. Their responses may surprise you.
• MADE IN THE USA -- Shelti Inc., which is headed up by former Valley executives, is back in the business of making their own electronic dart game, decked out with all the bells and whistles needed to run modern day leagues and location promotions.
• GOLF, ANYONE? Video golf is still hot, and Global VR is on the first tee with their new PGA Tour Challenge game, which lets players customize their on-screen persona, save these changes on a player card, and challenge other competitors to player-run tournies.
• ONE STOP SHOP -- ICE has six new titles to add to their already expansive game catalog, including the new kiddie video Fishin' Time, the 3-player Monopoly pusher, kiddie merchandiser Mighty Mini, their themed sports games NBA Hoops and Line Drive and a new NASCAR-licensed kiddie sim.
• IT'S AN ACT -- Cecropia may not be a household name to most in the game trade, but their work will look familiar to fans of modern animation. This group of movie artists turned game developers is hoping to break into coin-op with a unique video called The Act.

• Cover:A Global Journey: It's China to Canada to America as Hip Coin Takes Eastern Goods West

• MIXED RESULTS -- Those who came were happy, reliving old times and checking out hot new product for times to come. But organizers of last month's ASI convention at Chicago's Hyatt were disappointed with the turnout. RePlay was there and has a comprehensive look at the people, product and special events that highlighted this spring's Windy City expo.
• TOUCHY SUBJECT -- Video games have gotten a bad rap, and worse, they have been targeted by legislative efforts that amount to what legal scholars see as a violation of First Amendment speech protection. Now, doctors are suggesting that games can be a positive developmental tool.
• VERY HIP -- Canadian distributor Hip Coin is an emerging player in the game supply business, striking an exclusive North American sales and marketing deal for three dedicated products from the Universal Space game factory in mainland China.
• STATE GROUP POW-WOW -- Officers and top execs from state associations around the country gather once a year under the sponsorship of the national AMOA to discuss their work representing the amusement trade. Hot topics at the Orlando state council meeting included Indian gaming, music licensing and smoking bans.
• 30 YEARS LATER -- Ohio's Big City Vending route celebrates 30 years in the business by taking a break to talk to RePlay correspondent Joel Vance about how they got started and how things have changed over the last three decades.
• BELIEVE IT OR NOT! Operators Interface this month about the weirdest locations they have ever operated in, or even contemplated placing, machines including everything from nudist colonies to fortune telling establishments and the ever-present adult-oriented locales.
• GOING GLOBAL -- Game whiz Tony Gatillo has got four new redemption game products from two separate firms including TJMPO's ticket spitting Maze Me Crazy and Fastrack, as well as Global Entertainment novelty games Silver Falls and Invader.
• SMART MOVES -- Smart Industries, best known for their cranes, bowed a raft of new product at Chicago's ASI, including the merchandise games Pile Up and Snake Charmer, the ticket game Crazy Weekend, a new version of their Toy Chest crane and the ticket eating/prize dispensing unit Prize Center.
• MERCHANDISE MANIA -- The redemption game pros at Benchmark have taken the plunge into merchandising with the release of three new units including two new ticket eaters ­­ one that gives prizes (Tickets to Prize) and another offering a coupon (Ticket Station) ­­ plus a merchandise version of their popular ticket game Slam-A-Winner.
• WHAT A DEAL -- Merit Industries is now offering operators a choice of two new price programs for their online MegaNet service. The Progressive Program lets connected operators purchase their software over 12 months, with no interest. The Ultra Program provides the benefit of the software kit program with the luxury of having factory staff handling all aspects of the TournaMAXX promotion.

• Cover:TouchTunes - Digital Music Drives Hot Cashbox

• SHOWTIME IN CHICAGO! The coinbiz returns to its convention roots this month as AAMA brings its annual spring Amusement Showcase International back to the City by the Lake, the first time a major game show has been in Chicago in a decade. We've got a soup to nuts preview that includes a look back at ASI 1985 penned by publisher Eddie Adlum and a sneak peek at product expected to there.
• THE RIGHT TOUCH -- Music downloading in the coinbiz started with TouchTunes almost a decade ago, and they are still at it, growing their installed base past the 10,000 mark, driving down the cost of their hardware and boasting some pretty impressive collections, especially when the unit is hooked up to their mini TuneCentral server on location.
• NEW FACES -- This month's issue of RePlay is filled with new faces, companies that are just getting their start building or supplying product for the amusement industry including downloading jukebox developer View Interactive (pg. 69), novelty importer Primetime Amusements (pg. 72), photo booth supplier Face Place (pg. 77), virtual reality attraction operator and creator 3001 AD (pg. 129) and video kit maker Roxor Games (pg. 134).
• WISE BEYOND HIS YEARS -- Arcade operator Amar Patel, who bought out the former Capcom Nickel City in Northbrook, Ill., may only be 22 years old, but he's already a veteran operator, having started working at this same location when he was just 14. Learn how he has brought a fresh perspective to a traditional business.
• ARCADE DAYS -- What happened to the traditional stand-alone arcade, the location that used to drive this business? Hear first-hand how a number of well-known arcade operators have adapted to a changing world, and what their business looks like today.
• ROUGH COUNTRY -- Street operator Dan Thomspon covers a pretty unique stretch of real estate in America; his amusement and vending route services locations from Anchorage to Fairbanks, and farther north. No matter the temperature, his office is open for business and ready for a service call.
• CRAZY FOR CAPSULES -- Bob's Space Racers has a new coin-op game perfect for operators wanting to tap into the self-redemption movement. Capsule Craze, honored as the best game at last year's IAAPA, pits the player against a crafty air blower is a delicate games of skill and balance.
• GOING UNDERGROUND -- Over a year in development, the stage is now set for the release of Global VR's much-anticipated Electronic Arts-licensed driver Need for Speed: Underground, tapping into the continued popularity in tuner driver culture with some pretty cool cars.
• SKILL STOP CENTRAL -- Skee-Ball's new skill stop Spin-N-Win is easy to play and hard to resist; players simply pull the slot machine lever to start the lights spinning and then hit the stop button to stop the lights on a desired ticket value to win. Collections are already pretty impressive, we hear.

• Cover:Wells Gardner: Monitoring the Games Business for Generations

• MERGER MANIA -- The march of consolidation continues on with news of a major deal in the Midwest. Shaffer Distributing is acquiring the distribution business of competitor Cleveland Coin, giving them a foothold in Michigan and a bigger presence in Cleveland itself.
• NEW DIGS FOR ATLAS -- Another major player on the Midwest distribution scene, Atlas Distributing, recently opened a brand new office in the Chicago area. The 65,000-sq.-ft. facility boasts two separate showrooms and a full complement of parts, service, used games and sales. RePlay toured the facility in person.
• CITY OF BIG SHOWS -- Chicago used to be expo central for the jukebox and games biz, and it will be again next month when the AAMA-sponsored Amusement Showcase International returns to the downtown Hyatt. Check out our show preview.
• PET PEEVES -- In this month's Interface, operators sound off about the toughest hurdles they face in their respective markets. Their concerns cover the bases from a sagging local economy to decreased game returns, the price of new equipment and local regulation and law enforcement.
• THAT'S INCREDIBLE! Incredible Pizza's new Tulsa location was named one of IAAPA's best new FECs last year. The growing chain is more proof that good pizza and fun games are a great combination for the family. The new location has it all, including games, go-karts, bumper cars, mini golf, paintball and a bowling alley.
• AND NOW, LIVE -- As the holiday season approached, one of the most exciting experiments in the video game industry took flight as Incredible Technologies launched their new Golden Tee Live game. Immediately, the power of an always-connected competition became apparent.
• VERY HIP INDEED -- The coin machine business may no longer be cool to some, but Canadian distributor Hip Coin sees a lot of potential in the games being produced by a factory in mainland China, UNIS. The two companies have teamed up to offer three unique products to North America.
• START YOUR ENGINES -- Bay-Tek is set to ship the revamped Stock Car Challenge 2 car racing attraction, originally created by Victory Lane Ideas and acquired last year by the Green Bay-area factory. They have made scores of improvements to the remote control simulator.
• HOCKEY, ANYONE? Lazer-Tron's newest game, Spin-A-Zoid looks to be popular with both street and game room operators. The piece, designed by Bryan Hansen, emulates the play of air hockey in a much-smaller, street-friendly footprint.
• FAMILY FUN -- The keepers of the silverball torch at Stern recently bowed their newest pinball game, the HBO licensed Sopranos, based on the award winning series staring loveable wise guy Tony Soprano and the rest of family. The game features speech from the show plus a host of other innovations.

• Cover: Gary's Game Show -- Stern Pinball and licensed pinballs including The Sopranos.
• ANNUAL DIRECTORY (price: $25)
  this is the industry's premier reference annual with listings (addresses, phones, faxes, email, key personnel) of manufacturers, distributors, parts suppliers, trade associations, music one-stops...a must-have issue for anyone in the business!

• Cover: 60 Big Years fro Brady's Bunch!

• EXTRA, EXTRA -- The 2004 IAAPA show in Orlando was huge on attendance, but a tad light on brand new coin-op product. See our speedy report.
• TAKING STOCK -- Lots of hot new games and upbeat shows all around characterized 2004, a year many see as a turn-around point for the consolidating amusement industry. Take a walk down memory lane as we look at the year's big events.
• PRIZES GALORE -- It may be the holiday season for the rest of the world, but amusement buyers are already prepping for the warmer months around the corner. To help them get ready, we bring this year's second installment of our soup to nuts look at prizes, Redemption Round-Up.
• DISTRIBUTING DOWN SOUTH -- Brady Distributing is celebrating its 60th anniversary this very month. We are commemorating that milestone in this issue with an anniversary special looking at the people and philosophy that have put Brady on the map down south, and kept them there.
• LIVE AND IN PERSON -- That's right, more than 400 operators, representing more than half as many route companies, descended on Chicago last month for the Golden Tee Live Summit, getting them ready for the big 500-game test.
• HITTING THE BOOKS -- Class XII of the much-revered AMOA Notre Dame program got underway in late October, even as Class XI was graduating. Get an inside look from a member of the newest class, RePlay's own Steve White, who reports on the course work, if not his grades.
• PUBLIC RELATIONS -- Putting a new face on the industry was the big topic at the recent meeting of West Virginia operators. They unveiled a new logo and marketing campaign to help them navigate the tricky waters of legalized gaming in their state.
• SMART MARKETING -- Kentucky's B.J. Novelty is already known around the trade as one of the savviest street routes out there. Now, they have taken marketing to a new level, publishing a player-oriented magazine tailored to promote their games and special events.
• STREET FIGHTER IS BACK -- Ultracade Technologies last month pulled back the curtain on their latest retro-game initiative, a new video called Street Fighter: Anniversary Edition with a handful of the franchise's most popular titles all in one cabinet.
• POOL TABLES PLUS -- The billiard pros at Valley-Dynamo continue to prove that they know more than just pool. This month, they are rolling out the sequel to Lighthouse, a new merchandise game called Stacker from LAI, plus two kiddie-focused air hockey tables, Blue Streak & Mini Splash.
• FIVE FIGURES -- That's how many TouchTunes downloading jukes are now in the field. In fact, the factory recently celebrated the placement of that 10,000th unit down in Florida.

• Cover: 50 Years at Namco

• A HALF CENTURY OF FUN -- Namco Ltd., the Japanese video and redemption game factory known for hit titles that span decades (think Galaxian and Pac-Man to Ridge Racer and Tekken) is celebrating 50 years in business. The firm was founded by visionary Masaya Nakamura, who built the business from a two kiddie ride operation to a multi-dimensional global corporation that develops and markets arcade and consumer games, has operations around the world and is currently blazing new trails with wireless games. Check out our special anniversary special on Namco.
• THE PARKS SHOW COMETH -- Like clockwork, the week before Thanksgiving, the amusement and theme park trades get together for the mother of all trade shows, the annual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions annual convention and show, taking place for the fourth year in a row at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
• EVERYBODY WAS SMILING -- Speaking of shows, this month's issue of RePlay features full coverage of the side-by-side AMOA and Fun Expo held in Las Vegas to rave reviews from the trade. Praise was universal for the product and attendance was robust. Add in a range of show specials and off the convention floor events and you've got a trade show daily double.
• CONNECTING TO THE FUTURE -- Cable vs. DSL? What about routers and hubs? Broadband lingo has become the buzz of the amusement game and juke industry as more products go online and operators look at networking their locations. Nobody knows this topic better than Ajax Interactive, a game operator that helps troubleshoot connectivity for others too.
• WHAT WAS HOT -- From teddy bear vendors to high-octane racers and high-energy seminars, there was a lot to like at this fall's AMOA and Fun Expo, and we polled those who attended for this month's Operator Interface. Check out what impressed the real pros.
• GETTING IT RIGHT -- Oklahoma operator Jim Kamas, who now specializes in FECs, says competition may be a natural part of business but not when it involves putting profits over people. "Looking back at my years in the business, I'd say one of the truly important things is mutual respect for your fellow vendors," he said. "I never bumped another operator. I never cut throats."
• MUSIC TECHNOLOGY SINGS -- Two of the major players in music downloading have unveiled new offerings. Ecast Inc. is rolling out its Unplugged Wi-Fi product while at the same time beefing up its back-end management tools. Meanwhile, TouchTunes has released a new software platform that makes it easy for operators to tap into broadband and much more.
• IN THE ZONE -- On the heels of a comprehensive new software package released in September, Merit debuts two new hardware pieces, Fun Zone, a ticket or coupon redemption version of Megatouch, and the new slim profile Elite Edge touchscreen.
• PRICING UPGRADE FOR POOL -- Global Billiard Mfg. has entered the adjustable pricing fray with an electronic acceptor that can retrofit almost any existing coin table that's already in the field. And here's the best part, their Matrix can be installed in most table's coin door opening with no routing or cutting of the cabinet.

• Cover: Great Day Dawns for Golden Tee! Every Game Online All the Time
• Fall 2004 Showbook

• SHOWTIME -- The game trade will be arriving in Vegas (not long afer this issue rolls off the press) for the traditionally co-located AMOA and Fun Expos. Expect lots of good new product and special prices on both show floors, as well as a wealth of information in the seminar room and loads off fun away from the convention halls.
• 60 YEARS YOUNG -- Charlotte, NC-based Brady Distributing celebrated its 60th birthday in late August with a first-class day of festivities including a traditional vending and amusement open house, seminars, tournaments and a tasty pig roast. RePlay was on hand for the fun.
• MUSIC MAKERS -- The jukebox remains an industry staple even as the nature of the beast has changed, from 45 RPM to CD jukes, and now to networked downloading. RePlay conducted an informal survey of operators and found that digital acceptance has become the norm for many.
• MARION'S MOMENT -- This month, Marion Paul becomes the third woman to ascend to the presidency of the national Amusement and Music Operator's Association. The arcade operator has already proven herself a formidable power in a trade group dominated by route companies owned by men. Learn more about this dynamic leader in our profile.
• THUMBNAIL TWOFER -- Interestingly, both of this month's Thumbnail Sketch subjects got the coin game start in resorts ­ Dan Sunday in the ski lodges of Colorado, Norb Meunier in his own Wisconsin Dells hotel. Both of these progressively oriented operators are opinionated and just plain fun to talk with.
• TOURNAMENT TIME -- Are you leaving money on the table? Game room operators who aren't tapping into player demand for live competition are, says Namco product guru and avid player Jason Arney. In one of the more insightful pieces we've seen, he details the tournament player culture and how to tap into it for additional profits.
• HOT, HOT, HOT! Dart maker Arachnid has expanded the abilities of their HotButton for a whole new dimension of game play by handicapping games in Casual Mode based on league scores. This lets players of any skill level compete against each other .
• THE REAL THING -- Toronto-based Visual Sports Systems' RealSports simulator utilizes real-life sports equipment, is operator adjustable and fully coin-operated with no attendant needed. There are six sports to choose from, all in one system or customized to an operator's needs.
• GOING UNDERGROUND -- Video game maker Global VR is set to release the latest in its series of Electronic Arts licensed driver, Need for Speed: Underground. This game, which sold 6.5 million copies to the home, taps into the "tuner" gamer culture with upgradeable cars.
• MERIT MATTERS -- Merit got a head start on the fall season this year when they started shipping new software for both Force 2005 and Maxx Jade in mid-August. With 19 new games for Force and 15 games for Maxx, this release offers a wide array of licensed content and operator features.

• Cover: Rowe ami -- Making good times great, with new Jukeboxes and a new way to look at Internet music

• READY FOR VEGAS -- Check out our comprehensive preview of this month's upcoming AMOA and Fun Expo shows. Everything you need to know to get prepped for the shows is right here at your fingertips including schedules and seminars.
• WINDY CITY POW-WOW -- AAMA held its annual meeting in downtown Chicago, complete with a Distributor Gala, as well as a series of official trade group meetings. Check out our first-hand coverage of the meetings and issues that were discussed at the leadership gathering.
• SETTING RECORDS -- That's what Twin Galaxies is all about, helping amusement operators hold contests and, hopefully, setting new world records on arcade video games. The score-keeping wizards there will even help out with promotional materials and tournament assistance.
• TEXAS JUKE JOINT -- Music was the main motif at the 31st annual Amusement and Music Operators of Texas convention, held in mid-July in Corpus Christi. More than 235 members of the trade showed up to celebrate the jukebox and get down to association business in the Lone Star State.
• IS IT TIME TO UPGRADE? That's the question that route and arcade operators always face. New games are the lifeblood of any operation, but spending too much on the wrong ones can have dire consequences. Read how operators deal with the dilemma in this month's Operator Interface.
• A GRAYING VETERAN -- Sal Lazuka may be counting gray hairs, as he told us in this month's Thumbnail Sketch, but that probably has something to do with a growing route that numbers over 300 locations in and around the Cleveland area.
• PRODUCT PIPELINE -- That's what AAMA distributor members got to see at this summer's association Distributor Gala. RePlay was there, too, and brings you a look at what you can expect to see at this month's AMOA Expo or your local distributorship open house.
• THE ULTIMATE GUIDE -- Product continues to take center stage in this special new machine driven issue of RePlay as we unveil the ultimate product buyer's guide, something we have dubbed the Buy Line. In short, this is a list of all the current jukeboxes and amusement games in production. When it comes time to set a new account, remember to check it out for just the right pieces.
• SLAMMIN' SAMMY -- Sammy USA, the domestic arm of the Japanese video game giant acquiring Sega, has already begun shipping their collaborative effort with SNK Playmore, King of Fighters Neo Wave. But that's just the beginning with three more games on the way including Dirty Pigskin, Extreme Hunting and Faster than Speed.
• PINBALL IS KING -- The King of rock 'N' roll, Elvis Presley, is now given his flipper dues with the latest release from Stern. The game, licensed from Elvis Presley Enterprises and designed by Steve Ritchie, features music from the King's two live TV specials.

• Cover: Global VR -- Madden Comes To Coin-Op

• TRADE SHOW TEASER -- By the time you get this issue, the fall trade show season (AMOA and Fun Expo) will be right around the corner. Get your first glimpse at what to expect in Vegas, as well as all the necessary travel information.
• PARTS BIZ BUYOUT -- We first heard word last month that parts powerhouse Happ Controls had been bought out by a Chicago area investment firm. Get the full story on what the deal will mean for this vital supplier.
• 75 AND GOING STRONG! The distribution pros at Shaffer Distributing are celebrating 75 years in the coin biz, offering the operators of Ohio, Indiana and Missouri a strong tradition of service from four generations of Shaffer men. Read more about how they got there.
• PREXY POW WOW -- A group of 16 past AMOA presidents convened on downtown Chicago in late June, and not to plot out the future course of the industry. There were there, instead, to have fun, take in the sights and do a little reminiscing.
• DIRECT RESPONSE -- We polled our readers in this month's Operator Interface about, guess what, I.T.'s decision to sell direct to AMOA members. Almost to the operator, they remain concerned about what this means for the industry.
• SPEAKING OUT -- In addition to our Operator Interface, this issue is packed with the voices of operators speaking out about the current state of the industry including an Around the Route contribution from Charles Rowland (pg. 62), a guest essay by Ed Velasquez (pg. 76) and two thought-provoking columns from Gary Spencer (pg. 101) and Jerry Monday (pg. 97).
• HAVE A BALL with Benchmark's new kiddie flipper game Monster Ball. The piece offers little ones a winner every time bouncy ball as well as a chance to win one of two gumball jackpots.
• FAST AND FURIOUS -- The name says it all. Raw Thrills is hitting the road with their new driver, The Fast and the Furious. Designed by some of the same creators that created Blitz, this game from the hot new developer will get your wheels turning.
• FORTUNATE PUSHER -- ICE is releasing Wheel of Fortuneyes, you read that right. It's not the skill-stop novelty that was a big hit in 2001. This time, the license adorns a pretty nifty Crompton's pusher that is sure to get your attention.
• MADDEN KICKOFF -- Global VR is set to release a coin-op version of EA Sports Madden NFL, a game that has sold more than 35 million copies to the home and boasts 10 million regular players. Read more in this month's cover story.

• Cover: H. Betti Industries -- celebrating 70 years

• A DIRECT APPROACH -- Incredible Technologies, the factory behind the ever-successful Golden Tee Golf phenomenon and other popular games, shocked the industry by announcing plans to sell AMOA operators directly .
• WINDY CITY TRADE MEET -- AAMA members (including game factories, suppliers and distributors) will gather this month in Chicago. See what's on tap in the Windy City.
• EAT, DRINK & SEE NEW MACHINES -- This year's National Restaurant Show in Chicago saw the debut of a handful of new coin-op products including the Merit Wallette and RMC E-Bubbler (we've got product features on these too).
• HAPPY ANNY, HBI! It's been 70 years since Humbert Betti Sr. placed his first machines on location and began the huge organization that includes today's network of Betson and Imperial machine and parts depots. See our special celebratory section.
• BIG DEAL DAY -- On the very same Monday in late May, the trade learned of two different acquisitions in the national game operating trade. In the first, Seattle-based Coinstar purchased Sugarloaf for a whopping $235 million. Meanwhile, LBE chain Jillian's went into bankruptcy, but not before striking a deal to sell its larger stores to Dave & Buster's and some smaller spots to an outside investment firm. Read the stories in the news section of this issue.
• TOURNAMENT TIME -- Upstate N.Y. route operator Valley Vending started the New York 8-Ball Championship nearly three decades ago. Today, the tournament they run in conjunction with three other operators has come to symbolize the necessity of promotion in the coin machine biz.
• DELTA MUSIC MAN -- Louisiana's Donovan Fremin, this month's Thumbnail Sketch, is a third-generation route man whose family signifies all that is unique and charming about the Bayou State.
• STRIKING A CHORD -- Incredible Technologies made news in more ways than one this month, releasing the new bowling game Silver Strike to sell-out orders on the first day it was released.
• FOUR NEW VIDEOS -- Top Line Cabinets (TLC Industries), already well known as a maker of cabinets for games like Golden Tee, has begun manufacturing video titles of its own, licensed from consumer developers. Already they have four almost ready to hit the marke.
• CHAMPIONSHIP III AND GT -- Global VR has released their newest version of PGA Golf, the Championship III edition that contains a handicapping system that should drive player participation and earnings, as well as a new revved-up version of Need for Speed called GT.

• Cover: LAI Games' Lighthouse Shines Bright Beam on Instant Redemption

• FEW SURPRISES -- That was the word coming from this year's 10th Annual E3, the massive consumer game show held mid-May in LA. As the homevid industry finds itself in between hardware generations, the big buzz was handhelds and several long awaited software titles. Find coverage in Steven Kent's column this month and our Jeremy Goldstone's full report.
• VEGAS SHOWS CONTINUE -- On the heels of this spring's ASI expo, a number of factories, distributors and operators have returned to Las Vegas once, and some twice more for the recent bulk vending and billiard shows.
• SOLD! That's what you will hear, if you log on to Super Auction's Ebay simulcast this month, a first for coin-op, as the rapidly-growing auction firm connecting operators to consumers gives online bidders a taste of the games they have to offer.
• LONE STAR WELCOME -- Distributing powerhouse Betson Enterprises threw an impressive Texas-style party opening their newest branch, Betson Texas, in Dallas. RePlay was there firsthand to see the impressive line-up of equipment and meet some of their new operator customers.
• AN EARLY START -- This month's Thumbnail subject, New York operator Larry Hilimire, got his start cleaning vending machines for his dad as a young boy. He says the coinbiz has been good to him and his family. "I look forward to getting up every morning," declares Larry.
• IN PRAISE OF PRIZE GAMES -- Street operators are still relatively new to redemption, but a recent crop of games (Gravity Hill, Lighthouse, etc.) has opened up new vistas for the route biz, say this month's Operator Interface subjects.
• TAKE A U-TURN -- Great American Recreation's new Boom-A-Rang table is an air hockey bent into a unique V-shaped attraction, cutting down on floor space and offering players the chance to stand side by side as they compete.
• PUMPED! Andamiro's newest dance sim upgrade, Pump It Up Exceed, provides more than just new music. It also offers a chance to upgrade the game from a CD-ROM driven attraction to more reliable hard drive technology.
• COLOR ME DIGITAL -- NSM's long-awaited digital downloading jukebox, the Chameleon, is set to begin shipping this month. Factory execs say they have put a tough year behind them and are moving full steam ahead.
  

• Cover: Back to the Future with Rock-Ola's New Line of Digital Downloading Jukeboxes

• SMOKE 'EM IF YOU CAN because many locales across the U.S. are considering or have already passed a ban on smoking in public places, including privately-owned bars and restaurants. Get an update on what affect this kind of legislation can have on game, pool and juke earnings, and what the industry is doing to monitor and combat this trend.
• EMERALD ISLE EXPO -- The trade in Ireland is alive and well, according to reports from this year's Irish Amusement Equipment Assn. Expo, held in Dublin. This year's show also hosted a series of high-level association meetings and the first presentation of the Mary Openshaw Award.
• ROCK ON-LINE -- This month's cover story takes a closer look at the emergence of a new line of downloading broadband jukeboxes from the CD and nostalgia mavens at Rock-Ola Mfg. in Torrance, Calif. Read more about the headway they are making in the marketplace, working in conjunction with the music providers at Ecast Inc.
• THE OTHER SHAFFERS -- That's right, there are two families with the same name who have made a successful place for their companies in the Buckeye State coin biz. Read all about Pick, Kerry, Monica, Randy and Todd, who collectively run a growing amusement route in the Dayton area.
• THREE IN ONE -- Following up on last year's extensive look at LAN gaming, we profile LanWerX, a Seattle-based location that is quickly growing into a small chain in the Pacific Northwest. The store combines PC, coin-op and console gaming experiences for a video game smorgasbord.
• MAN FOR ALL SEASONS -- Likeable tradester Steve Walton has worn several hats in this industry, running his own operation, serving as a factory sales rep and starting a manufacturers' rep firm with brother Pete. Recently, Steve checked in with an update on his always-hectic activities.
• JUST THE FACTS, PLEASE -- Incredible Technologies' Free Automated Contest and Tournament Software (FACTS) allows operators access to game-play data and enables them to use this information to conduct contests and tournaments from the convenience of their office PCs.
• OFF TO THE RACES -- Namco America is about to roll out two new driving attractions. Wangan Midnight: Maximum Tuning, set to be released this summer, utilizes a paper card reader that stores and updates a player's progress. Ring Riders is the latest Gaelco license from Namco, offering a special twist on the classic motorcyle racing game.
• A TAILORED BEAR -- That's what you get from the new interactive vending machine introduced this spring by uWink Inc. Customers can customize the clothing and accessories for their favorite bear, all of which is stocked in specially designed packaging inside the unit.
• IT'S ROUNDUP TIME! RePlay's Redemption Roundup has returned for this first time in 2004. Get a comprehensive look at the best and most popular items the major prize suppliers have to offer, all compiled in an easy-to-use format.

• Cover: Sammy's Rangers Aim to Capture Multi Product Market

• CHICAGO BOUND -- Last month's ASI in Las Vegas saw more than 60 new products debut, and good business was done by exhibitors despite the light turnout. But the big news of the show was that the 2005 event is moving to Chicago, hopefully to draw more operators. See our full coverage of this year's Vegas show, including booth photos, new products and other special ASI events.
• PRODUCTS GALORE -- That's what ASI show sponsors promised, predicting as many as three dozen or more new game debuts at this year's spring show. Their expectations where surpassed, as it's clear to see from our extensive catalog of product never before seen by the trade.
• ANOTHER ROUND -- The Nightclub and Bar Show was again held side by side with ASI last month in Las Vegas, although this year there were no free passes to the game convention. Coin machine exhibitors at the bar show said they still generated considerable attention for their wares from location owners and managers.
• \CONTINUING EDUCATION -- Incredible Technologies hosted their second annual operator summit in late February, this time in Atlanta, and more than 100 operators came out to learn more about how to maximize earnings through the factory's online suite of promotional tools.
• ROI BLUES -- Chicago jukebox operator Ed Velasquez, an ongoing RePlay contributor, discusses the challenges operators face in today's market when it comes to investing new dollars in equipment. The toughest part of the business, says Ed, is finding a game that brings new players or opens new location doors. The good news is that things are beginning to look brighter.
• THOUGHTS ON HOME -- Home video, that is. This month's Operator Interface looks at what operators think about the rise of home games. We asked, "Friend or foe?" "Both," said many we talked with, noting that today's industry hopes to use the best from home in the arcade and on the street.
• SMOKIN' -- Rowe debuted at ASI their newest digital jukebox, the smaller sized, value priced floor model, The Flame. With blazing graphics and content powered by Ecast Inc.'s Version 2 software, this juke is sure to heat up earnings at locations everywhere.
• OUT OF THIS WORLD -- ICE recently bowed their newest alley bowler, Dunk N' Alien, featuring a moving, talking alien character who heckles the player, spurring them on to try harder, and play the game more often. Three hits wins a special bonus, and lots of tickets.
• FANTASTIC FLIPPER ADVENTURE -- Stern's newest pin game, designed by Pat Lawlor, is the new Ripley's Believe it or Not. Players travel with the legendary Robert Ripley across seven continents on the playfield to discover the strange, bizarre, and unusual, including a shrunken head.
• ULTRA COMEBACK -- Ultracade Technologies, maker of the retro game system featuring dozens of classics all in one cabinet, has been through thick and thin in this challenging market, and they continue to forge ahead with exciting new projects. Get the scoop on this game development dynamo.
• THOSE WHO CAN -- The old adage is those who can, do and those who can't teach. The laser tag mavens at LaserTron do both. The Amherst, N.Y. firm recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of their own location, which helped launched the firm's retail product line, by offering extensive educational opportunities to their customers.

• Cover: Sega -- Truckin' with Smaller 4-Station Derby Owner's Club
  

• MOVERS & SHAKERS -- Two big names in distribution made news: Atlas Distributing sold out to fellow Chicago-based Signature Sales and Service, and Betson opened up a new storefront in Dallas, after acquiring Spirit Distributing.
• SHOWTIME! If it's March, it's ASI. The coin-op business will descend upon the Las Vegas Convention Center March 9-11 for the Amusement Showcase International. AAMA toppers say we can expect dozens of new games, plus special events.
• LONDON CALLING -- ATEI is the first big trade event of the year, and we've got a first-hand look from editor Steve White, who made the trek to London and brought back a wealth of insight on new product and why U.S. tradesters make the annual trip across the pond.
• RAW TALENT -- Eugene Jarvis has been designing video games since Defender, his very first effort. Now, he's formed a new company, Raw Thrills, and will be coming to ASI with its maiden effort, a shooter called Target: Terror, backed by the marketing muscle of Betson.
• MEETING OF THE MINDS -- Tobacco regulations, assault on video content and, of course, gaming were hot items on the agenda at this year's Council of Affiliated States Meeting, held during mid-January in San Diego. Read more about this annual gathering of state association leaders.
• SET 'EM UP, JOE -- A fresh, new RePlay straw poll on the U.S. "tavern route" shows the number of watering holes declining, according to operators who responded to our questionnaire. It's still the darling of the route, however, so there's no need to go hide in a bottle of hooch, yet.
• THE FUTURE IS HERE -- The U.K.'s Leisure Link, arguably the world's largest operation with 90,000 machines, is blazing new trails in online games and music, linking their own 2.8 million-song digital juke system with amusement and gaming machines on location.
• NO WALLFLOWER -- The new wall-hung digital juke from Rock-Ola, the Wall-Rock, will be the first unit to deploy Ecast's all new Version 2 software platform. "The beta boxes are working great and the revenue is unbelievable," reports RMC prexy John Schultz.
• LONG DISTANCE RUNNER -- Sega's four-player Derby Owner's Club opens new markets including, most recently, the travel center industry. "This is a game that increases food and beverage sales and brings in a new player base," said Barbara Joyiens. "That's been proven across the board."
• SECOND GENERATION SAMMY -- Sammy USA is unleashing its second generation of Atomiswave games including a sport shooter called Ranger Mission, the driver Chicago 1929 and two fighters: Guilty Gear Isuka and Rumble Fish.
• BOWLING FOR (COLLECTION) DOLLARS -- That's the idea behind AMF's new high-end bowling attraction, ThunderBowl. It's a scaled-down version of real-life bowling that is self-contained and, most importantly, currency-operated for a wide variety of venues.

• Cover: An Ocean of Motion -- Tsunami's Out to Make Waves with Splashy New Cabinets and Software
  

• SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN -- That's just one way to describe Memphis jukebox maven Cotton Pennington, longtime partner at Sammons Pennington, who is still going strong and serving music and games operators down south with his wit and wisdom.
• MUCH NEEDED R&R -- U.S. soldiers on leave from the fronts in Iraq and Afghanistan now have a state of the art game room to enjoy at a Bavarian rest and recuperation resort run by the military. Many of the new games were expressly donated by top coin-op game factories.
• SOUP TO NUTS -- Visual Technologies, the simulator game maker that is gracing this month's RePlay cover, is now covering all the bases as they roll out new motion simulator cabinets and game combo packs, as well as an upgrade kit that will allow operators to run their popular software on existing upright cabinets.
• BOUND FOR SACRAMENTO -- No, we're not talking about "The Terminator." But longtime northern California route operator Chris Schneider of Schneider Vending is hoping to join the movie star turned governor in the state's capital city. Read all about his run for the state senate.
• WHERE THERE'S SMOKE -- There may still be a cigarette vending machine, but it's not healthy, say this month's operators as they Interface on the state of the tobacco vending business. Suffice to say, the market is no longer red hot.
• MIDWESTERN VALUES -- Wisconsin operator Roger Westmont exemplifies much that is often lauded about the Midwest, including his can-do attitude combined with an industry veteran's ability to weather challenges.
• IT'S TEE TIME -- Incredible Technologies will release their new Golden Tee 2005 update including seven new courses on Feb. 13. Operators have already begun ordering the new update online, and the factory is promising a host of new features for both operators and players as the much-awaited annual tee time for profits approaches.
• THE ADVENTURE RETURNS -- Dragon's Lair, the classic "laser disc" adventure game that caused such a stir in the 1983-84 coin-op amusement world, is back, this time running on industry-proven electronics and at a great price, says its maker, Howell Ivy, seen here with a prototype at IAAPA.
• SAME SONG, SECOND VERSION -- The broadband content gurus at Ecast Inc. bowed their new media platform, known as Version 2, at last month's Consumer Electronics Show. This Microsoft-driven system provides operators with a powerful new set of online tools for their Rowe and Rock-Ola digital jukeboxes.
  
  [Back to 2004 Main Menu]

• Cover: Ecast -- Fueling a New Generation of Coin-Op
  
• ANNUAL DIRECTORY (price: $25)
  
  this is the industry's premier reference annual with listings (addresses, phones, faxes, email, key personnel) of manufacturers, distributors, parts suppliers, trade associations, music one-stops...a must-have issue for anyone in the business!

• Cover: BayTek: Making Automatic Prize Drop Games for the Street; New Games from IAAPA

• SAFE HARBOUR -- The investment group that acquired Merit last year snapped up jukebox and changer maker Rowe International by way of a last-minute bidding effort in late October.
• LOOKING BACK -- It's been one heck of a year for coin-op, and we've got a look back at the newsmakers of 2003, not to mention a few thoughts on what may be ahead for the trade.
• ONLINE GAMES -- If players had access to more information about where coin-op games are located, would this drive more business? That's what the new website Barcade.com is betting on. Set to launch this month, the Betson offshoot venture hopes to link players, locations and promotions.
• TOURNAMENT TIME -- Sports celebrities, fantasy prize packages and futuristic-feeling marketing technology characterize JDLs' raft of traditional-games-turned-promotional-tourney-machines.
• MORE THAN JUST GAMES -- Industry guru Kevin Williams, in the second of a two-part series exclusive to RePlay, takes a look at how the high-end game room market has evolved.
• CASTLE IN THE AIR -- As Enchanted Castle (acknowledged by many as a prototype of what has become the modern, multi-attraction FEC) celebrates its 20th anniversary, owners and employees reminisce about what has made the Enchanted Castle great: people. (Hey, there's even an FEC-based wedding story in there!)
• GETTING INSIDE GAMERS' HEADS -- How has the LAN gaming phenomenon affected culture around the globe? Academic Mike Liskin addresses just that question with his study of gamer culture, from PC game tournaments to the teams who are addicted to competing in them.
• IT'S A (LAN) WRAP -- As the Year of the LAN draws to a close, RePlay revisits some of the highlights in our year of exploring the phenomenon of consumer games like PCs and consoles used in a consumer environment.
• ENLIGHTENING -- That's what the LAI product Lighthouse has been for Valley Dynamo, their sales reps in the U.S. Read how they created a market for this high-end merchandiser, along with a look at some new games coming to the U.S. from the Pacific Rim gamesmiths at LAI.
• TOYS & STUFF -- Desert Collectibles brings their Create a Critter toy-stuffing kiosk to the plate. It's a small-footprint, all-in-one toy stuffer that lets customers choose the empty toy of their choice, dress it up in a costume, and watch an attendant stuff their customtoy, complete with cradle and birth certificate.
• VROOM, VROOM! Race Car Simulators' NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway racing sim, shown for the first time at IAAPA, touts authentic styling based on the popular NASCAR franchise. Execs say the 12-to-15-minute attraction is a great way to generate location traffic.
• X-TREMELY FUN -- The new winner-every-time X-Treme Fun E Ball redemption machine combines skill maze play with fresh graphics and a host of merchandising options for round-vend balls or capsules and prize pucks. The factory also supplies a special prize mix especially for the machine.
  
  [Back to 2003 Main Menu]

• Cover: The Lord of the Pinball (Magical Moment: Gary Stern Bows His Spellbinder); IAAPA Showbook

• A DIGITAL TURNING POINT -- The jukebox business was the talk of the AMOA show as the last two major hold-outs, NSM and Rock-Ola, officially entered the digital arena by signing on with hardware offerings that will allow operators to tap into the Ecast online music network.
• PARKS SHOW PREVIEW -- It's November and that means IAAPA to many in the amusement game trade. Long known as the most important event for the theme park biz, this mega-convention now hosts many coin-op debuts, too. Check out our full preview of the show in Orlando.
• THE WHOLE ENCHILADA -- This month's RePlay contains comprehensive coverage of late September's AMOA and Fun Expos, held side-by-side in Las Vegas. We bring you all the product and industry news from these all-important amusement trade shows, including reports on the shows and meetings and an extensive new product catalog.
• LORD OF THE FLIPPERS -- Stern Pinball will begin shipping their latest title this month, The Lord of the Rings. Through a license with Hollywood powerhouse New Line Cinema, Stern is bringing the movie trilogy to life on the flipper playfield in what may well be the most impressive release yet from the Chicagoland factory.
• MEET YOUR MAKER -- Organized by the national operator's association, the Meet Your Maker seminar at AMOA Expo featured a no-holds-barred discussion of the challenges and concerns of all three levels of the industry. It opened up a line of communication between operators and suppliers and left both energized for the future.
• HOW WAS YOUR SHOW? That's what we asked operators roaming the aisles of the AMOA and Fun Expos on the last day of the events. Former AMOA topper Lee Wesson's comments aptly sum up their feelings: "I think it's the best show we've had in years. It's Friday after 3PM and there are still people on the floor. The aisles are still busy. Since when does that happen?"
• BOWLING FOR DOLLARS -- Program X from major bowling supplier Qubica has risen from the ashes of what used to be Mendes. The Italian software firm has re-made the former attractions, producing two exciting bowling attractions, Buggy Bowl and Route 66.
• USE THE FORCE -- A new dedicated Star Wars game on an updated TsuMo base and helicopter shooter software for their existing TsuMo hardware highlighted Tsunami's offerings at this fall's AMOA. Get the details on these new releases from the motion sim pros.
• PAINTBALL, ANYONE? Team Play's Crossfire: Maximum Paintball is a first-person gun game that nonetheless comes with a yellow sticker for the simple reason that paintball shoots paint, not bullets, so it's non-lethal. Read all about this new one-to-two-player shooter.
• Ready, Set, GO! Chicago Gaming may be a new name in coin-op, but this Churchill Cabinet offshoot has been making home games for almost a decade. Now, they're off and running with an impressive kiddie racer, Nicktoons Racing, sporting the Nickelodeon license ­­ and that means SpongeBob

• Cover: King Plush has Mickey and Friends!

• SHOW REPORT -- RePlay staffers were just returning to the office from AMOA and Fun Expo as this issue went to press. Look for initial expo coverage in several strategic areas throughout the magazine, including Hot Off The Press, for the latest news from the fall's major coin game and FEC shows.
• ROWE RESTRUCTURES -- The venerable juke maker Rowe International is undergoing some radical surgery after years of struggling under a massive debt load. They are also rewiring their distribution network.
• MORE SHOWS ON THE WAY -- There's no rest for the weary, and this doubly so this fall for route and arcade operators with the national NAMA vending expo (see next item) and IAAPA parks show still set to come. Kicking off the previews is our look at the IAAPA megashow ­­ its 85th annual event ­­ which opens in Orlando Nov. 17. Organizers expect 30,000+ to view the more than 1,300 exhibits.
• NAMA DISHES UP FOODSERVICE -- The new Foodservice Pavilion is slated to take center stage at this month's NAMA National Expo with cooking demos, top chefs, educational seminars and more. Also on tap is a special pre-expo seminar on doing savvy battle with convenience store competitors.
• MR. PROMOTION -- Phil Webb of ASAP Vending is this month's Thumbnail subject, and he is full of good ideas about how to promote games on the route. Read about this 30-something operator who is fast growing his route in the suburbs of Chicago.
• ARCADES HOLD STEADY -- Now that the vital summer arcade season has passed, our Operator Interface reports that collections have held pretty steady, with a few modest (and one enormous) increases. Arcade ops credit everything from weather to location, but two things remain constant in a successful arcade: a good mix of machines and attractions, and listening to the customer.
• SECRETS OF THREE HYBRIDS -- What do an FEC with LAN games, a PC game center with coin-op games and an experimental boutique arcade all have in common? Besides being consumer/coin-op hybrids (offering PC or console games alongside coin machines), these three locations all emphasize putting their customers first, providing value for players as well as the cashbox, and experimenting to find out what works ­­ even if what works doesn't fit into traditional boundaries.
• MERIT MAKES IT HAPPEN -- Merit Industries rolled out a raft of new product at last month's AMOA Expo, including the sleek-profile countertop called the e.V.o. as well as the Fusion upright, not to mention lots of new software and operator-friendly features. Get the full Merit scoop.
• DARTING TO & FRO -- Snazzy graphics and a color flatscreen monitor catch the eye in Medalist Marketing's Spectrum Avanti, but execs say it's the high-tech electronics that are the real powerhouse in this new dartboard. Read about its flexible programming, promotions, networking and more.
• TOUCHDOWN -- Namco America is already shipping their new football video NFL Classic Football. The game offers exciting, spinning trackball action that is both physical and rewarding when you complete your play, just like the original video football we all remember.

• Cover: Coastal Says Catch Slingo at Expo!

• SHOW BUSINESS -- As the AMOA and Fun Expos hit the Las Vegas Convention Center this month, so do new focuses for the side-by-side shows. AMOA has orchestrated such social affairs as a pre-show golf outing and Hoover Dam tour, with Fun Expo hosting the first Fun Expo Paintball Invitational. For more on the shows' increased networking and alternate revenue stream themes, along with schedules, seminars and a peek at who'll be on the show floor, check out our previews.
• MORE THAN JUST GOLF -- That was the message at Global VR's San Jose distributor meeting last week. RePlay was there and saw the latest Championship Edition PGA golf game as well as a new licensed driver, EA's Need for Speed, and a revived shooter, The Last Bounty Hunter.
• SEGA SESSIONS -- Game factory Sega showed its new line of games to distributors at three separate stops last month (New Jersey, Chicago and L.A.). Read about the new games including Border Down, Cycraft, F-Zero, Jungle Treasure and Virtua Cop 3.
• EVERYTHING PLUS THE KITCHEN SINK -- More than just a distributor, Chuck Weiner's shop includes a wide selection of coin-op artifacts, signs, collector's items and pinball memorabilia. (P.S. You won't believe it, but he's also got auto parts!) Check out our feature of Chuck and his eclectic collection.
• ON TARGET -- Even if operators can't agree on whether dart leagues are up, down or truly profitable in a quantitative sense, one thing's clear: running leagues helps cement relationships with location owners, and that's always good for the bottom line. This month's Operator Interface is a crash course in different marketing techniques, promotions and tactics for running dart leagues, along with some philosophy and history for good measure.
• PC GAME CENTER REGS & OTHER BATTLES -- From a task force to address pending PC game center regulations in Los Angeles to a licensing committee to face the ambiguous issue of PC and console games for commercial use, game center association iGames is broadening its public role in reaching government officials and game publishers.
• NSM UPDATE -- The phonograph pros at NSM Music are shipping product again, including their newly designed CD floor model The Phoenix. RePlay got a first-hand look at the units being built at Chicago's Happ Controls and received last minute word (reported in Hot Press) that the U.K. factory has brought on more sales muscle, including U.S. distribs Deith and Betson.
• BnB ARCADE KIT -- The combination of block-breaking action and an all-out water balloon fight meets coin-op with BnB Arcade, the Eolith video available now as a universal kit from Apple. Players throw water balloons at their opponent in this side-scroller, which includes eight different 2D settings and various levels for a game that accomplishes both simplicity and depth. Find out more about the game that's been a top winner in Korea's online game industry.
• ATOMISWAVE ASSAULT -- Sammy USA is beginning to roll out a series of followup titles for its Atomiswave game platform including the gun game Sports Shooting as well as a fighting game, Demolish Fist, and a driver, Maximum Speed. The factory has a new electronic bulk vending machine, too, called the Sammy Prize Station.
  

• Cover: TouchTunes' Mastronardi and Perrachon are wild about their expansive 100k-plus digital song playlist

• SHOW TIME -- AMOA is all set with some fun new activities, including a tour of the Hoover Dam and golf outing, during next month's International Expo in Las Vegas.
• THE JUKEBOX REPORT -- RePlay's annual jukebox issue is here with a comprehensive look at the coin-op music market that includes an operator survey, market update from factory toppers, news on piracy enforcement, our cover story on the digital juke pioneers at TouchTunes, Operators Interfacing on their own jukebox perspective, new product from Rock-Ola and a brief profile of a possible new player (Songbird) in the digital music market.
• PHOENIX RISING -- That's right, NSM began shipping their new floor model CD juke, the Phoenix, as well as product from their parent company in the U.K. last month. Read this jukebox story with a happy ending for a recently embattled company.
• LASSO THAT MERCHANDISE -- Check out Redemption Roundup, our extensive plush and novelty section cataloging more than 20 suppliers' offerings for this season. Get an eyeful of hot licenses from Nickelodeon to Marvel, and trends from superheroes to playground balls, along with items to round out this summer's cranes and prize counters and get them ready for fall and winter.
• ASSOCIATIONS AT WORK -- State groups across the country held meetings and conventions during the early part of the summer. Look for first-hand coverage of the Illinois show as well as reports from Michigan and Wisconsin elsewhere in this issue.
• JUKEBOX JIVE -- Jukeboxes are a route's lifeblood, jukeboxes are inconsequential, digital jukeboxes are the best thing since sliced bread, digital jukeboxes just don't cut it compared to CDs. This month's extended Operator Interface poses a spectrum of viewpoints about the music route, from the debate about digital's undeniable mark in today's market to talk of music programming, pricing, the economy, and getting into resistant locations.
• I LIKE COFFEE, I LIKE PC -- Following the PC game center trend, California's PlaNet Cyber Internet Café offers a coffeehouse vibe with food/bev service as an additional revenue stream to computer use, along with retail game sales and computer design classes. Check out their technologically-enhanced service strategy to bring players in and get them to stay longer.
• IN THE ZONE -- PC games incorporated into an existing arcade or FEC is the most strategic business model for pay-for-play networked games, says LAN Zone, the networked games venture of cabinet maker TLC Industries that provides plug-and-play coin-op cabinets for PCs and consoles. These PC/coin-op hybrid systems, tech support, marketing tools and other offerings mark LAN Zone's reinvention as a PC game center one-stop.
• TWO FOR TWO -- Rock-Ola's Digital 9000 and Vivo wallbox, the first two of their Digital SyberSonics generation of jukeboxes, are highlighted by bright, colorful design and great sound. The more efficient CD boxes are also capable of using the remote management system Get Connected, with programmable pricing and other features manipulated from the operator's PC.

• Cover: Innovative Concepts in Entertainment's 20th Anniversary

• VALLEY-DYNAMO GETS NEW OWNER -- Half a decade after the coin-op industry's two top billiard factories merged, the combination now has a new owner in the form of an even bigger pool table company, home table maker Brunswick.
• AAMA ANNUAL POW WOW -- The American Amusement Machine Association has elected its new chief, Frank Cosentino of Namco America, who will serve as chairman for the next two years. Check out coverage of AAMA's annual meeting as well a joint visit to Capitol Hill with AMOA.
• E3 HITS L.A.-- More than 62,000 homevid industry members descended on the E3 consumer show in Los Angeles to see console, PC and mobile phone game wares. Though there was excitement over a handful of new titles, a general sense of lackluster pervaded. Coin-op presence was practically nil, though some new sports titles were mentioned as possibilities for porting over to coin machines.
• ICE-ING ON THE CAKE -- It's been twenty years since the very first Chexx hockey game shipped from the Buffalo, N.Y. factory Innovative Concepts in Entertainment, and they sure have come a long way from those humble roots in the last two decades. Read the story of their evolution and meet the people behind their success.
• GOOD PR -- Despite a past of questionable public portrayals, many of those polled in this month's Operator Interface name improved technology, kid-friendlinesss, home games and savvy promotions as reasons the public perception of coin-op has brightened in recent times.
• SUMMIT LEVEL TALKS -- More than 150 operators from across the country traveled to Chicagoland last month for Incredible Technologies' first-ever Operator Summit. The focus: making more money with operator-run promotions.
• A COIN-OP PC ROUTE -- When an arcade customer asked about networked PC games a year and a half ago, Canadian distrib/op Pacific Vend figured it wasn't their business. Then they saw the struggling arcade turn around collections with this so-called consumer offering. Now the PC/coin-op hybrid company has more than 120 of their own coin-op PCs out on the route bringing in quarters and tokens.
• RISING MACHINE -- Arnold Schwarzenegger hits the big screen this month in the U.S. release of Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines. And from the key members of the design team that brought you Terminator 2: Judgment Day comes Stern's newest licensed flipper based on the movie.
• FIGURE EIGHT -- A battery-operated bill acceptor, programmable pricing and new cloth and rails are just some of the new features on Valley's new Great Eight pool table. Those who've been testing the new table seem to have good reviews, too.
• CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION -- That's the name of the newest upgrade for Global VR's EA Sports PGA Tour Golf game that will include crisper graphics, more courses and players and ultimately, later this year, the ability to host league play.
• FORCEFUL -- ICE's new video gun Special Forces Elite Training, designed by Big Buck Hunter developer Playmechanix, is shipping dedicated and looks to come out later as a kit.

• Cover: Plush Appeal has three cheers for the Red, White & Blue!

• Sega In Transition -- Speculation over the future of video game powerhouse Sega is nothing new in the coin machine business lately, but it reached new heights last month as merger talks with both Sammy and Namco fell apart. Meanwhile, top coin-op execs Al Stone and Howell Ivy have both stepped down. Barbara Joyiens has been tapped to lead the U.S. organization.
• Interesting Stuff -- This month's PC game center profile focuses on the Sacramento area's Stuff About Games, a turnkey product supplier turned operator. But it's also about founder James Mecham's burgeoning relationship with a coin game veteran from the same area.
• Back to the Future -- RePlay contributor Joel Vance, a veteran coin trade journalist, covers the Betson Baltimore open house and takes us on a walk down the industry's own unique memory lane, 10th Avenue in New York.
• The MAINE EVENT -- This month's Thumbnail subject, Maine native Ross Furman, has been running a route for a quarter century now, employing good ol' Yankee know-how to make the best of his home state's harsh weather and good people.
• The Name of the Game -- Operators from around the country confirm what many of the trade's gurus have been saying of late, namely that we are having a banner season for new equipment. Read their responses in this month's Operator Interface.
• Making Waves -- Splash Lagoon is a 77,000-sq-ft. water park in Erie, Penn., that just opened up to much fanfare. One of the many attractions inside is a $1.25 million, 6,500-sq.-ft. game room on the main mezzanine offering more than 100 games that cover the spectrum of available product.
• Pinball 2003 ­­ Europe's TAB-Austria gave the U.S. trade a preview this spring of their new concept game called Virtual Pinball. The unique piece mimics the style of play found in traditional flippers on a 42-inch plasma display.
• Making Big Bucks -- Rowe operators around the country are using an optional feature on the factory's online jukeboxes -- namely a bill acceptor that takes $10s and $20s -- to really boost collections. Read their ideas.
• A New (Game) Player Emerges -- Longtime FEC operator J. Richard Oltmann has opened his own game factory, Family Fun Companies, after more than a decade of designing games for other firms. Read all about his fascinating career in this month's Spotlight Special.

• Cover: Rowe Goes Global with Digital Jukeboxes
  

• Sound and Fury -- That's what preceded this year's ASI show in Las Vegas, but the show ultimately signified something unexpected ­­ less controversy over the presence of location owners from the nearby Nightclub & Bar Show and more focus on what is being praised as some of the best game goods seen in years. Read our full report on the ASI show, along with a new equipment catalog, as well as coverage of the bar show and the Western NAMA vending expo.
• A Hot Dish -- Also in Vegas in late March, the International Pizza Expo dished more than 5,000 attendees, 900 exhibitors and a floor full of pizza parlor-related products and services. Sample a taste of how amusement industry exhibitors fared there.
• A LAN Center Duo -- Continuing our ongoing coverage of the curious PC game center market, we have two features this month. First, there's a profile of iGames marketing director Sanford Betz. Learn more about this personality-plus organization man and clubhouse-style game center operator, from his beginnings to thoughts of the industry's future. We also take an in-depth look at how the coin-op amusement business really views the connection between itself and its sister PC game center industry. Read this and other views (plus the debut column on all this by our own Kate Miller).
• Last Call -- Instead of our regular Operator Interface, RePlay polled visiting Nightclub & Bar attendees on the ASI show floor to find out why they were there, with answers ranging from buying equipment to "Oh, I thought this was the same show".
• Giving Away Money -- Thumbnail Sketch subject Scott Tartaglia of Shamrock Vending in the New York area has focused his biz like a laser light on the ATM market. He says they are ideal vending units for street operators.
• Hail to the New Chief -- This month's interview with the AMOA president marks the first time Chris Warren has been in our hot seat. Listen to his report on the association's recent mid-year board meeting and other AMOA happenings.
• Rockin' Rowe -- The subject of this month's cover story is the venerable jukebox manufacturer Rowe International, often seen as leader of the CD market. Now, the Grand Rapids, Mich., factory is also getting into the digital game, both with its Ecast partnership and on its own serving as a music provider for digital customers in international markets.
• Making Noise -- Rock-Ola's Digital SyberSonics jukeboxes come with the brawn of improved music machines and the brains of their new Get Connected remote access management software. Check out the full spread of their software and hardware offerings in this month's Spotlight Special.
• Driving and Diving -- Namco bowed two new pieces last month including the new high-octane police driver, Tokyo Cop, a license from the Spanish game specialists at Gaelco, and the novelty piece SeaQuarium, a unique combination of roll-down and skill stop play dynamics.

• Cover: Global VR -- "New" San Jose Gamesmith Has Arrived!
  

• A TRAGIC LOSS -- Members of the trade came to work on the first Monday in March to learn that AMOA president Rich Holley had been killed the previous Friday in a plane crash near his island home of North Captiva. Read more about his life, loss and the AMOA in transition.
• PLAYING POLITICS -- State lawmakers across the country have turned their attention, once again, to the issue of violent video games. Many have targeted the home game biz, but some are also looking to regulate coin-op.
• OPS ON SLOTS -- RePlay contributor Joel Vance hits the ground running with the first of two stories in this month's issue, talking to operators about the possibility of legalized small stakes gaming machines in Maryland.
• INSIDE THE TRADES -- RePlay publisher Ed Adlum provides a rare glimpse inside the inner workings of the trade magazine business as well as a few entertaining reminiscences of his colorful and esteemed career in the industry.
• A SECOND LIFE -- Educator and public servant Paul Corey fought coin-op-threatening legislation, catapulted to the top of the Ohio Coin Machine Association and earned industry respect for what is arguably the model for a professional state association. As Paul retires and his son David takes the reins of OCMA, peruse the highlights of this trade leader's remarkable career.
• ENTER THE PC-ARCADE HYBRID -- You've heard the debate about whether PCs and coin-op can work together; now get it straight from the horse's mouth in this RePlay exclusive by contributor Tam Nguyen. Dream Machine, a traditional arcade chain that's placed LAN game centers in some of their eastern U.S. locations, has been experimenting with just that question in their "laboratory" sites for the past two years. Learn the results of their experiment.
• FORK OVER THAT CASH -- As our culture becomes more and more geared toward paying with plastic, there is often less coin in coin-op. This month, a spectrum of leading debit card and key makers ­­ plus one convinced operator ­­ hails the merits of cashless systems, from increased profits and security to up-to-the-minute accounting reports and marketing information.
• GOLDEN TEE KEEPS GOING -- Incredible Technologies last month unveiled their newest line-up of Golden Tee Fore golf courses, seven this year including two amateur layouts and a new promotional Hole-in-One and Closest-to-the-Pin play modes.
• I'M O.K., YOU'RE O.K. -- That's what many operators are saying about the bulk vending factory that entered the amusement biz with their popular self-contained merchandiser Gravity Hill and are back with two new products, VIPS and Skittle Ball, featured in this month's Spotlight Special.

• Cover: Sega Ponies Up with a Collection Thoroughbred
  

• SHOWS, SHOWS AND MORE SHOWS ­­ If you like trade shows, you are in luck this month. AAMA's Amusement Showcase International is taking place in Las Vegas in the midst of three other loosely-related conventions including the NAMA vending show, the much-discussed Nightclub & Bar Show and the Pizza Expo. We've got previews of all four.
• HEADS OF STATE ­­ AMOA held another successful Council of Affiliated States Meeting this past January in San Antonio, where association officers and executives gathered to compare notes on everything from taxes to tournaments.
• MAJOR MERGER ­­ Just as this issue of RePlay was going to press, the industry was rocked by news that Sega Corp. and Sammy Corp. of Japan are going to merge. Read more about how this deal is expected to come together in this month's Cover Story.
• HAVE KNOWLEDGE, WILL TRAVEL ­­ Industry technical guru Randy Fromm was in the Midwest in mid-January, the coldest week so far in Chicagoland, to conduct a school sponsored by Illinois operator Ray Shroyer of Metro Amusements. The event drew students from across the U.S.
• BAR SHOW SOUND OFF ­­ Last year around this time, RePlay asked operators what they thought about bar owners in ASI and everybody seemed to have a strong opinion. Industry thinking seems more ambiguous now, with many ops declining to even discuss the topic.
• PROFESSOR PINBALL ­­ CSSK Amusements' Chuck Martin, who taught 9th-grade math for 31 years before launching into the coin biz full-time, talks to RePlay about his untraditional methods of marketing pinballs to the home, including the "guerilla warfare" of targeting customers.
• PRODUCTS GALORE ­­ We have a preview look at a cross-section of the new products slated for release in the coming months. So if you haven't quite decided whether to travel to ASI and need that last little nudge in the form of a sneak peek at some, but not all to be sure, of what's to come, turn to our ASI Product Showcase.
• GOING DIGITAL ­­ Rock-Ola has released Digital SyberSonics (DSS), the most significant upgrade to its core SyberSonics Electronics technology since the system was first unveiled in 1996. Now RMC jukeboxes play music with increased power, fidelity, and clarity while providing operators with many new tools for sound system management.
• DO THE SHUFFLE ­­ Pinballsales.com has succeeded in taking the classic shuffle bowler concept and bringing it into the new century with a complete redesign, including a 27" flat screen color monitor, a high-profile license and the ability in the future to network the PC-based units for online tournament play. Read about what Shufflealley.com is up to in this month's Spotlight.

• Cover: Incredible Technologies: Video Golf and Beyond
  

• THE X FILES -- The graduating class from AMOA's Notre Dame management program talks up their alma mater in true collegiate style with tales of student camaraderie, learning over lunch and the warm fuzzies of school pride you just can't find in books. Oh, yeah, and first-class education about the coin-op biz from accounting to people skills.
• LAN LESSONS -- Can PC game centers and traditional coin-op work together? That's the hot question traditional coin machine operators and LAN gaming experts tackle with part two of the PC/coin-op pro-con, this time getting down to the nitty-gritty business aspects of LAN (local area network) game operations from business model to the nuts and bolts of collections, hardware and software ­­ along with the sticky issue of ugly media attention surrounding a few incidents of gang violence near cyber cafes. Join in on the discussion.
• PRIME REAL ESTATE -- How do you get into "resistant" chain locations like fast-food joints and family-style bar-and-grills? Well, getting your foot in the door is a tough first. Seven operators share their trials, tribulations and even a few success stories in this month's Operator Interface.
• VALUE JUDGMENTS -- T.D. Rowe's John Hulick talks straight about the practical rundown of "Buying and Selling a Route," reportedly the AMOA show's best-attended seminar. For both buyer and seller, learn how to judge the difference between wood value and objective accounting, protect privacy and assets, get the best price and other insider tips.
• REDEMPTION HOT SPOTS -- Redemption law expert and attorney Tom Fricke calls in an update from the front lines of redemption compliance in such "war zone" states as Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia. Brush up on key court opinions handed down in the past year and get wise to Fricke's realistic approach to the legislature for skill definitions.
• SIMPSONS REDUX -- Stern went into full production last month of their newest licensed pin game, The Simpsons House Party, offering a split level playfield, fantastic art package and some of the deepest rules seen on a recent flipper.
• THE ORION APPEAL -- It's sleek, chic, stylish, ergonomic, futuristic-looking, and has what JVL's Dawn Young calls, "for lack of a better expression, sex appeal." Not just a pretty face, the Orion upright touchscreen also has killer graphics and sound, and we hear good stuff about tournaments, too.
• SPEED RACER -- Jesler's stock car racing sim Carismo comes with a three-quarter-scale Pro Challenge Series body, two degrees of interactive motion-based freedom, and Dirt Track Racing 2. It's also designed to be used for tournaments and accommodate other racing software.
  • READY FOR TAKEOFF -- BugEye Technologies, an offshoot of commercial plane manufacturer, burst onto the scene late last year with a unique visual display that they hope will revolutionize high-end game play. Read more about where this flight sim technology came from and where it's heading.

• Cover: Namco's Best Got Better with TC3
  
• ANNUAL DIRECTORY (price: $25)
  
  this is the industry's premier reference annual with listings (addresses, phones, faxes, email, key personnel) of manufacturers, distributors, parts suppliers, trade associations, music one-stops...a must-have issue for anyone in the business!

• Cover: Coastal Puts Elvis in the Game Room

• PRO-PINBALL OPS -- In RePlay's second installment of discussion about pinball earnings, operators talk about long-term earning potential, home sales, maintenance and other issues. Here's some of their flipper philosophies, insights and tips.
• THE DR. IS IN -- Scott Sheridan, Dr. Scott's Pinball Store owner/op, talks about getting hooked on pins, finding that spark of pinball life, and the untraditional business methods of coupling his long-term flipper passion with his day job.
• HIGH NOON AT THE PC GAME CORRAL -- It's clear from recent growth figures that so-called home PC games can be an out-of-home enterprise in PC game centers, what some are calling the next-generation arcade. But how will traditional coin-op fit into this emerging U.S. trend? Coin machine operators face off with PC game center pros in this debate.
• REDEEMING QUALITY -- Redemption supplier Kemac Distributing builds their merchandise biz on a foundation of listening to operators, attentive personal service with high-quality goods, and shifting from the mindset of "We don't have that" to "Let me see if I can find it."
• THE GREAT PRODUCT SEARCH -- Now that the shows are over and the season's slew of new videos, countertops, redemption games, pins, jukes and more have been unveiled, what are operators actually buying? Hear it straight from the horse's mouth in this month's Operator Interface.
• ARNOLD2 -- Two celebrity Arnolds (Schwarzenegger and Tom) helped Hollywood Games celebrate L.A.'s Inner City Games after-school program.
• RIDING THE CREST-- Kansas City's Lee Vending runs its amusement division from a pretty impressive headquarter facility, the company-owned Cool Crest Family Fun Center, which the route acquired in 1997. Read how a full-line vendor delved into amusements and ultimately FECs.
• HOT PROPERTY -- The innovative product designers at dart maker Arachnid Inc. have released their new player Hot Button, which will allow shooters the ability to take their identity anywhere.
• IN THE DEAD ZONE --The release of House of the Dead III not only marks the return of this wildly popular game franchise, but also serves notice to the coin-op world with a brand-new hardware system designed jointly by software giant and Xbox maker Microsoft and the game pros at Sega.
• DOUBLE WHAMMY -- Popcorn, Bay-Tek's newest redemption title, grabbed the attention of distributors and operators alike when it was debuted earlier this fall. The factory has also released their newest alley bowler Bustin' Balloons.
• TAKING A HARD(WARE) LOOK -- Video console hardware seems to have found a second home in new coin-op industry releases. RePlay contributor Kevin Williams attempts to chart the anatomy of these new releases and their impact on renewed sales.

• Cover: Tsunami -- The TsuMo Flies!

• DOUBLE COVERAGE -- A spirit of enthusiasm was in the air at both AMOA and Fun Expo, the fall's amusement and FEC shows held side-by-side in Las Vegas. We bring you full show floor coverage, as well as a catalog of new products and a look at many of the special events and meetings held during this late- September industry extravaganza.
• HERE COMES THE PARKS SHOW -- The convention season remains in full swing. Even as we bring exhaustive coverage of AMOA and Fun Expo to you in this issue, many in the trade will be packing their bags for the mammoth IAAPA show in Orlando. Take a look at what's on tap.
• REDEMPTION ROUND UP -- The holidays are approaching and with it the industry turns it collective eye toward the season's newest prizes for cranes, rotaries, merchandisers and redemption counters. Check out our fall redemption round up of "stuff".
• A VOICE FROM THE PAST -- On the eve of AMOA Expo, we got an intriguing email from none other than former Microsoft coin-op evangelist James Plamondon, the man who filled a crowded auditorium for his Dallas AMOA seminar.
• MEETING OF THE MINDS -- How about some first-hand knowledge with those eggs? That's what participants at the AMOA Expo supply chain breakfast were served when operators, distributors and suppliers all sat down to talk about their experiences one on one.
• TOURNAMENT TIME -- With a growing array of tournament products on the market, Operators Interface this month on their tournament plans, both present and future.
• MACHINES GALORE -- This is a product-driven business and we're happy to provide a look at the brand-new-at-expo machines in our traditional post-show machine catalog, beginning with a "Games at a Glance" single-page reference of the products that follow.
• LET IT FLY -- After making big summer news with the launch of their much-awaited EA Sports PGA Tour Golf game, the team at Global VR is beginning to put their tournament and promotion plans into action with new software upgrades and the first competition on the horizon.
• YOU'RE THE ToPS -- That's the word on the new Tournament Pinball System (ToPS) debuted at AMOA by Gary "Last Man Standing" Stern's pinball factory. Learn more about how this automated promotional tool works.
• SMALLER THAN A BREADBOX -- That's right, the new TuneCentral feature from TouchTunes offers the downloading juke factory's entire universe of songs, all in a small metal box set for on-site, instant downloads without broadband.

• Cover: Market-Growing Product ... from the Minds at Merit

• THE MUSIC MAN -- It's not lonely at the top for TouchTunes' new CEO and president John Perrachon. The former record label music marketer is already hard at work keeping the Canadian-based digital juke company focused on its core business and the key leverage points that will drive the firm toward future growth and success.
• THE IMAX FACTOR -- RePlay contributor Loni Reeder checks out the flagship Max Games video game tournament, which includes 300 young players getting involved in console competitions at a museum with their final contest projected on an IMAX screen.
• WHO IS OUR CUSTOMER? -- Game room attraction maven Kevin Williams takes a look at today's LBE customer, and discovers that the patron attracted to the current crop of high-end game rooms is a far different animal than the classic arcade customer. They are older, have more to spend and are looking for unique experiences.
• MARCHING TO HIS OWN BEAT -- Rich Holley is an island native who found his mainland home in the coin-op industry. Last month the engineer-turned-professional-musician-turned-amusement game-operator took over as president of the national operators' association, AMOA, having cut his teeth there dealing with the thorny issue of video content.
• BUCKEYE BASH -- The 28th Annual Ohio Coin Machine Association Expo of Music and Games may not have been the group's biggest, but judged against the benchmark of current business conditions, the event passed with flying colors as one of the group's best.
• FORMER GLORY -- Windy City trade veteran Herb Perkins, who was at one time or another an operator, distributor and manufacturer in the coin-op industry, remembers the post-war glory days when Chicago factories ruled the biz.
• HERE COMES ATOMISWAVE -- Japanese video and redemption game maker Sammy released a much-talked-about video game system at last month's AMOA called Atomiswave. Priced right, the system also offers ops the ability to convert the cabinet to many different configurations and update the software regularly with affordable game cartridges.
• THE ALL-IN-ONE MERIT MACHINE -- The digital jukebox may have finally come of age with the marriage of downloadable music from TouchTunes to a Merit touchscreen game machine. Read all about it, and more from the touchscreen maker, in this month's Cover Story on Merit Industries.
• SPOTLIGHT ON ROWE -- Rowe International released the first major redesign of its classic CD floor model last month. Check out this month's Spotlight Special on the Rowe StarGlo, including a look at how the unit was re-engineered from the ground up.

• Cover: Andamiro's Stepping Lively with New Product Lineup

• SHOW SPECTACULAR -- If it's September, it's time for the now annual co-location of AMOA International Expo and Fun Expo. This year's Fun Expo will bring a whole new extreme sports crowd, too. To get you prepared for the two expos, we have an entire show section including a preview of what to expect as well as comprehensive seminar, exhibitor listings and schedules, plus a look at both show floors.
• A YEAR LATER -- The first anniversary of last year's tragic terrorist attack on the U.S. is fast upon us, and RePlay's Kate Miller gives us a fascinating look back at how those events unfolded for a handful of tradesters in the Manhattan area and what it has meant to them since that fateful day. She also used this month's Operator Interface to check in with New York operators about the state of the trade there since the events of 9/11.
• AROUND THE ROUTE -- Virginia op Charles Rowland helps us revive a RePlay classic, the Around the Route column, with his thoughts on the state of the biz, namely that operators need games designed to earn for longer periods of time to create a healthier and more stable industry.
• BULKING UP -- Long considered one of the nation's most prosperous music routes, Chicago's Velasquez Automatic Music has been diversifying their product offerings in recent times, most notably with an expansion into the bulk vending arena for some of their high-traffic locations. In this month's issue, Ed Velasquez talks about the results to date.
• DIFFERENT STROKES -- Operating a successful fun center in today's climate requires a unique approach. This month we look at two ways to slice that apple, including an East Coast seaside gameroom, Sportland, which combines classic boardwalk attractions with high-tech VR, and a West Coast location, Hollywood Sports, that has resorted to Xtreme measures..
• THANK YOU VERY MUCH -- Coming on the 25th anniversary of the King of Rock 'N Roll's death, Coastal Amusements has released a unique Harry Levy pusher based on Elvis and featuring live concert music from one of his infamous Vegas shows.
• AN IMPRESSIVE SHOWING -- Innovative Concepts in Entertainment has been busy this summer, readying four new products for market including two new round-shaped cranes (Round Up and Yellow Submarine), a Bell Fruit pusher (Quarterback) that automatically manages tokens through a closed loop system, and a two-player version of Spacey Racers called Rock 'N Moon Rally.
• SEGA SADDLES UP -- Sega Enterprises held a distributor meeting in late July to unveil its new product line including the twin driver with card reader, Initial D, as well as a new fighting game and soccer video. They also previewed coming redemption pieces designed by their new special products division. Read our coverage in this month's Spotlight.

• Cover: Rock-Ola's Diamond Anniversary

• MOSS ON THE MOVE -- Moss Distributing has opened a new office near Minneapolis where the dealer will represent a whole lineup of amusement product. Meantime, not so coincidentally, Minnesota's Hanson Distributing is closing after selling to Australian slot machine maker Aristocrat
• THE TRIPLE CROWN -- Jukebox wise man Glenn Streeter has been making stylish machines for a quarter century now, the last 10 years under the much-respected Rock-Ola brand, a name that itself has been around for 75 years. We celebrate the success of this company with a history of its founding by patriarch David Rockola, the dynamic growth of the Chicago factory during mid-century and its transition to new owner Streeter, who now runs the show in southern California.
• TEE TIME -- Global VR held a distributor meeting last month in northern California where the quickly emerging factory debuted their product line, including a much anticipated video golf game
• SUMMER SESSIONS -- May and June mark prime time for operator associations powwows, especially in the Midwest, where state groups held meetings, and in some instances trade shows exhibiting new product and services. Operators also gathered to discuss state and national politics and the current state of the coin machine biz. These active states include Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. attended the ICMOA and WAMO shows in person. Check out our coverage of all of these events
• CONSOLIDATION BLUES -- Are all the small mom and pop operations being squeezed about by big national firms? Not exactly. See what operator readers had to say about this hot topic in our monthly Interface column
• READY, AIM, FIRE -- Incredible Technologies has launched their second major ITS initiative, Big Buck Hunter 2, which is tournament ready and can leverage all the same features currently being used by online Golden Tee Fore! operators
• A WILD RIDE -- Stern Pinball unveils their newest flipper, the amusement themed Roller Coaster Tycoon.
• DELICATE NEGOTIATIONS -- NSM Music execs talk with RePlay about their adventures in the world of music licensing as they move forward with their digital Remote Jukebox.
• BIG CHANGES -- Rowe International has made some big changes at the top levels, and announced a groundbreaking alliance with the one of the industry's newest consultants, former Midway and Dynamo veteran Mark Struhs.
  

• Cover: Happy 40th Anniversary to Joel & Jon Kleiman and Pioneer Sales & Service

• FOUR DECADES OF SUCCESS -- This month's cover feature offers an extensive profile of Wisconsin distributor Pioneer Sales & Service, which has been providing top-notch equipment and service to their customer base for four decades under the steady hand of Joel Kleiman and now his son Jon as well. Read all about the dealer's history, and get an inside look at the crack staff who make it all happen behind the scenes
• LAB RESULTS -- New Jersey game lab veteran Nick Farley has opened a new testing house in Ohio, offering his evaluation and forensic services to both gaming and amusement machine makers around the U.S. RePlay's Katie Martin profiles this new firm
• E3 EXTRAVAGANZA -- The other video game industry, the consumer biz that is, met in late May in Los Angeles for the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo, and contributing writer Loni Reeder and RePlay columnist Matt Bettelman were on hand. Take in their impressions of this mega-show and what it might mean for coin-op
• MAKING HISTORY -- The Chicago Historical Society recently inducted one of our own, Windy City jukebox king Arturo Velasquez. Read about his civic contributions
• TOURNAMENTS GALORE -- The annual tournament season has come to a close, and we have full coverage of the majors including BullShooter, NDA and VNEA, as well as highlight wrap-up from the BCA, VIFA and Mall of America Golden Tee championship
• HANDS ON OPERATING -- Want to put those warehouse games to work for you? Secure a weekly minimum with location owners? Michigan street and arcade op Bryan Scopel talks about how diversifying, being thrifty and taking chances on unconventional venues has made a difference
• SUMMER VACATION -- Summer is traditionally good for many arcade ops, especially those who operate in seasonal locations and tourist areas. We caught up with a group of arcade heavies to gauge this year's summer season as it gets underway
• HIGH CALIBER -- Namco releases Soul Calibur II, an upright fighter in which players choose from 13 default characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and unique weapons and fight their way through a variety of stages. The majority of the characters from Soul Calibur return to unearth and seize the "Sword of Souls." There are four new combatants as well
• A STAR IS BORN -- Ecast and Rowe began shipping initial production units of their new GemStar touchscreen last month, featuring licensed Midway content and a plethora of additional online features. They have also introduced a software upgrade for their NetStar and StarLink digital juke
• WHAT'S HAPP-ENING? The answer is "lots" at Happ Controls where their attention to quality has enabled the parts specialty firm to grow to include more offices and even the licensing and remanufacture of some classic video titles from Midway.

• Cover: Oldies are Goldies on HyperWare's UltraCade

• THE OTHER VENDING BIZ: The word vending often conjures up images of can drinks or pre-packaged sandwicheTRADE DEFICIT -- A crippling tariff on U.S. goods may or may not be targeted at coin-op games. At first blush that's how it looked, but trade leaders say the European proposal appears to be aimed at the X-Box and other consumer game products
• THROW ME A LAN LINE -- Still see PC games as coin-op competition? Here's how LAN game rooms, an arcade-style setting of networked computers, can capitalize on the home game trend -- while also lining the traditional arcade's cashbox
• FORGING AHEAD -- Top Line Cabinets, a mainstay coin-op supplier in the Chicagoland area, is moving into new realms with their MegaRcade video system as well as a turnkey LAN gaming platform.
• A BUYER'S MARKET -- In this month's Interface, operators from around the country talk about the current crop of spring product: what it is, what they like, and how much they're buying,
• MR. PROMOTION -- Street operator Andy Shaffer of Shaffer Services in Columbus, Ohio, says keeping earnings up on the route requires constant promotion in order to pull patrons off their bar stools and out of their homes
• ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUCCESS -- Red and Jerry's, the Denver area mega-LBE, offers an interesting combination of games, food, nightlife and off-track gaming. Learn more about their unique formula for success
• SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL -- TsuMo -- short for Tsunami Motion System -- simulates its way into arcades, FECs, LBEs, theaters and sports bars worldwide with the kind of 360-degree interactive play you can't get rolling around in front of your computer screen
• TEE TIME -- Konami has released their newest motion capture video simulator, mocapgolf, which tests players' ability to master exotic tropical links using the free-swinging club interface
• A TWOFER -- Sega has two hot summer titles: the new role playing upright The Maze of The Kings and their newest sports sim, Soul Surfer.
• GO FISH -- Namco's Fishing Treasure brings a whole new hook to merchandisers with rod, reel and fish-shaped prize capsules plus special touches to let ops tailor the Treasure to their locations,

• Cover: Sammy's in the Doghouse and They Couldn't Be Happier!

• THE OTHER VENDING BIZ: The word vending often conjures up images of can drinks or pre-packaged sandwiches, but there is another vending universe that handles so-called bulk product (gumballs, capsules, superballs and the like). A number of coin-op firms were in attendance at the recent NBVA show in Vegas.
• FACTS AND FIGURES: Most FECs do not revenue share their amusement games with separate operating companies, although most amusement parks are utilizing an outside operator. That's just one of the many fascinating insights provided by IALEI's annual survey of the industry
• PRIZES GALORE: Our periodic premium section, Redemption Roundup, continues to expand with our best section ever on prizes, big and small, for redemption and merchandise machine operators. See what new things the market has to offer in this installment
• ALL OPPOSED: This month's Operator Interface asks the burning question: Would you want to see bar owners allowed into the spring coin-op show? They responded with a resounding: No! Read all of their comments in this month's Interface
• A GROWTH BUSINESS: Odyssey Fun World with two impressive FEC locations in suburban Chicago (Naperville and Tinley Park) is experiencing a growth spurt under the leadership of operating veteran Rob Farrel.
• MAN ON A MISSION: Southern California arcade operator and former route man Jim Rowton built his dream arcade in the San Fernando Valley hub of Van Nuys almost four years ago, and he has been loving life ever since.
• CHECK OUT THEIR MOVES: Andamiro USA, the U.S. factory known for their competitively-priced product from Korea, has a new upgrade for their dance simulator platform as well as two new novelty games, Real Shooting and Musical Chairs
• KERMIT AND THE GANG: Bromley, a household name in the coin-op redemption biz, has two new titles coming to market including Thunderation and the Henson-licensed Muppets Haunted House Adventure, designed by none other than flipper maven Roger Sharpe
• TEE TIME: They're here, five brand new international courses from Stonehenge to the Bayou, all rendered with a meticulous eye for environmental detail, not to mention an option for operators to purchase them online.

• Cover: Konami Takes a Swing into Spring at ASI with New mocapgolf Video

• Spring Show Special -- Check out our full coverage of the Amusement Showcase International, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center side-by-side with both NAMA and Nightclub and Bar (we covered those shows as well). So read our wrap up story, peruse the booth pictures, check out who won the big awards and review our catalog of new products debuted at the show
• NAMA Western Show Scores -- One thing you have to say about the more mundane side of the coin machine business ­­ vending ­­ it's "dependable." Their spring expo did the "usual" 3,000-plus attendees and lots of container drink machines stood out
• Out To Lunch -- The Italian food at the Melrose Park eatery was tasty, but it was the company that Alexander Woo and his wife traveled from Hong Kong to enjoy. The couple donated almost $2,000 to charity, through a special Ebay auction, to visit the Stern Pinball factory and lunch with Gary Stern and famed pinball designer Pat Lawlor
• Online Security Redux -- Following recent news that two factories have signed the AMOA Privacy and Security Policy, we asked several operators from around the U.S. to Interface on their own level of security when it comes to online data
• The Next Generation -- He's opinionated, he's young and he may well be the face of the industry's future. Meet southern Louisiana operator Troy Estopinal, one of the youngest members of the AMOA board, and a real mover and shaker from the Bayou State
• New Kid On The Block -- This month, we profile Chicagoland's newest distributor, Signature Sales & Service, founded by trade veteran Frank Gumma Jr. This new distributing company boasts decades of collective experience with a staff of coin-op veterans.
• Simple Solutions -- Amusement Solutions recently introduced two innovative products for the game room operator, a debit-based token replacement system called GateKeyper and the wireless data collector DataTrieve, both created to streamline amusement operations through technology.
• A PC Pool Table -- Sunline USA, backed by veteran tradester Jed Foreman, has introduced a new computerized pool table that will help operators control pricing and traffic flow on location, along with many other unique features
• The Ultra Facelift -- Hyperware has upgraded their new Ultracade system with the addition of eight new games, as well as a new player software interface that allows more intuitive access to all of the unit's software attractions

• Cover: Benchmark Games: In the Quick Coin Zone

• COIN BIZ DESCENDS ON VEGAS -- The spring show is here! We've got a full heads-up on what to expect at ASI (March 6-8 in Vegas) and as a bonus, we've also got previews of the NAMA vending show and Nightclub & Bar Expo, also taking place that same week in Vegas
• NEW DISTRIBUTOR OPENS DOORS -- A new distributorship was born last month. Deith Amusement and Vending will ultimately serve the Northeast from four offices in Massachusetts, New York New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Read all about the new joint venture by Innovative Concepts in Entertainment and import/export pro Simon Deith
• FINANCIAL TIMES -- The finance specialists at Firestone Financial have made it their business to know yours. Now, this month's profile of the firm offers you a chance to find out a little bit about what they do.
• BEST OF 2001 -- RePlay's Katie Martin follows up on last year's super chart of hit vids and pins since the mid-'90s, with a more focused look at the top games for the entire calendar of 2001
• HOW'S BUSINESS? The age-old question, so appropriate to ask these days, gets some rather pleasing responses from a good group of arcade and route folks.
• MR. NEW ORLEANS -- The late Bob Nims, a New Orleans operator, distributor and former AMOA president, loved his adopted home city so much that even after he passed away, his legacy is still growing there under the direction of his widow Jeri
• PUTTING PLAYERS FIRST -- It's all about the player, period. That's the philosophy on which Cedars Rapids, Iowa street route Camden Amusement is run. Read our Katie Martin's first-hand profile of this first-rate operation
• THE QUEEN OF PROMOTIONS -- "New promotions are what keep this industry going," says Dorothy Lewis, operations manager at Fun Station USA. "You have to offer more than just a place to come and play games."
• THE WRITING ON THE FELT -- What would prompt you to put an ad on your pool table cloth? How about $400 plus two free cloths (including installation) each year? Chicago-based Eightball Media is hoping the answer to that question is "yes" as they launch a nationwide advertising effort
• PINBALL PEEK-A-BOO -- Stern's newest flipper game, Playboy, has some of the deepest rules yet, denoting a serious pingame for the avid player. But that's not really the point, says factory topper Gary Stern. "The idea behind this game, from the players' perspective, is to make shots and look at pictures of gorgeous girls." Check out our full product preview
• ADVENTURE TIME -- Konami releases two new adventure themed videos, including Police 911 2, the sequel to their original motion capture video shooter, as well as the deluxe two-person dino shooter Jurassic Park III. Look for these games at ASI
•  

• Cover: Apple & JVL: Teaming Up for Conquest -- also inside: INDY, STATE/BETSON, GEORGIA POKER
  • ANNIVERSARY TRIO ­­ Juke maker Rock-Ola celebrates three major milestones this year including 75 years of RMC product and a quarter of a century making jukeboxes for company owner Glenn Streeter. Also, on the eve of his 10th anniversary leading RMC, Glenn has appointed a new company president.
  • COIN-OP'S WEBMASTER ­­ Operator and distributor turned online coin-op entrepreneur Jack Guarnieri often spends 15 hour days filling orders for customers looking to brighten their homes with a vintage pinball or classic juke. He also spends some of that time providing high-quality coin-op equipment in service to good causes including both local and national charities
  • WHAT'S THEIR ANGLE ­­ Diversity is the name of the game for Angle Manufacturing, longtime maker of game cabinets. Today, Angle still builds cabinets primarily for the game sector, but they are also breaking into such other fields as health and public Internet access
  • THE GOLDEN DOLLAR - Despite the PR push by the U.S. Mint and other promotional efforts, the dollar coin has yet to catch on. In fact for most people, you have to ask at the bank to get your hands on one, or get change from a post office stamp machine. We checked in with U.S. operators on what's been happening with the Sacagawea dollar on their routes
  • PEAK PERFORMANCE ­­ If you don't maximize revenue during peak periods, you are leaving a lot of much-needed revenue on the table, says Frank Seninsky in this month's Frank Talk column. Get the details on affordable ways to make the most of high-traffic times.
  • THE GOLD AGE ­­ Benchmark Games newest redemption piece is a quick coin attraction that uses its dynamic playfield to create coin pile-ups. These spur additional play enticing the players to break that log jam and push those sought-after tokens into, that's right, The Goldzone
  • WIN, PLACE & SHOW ­­ Sega's Derby Owner's Club is a high-tech sensation that allows players to breed, train and race their very own thoroughbred horse in live action competition. The eight-player attraction is currently on test at D&B in downtown Chicago
  • ICE HEATS UP ­­ Even as they dug their way out of an early winter blizzard in the Buffalo area, ICE sales execs were hard at work, preparing to launch as many as nine new products from the Clarence, N.Y. factory during the first half of 2002.

• Cover: Rowe's Music Men Tap into Trivia with Millionaire Vidgame
  
  • ANNUAL DIRECTORY (price: $25)
    
    this is the industry's premier reference annual with listings (addresses, phones, faxes, email, key personnel) of manufacturers, distributors, parts suppliers, trade associations, music one-stops...a must-have issue for anyone in the business!

• Cover: Namco Hooks Big "Pixy Prize" with "Fishin' Treasure" Toy Dropper

• PARKS SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA - The massive leisure product show held annually by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions returned last month to the theme park capital of the world, Orlando, Fla. See our first-hand report from the 640,000-sq.-ft. bazaar offering every imaginable product and service under the sun for the amusement park and FEC biz pg. 37
• VENDING CENTRAL - RePlay saw many friendly distributor and operator faces when it visited Chicago's McCormick Place, Oct. 25-27, for the 65th Annual National Automatic Merchandising Association Expo. This year's main event for the vending industry showcased equipment advances, cutting edge technology and emerging services pg. 46
• TAKING STOCK - The task of summing up an entire year, even as it is still unfolding, is daunting at best. But it can also help frame all of the year's event in some context and maybe even giving us a second look at something that snuck past our view the first time around. So take a walk down short-term memory lane starting on pg. 53
• HAVING FUN AND GROWING - Sam's Fun City in Pensacola, Florida, has been open for just over a year, but the location is already gaining notoriety, having garnered two sought-after Golden Token awards from IALEI this fall. Owner Richard Sanfilippo tells RePlay the award-winning FEC is still in its infancy with big growth plans in the works pg. 93
• LIVE AND IN-PERSON - No longer content to compete in cyberspace, Golden Tee competitors are now meeting around the country for live, organized competitions. These events are relatively new occurrences. Prior to last year, the only major live event was the National Championship held annually by the factory in Vegas. Now there's talk of a national tour with monthly or bi-monthly tourneys pg. 113
• FAIRYTALE FEC - Michigan's top tourist attraction isn't an automobile manufacturing plant or a Great Lakes resort. Its most popular draw is Frankenmuth, a themed fairytale village north of Lansing. Now visitors now have more entertainment choices than ever before as a result of a growing relationship between the tourist destination and Alpha-Omega Amusements. Read about this unique partnership pg. 89
• TEE IT UP ­ Global VR, the virtual reality attraction maker that has begun producing more traditional video sims, now takes aim at the upright market as well with their EA Sports-licensed Tiger Woods video golf game. We've got the inside scoop on this major development in this month's Spotlight pg. 103
• WHAT GOES AROUND ­ Started by computer graphic specialist Quantum3D, Hyperware is now emerging as a popular game maker in its own right. Get the full story on this firm, now headed by Quantum vets Rob Ligetti and Dave Foley, and their UltraCade multi-game video platform pg. 105

• Cover: Good Expo! Hot Pin! Stern Bows Monopoly at Las Vegas Tradefest

• GET READY FOR IAAPA ­ While most people begin to turn their attention toward the holidays at this time of year, those in the amusement trade gear up for the mother of all trade shows, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions convention. This year IAAPA is going back to Orlando for its feast of the senses including fun rides, thrilling games and tasty food.
• A WIN, WIN ­­ Organizers of both the AMOA and Fun Expos, held last month in Las Vegas, breathed a sigh of relief on the opening day of the co-located shows as they saw sizeable crowds milling through the aisles of both. In light of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the ensuing mood of fear that fell over the nation, both shows surpassed gloomy expectations. They were good shows, everybody agreed! See our extensive coverage of both shows, including product, people and politics
• STRAIGHT TALK EXPRESS ­­ Albuquerque real estate maven turned FEC owner and operator Gene Hinkle is the new president of the IALEI fun center association. We caught up with this straight talking tradester to get the inside scoop on that association and the Fun Expo
• FIRST CLASS TREATMENT ­­ Sega Service staffers recently completed a third and final in-house training session in San Francisco with representatives from five national operating companies. Two previous sessions had seen technical mavens from all of the firm's distributors travel to the Bay area for a hands-on education.
• TAKING CARE OF BIG BUSINESS ­­ Minneapolis-based Weisman Enterprises manages over 100,000 pieces of equipment producing $500 million in revenue at 30,000 locations across the country. They serve over 230 clients, many large national companies, working with operators in every state of the U.S., as well as Canada and Puerto Rico.
• A DYNAMIC DUO ­ This month's Spotlight is on two firms that have partnered together to create a new and dynamic force in the coin-op industry, Ecast Inc. and jukebox maker Rowe International. The former has licensed content and technology from Midway for its online game and music network, working with Rowe to built out new hardware, while the latter has gotten into the game biz with their licensed Who Wants to Be a Millionaire touchscreen
• DO NOT PASS GO ON THIS FLIPPER ­ This month's cover story subject, Stern Pinball, has a real winner with its new Monopoly flipper designed in a "partnership" between the factory and former Williams pin designer Pat Lawlor. The game, debuted at AMOA Expo last month, is already creating a serious buzz for the last factory standing in the pinball biz
• PRIZES GALORE ­ Once again, RePlay brings its readers the now tri-annual Redemption Roundup, a comprehensive look at the best and brightest plush toys and prizes for cranes, merchandisers and game room redemption counters

• Cover: Ecast: Playing a Leading Role in Future Tech for Coin-Op
• The Shows Will Go On - In the face of national tragedy, the coin-op trade will march on with the co-located AMOA International Expo and Fun Expo, Oct. 4-6, in Las Vegas. Our preview includes exhibitor lists, event schedules and a double interview with incoming and outgoing AMOA presidents Michael Leonard and Lee Wesson. The AMOA, by the way, has donated a dollar per member ($1,706) to the Red Cross Disaster Fund and will be accepting additional funds from Expo showgoers at a kiosk in the registration area; IALEI and AAMA have also made contributions. Nice going!
• A Fight on their Hands - Georgia legislators voted to end the operation of pokers and 8-line games for legitimate redemption purposes during a stormy special session last month. Operators vowed to take their fight to court in order to preserve the law, on the books since 1991, allowing limited prizes but no cash payout.
• Back to the Future - Writer, commentator & coin-op video aficionado Loni Reeder takes us on a journey of discovery. Through extensive interviews with coinbiz veterans, plus game designers and consumer biz visionaries, she seeks to distill the essence of quality content represented by many Golden Era video titles and determine what that means for the present-day industry
• OCMA Looks Ahead - The Ohio Coin Machine Association held its 27th Annual Expo, August 2-3, at the Columbus Holiday Inn, drawing nearly 200 participants. The event included two days of products exhibits, association meetings, the yearly Ed Shaffer Memorial Golf Outing and a much praised seminar on "What Does the Future Hold?"
• Straw Poll Results - RePlay surveyed 60 operators from around the U.S., asking them 30 questions about a wide range of issues affecting their businesses, to bring you a snapshot of today's coin biz climate. Take a look at what the participants had to say
• Our Hat's Off - Gerry Arca is the head game technician at Palace Entertainment's Camelot Park in Santa Maria, Calif. He is also deaf. The 33-year-old local native has been with the location since it opened a decade ago, providing top-notch service and inspiration to all. Read his unique tale of success
• IT Goes Touchscreen - Incredible Technologies will unveil its newest game platform this month, a touchscreen unit called Touch-IT. Boasting state-of-the-art hardware, the unit's tournament-ready and the factory plans to launch online competition very soon
• Prize Promotion ­ Tekbilt is also getting into the amusement touchscreen game with TouchTown USA that promises wholesome content and the ability to promote location patronage with a specially designed thermal Prize Coupon Printer
• 21st Century Vending - PlayMation builds close to 30 different bulk vendors, all designed to provide customers with a fun time and the chance to win a prize
• Much More: This month's issue also profiles games, prizes and components from Arcade Planet, Konami, Merit, Mr. Ticket, Rock-Ola, S&B Candy and Toys and uWink Inc., as well as a report on the growth of tournaments by Apple Inc./JVL and a look at the coin-op advertising specialists at On Premise Marketing

• Cover: Suspected of Pleasing Players: Arachnid's Newest Dart Lineup
• Merger Mania: The landscape of distribution looks markedly different this month after the completion of three major deals involving both mergers and acquisitions at Atlas, Cleveland Coin, Mountain Coin, Moss Distributing, Music Vend and Southgate. Get the full stories, starting on
• It's Almost Showtime! AMOA and Fun Expo have moved their show dates into early October this year, but it's never too early to get ready for these two amusement expos, now held side by side in Vegas. Get an early look at schedules, seminars, etc.
• A Hit Parade: RePlay's Katie Martin has compiled a game compendium, highlighting the best of the best in video and pins from the last five years. Games are presented both by equipment category as well as by content per the industry's Parental Advisory System
• Sega Sensations: Sega Enterprises gave distributors and RePlay a preview of their upcoming product line in late July, including two fighting vids and two sports titles
• Also: AMOA Chief hails upcoming expo; spotlight on new product from Smart; Ops Interface about the current state of pinball; Shop*Talk tackles intermittent switches; Jerry Monday on changes in distribution; AAMA leaders On the Record about international shows; an inside look at a dream juke collection in So Cal; Joystick Journal reviews new Sega vids; Randy Chilton divines a formula for success in tough times; and Len Pytlak concludes part two of partnership considerations
• Hitting the Streets: Working with their local operating partners, the marketing pros at TouchTunes are reaching out to locations in the Seattle/Tacoma area in hopes of gaining more market share there. And they are planning to take this program on the road
• Integrated Solutions: The new owners of Premier Data have been on the job for just over a year, but they are already well on their way to creating a whole new family of operator-friendly products for the route
• Also: Street Smarts' Gary Spencer provides a how-to on starting your own company website; Dart Scene looks at personnel challenges and triumphs; VNEA Juniors wow Mankato and our Thumbnail of Arrow Amusement's Richard and Sue Poston
• A Family Affair: Husband-and-wife-run FEC in small-town Virginia carves out a comfortable niche both for owners and customers
• Pacing Themselves: Andretti Speed Lab, the Atlanta LBE that offers high-end racing sims, launches a teen driving lab to teach kids about real-world driving dangers
• Big Day at the Mall: Twin Galaxies hosts first-time festival to celebrate video games past and present, and the crowds go wild at the world-famous Mall of America
• Also: George "Fun By" Smith offers flying lessons for coin-op; John Ridgway Steps Up to discuss the virtues of low-tech; and Frank Talk(s) about the timeless opportunities in properly-run redemption

• Cover: Says Fun Express -- "When it comes to fun, we're all business!"
• Midway Exits Coin-Op: Once America's vidgame powerhouse, Midway Games announced this month that it is leaving the coin-op business for good to focus strictly on consumer software sales. For more on this sad news for the entire industry
• New Products Galore: Three Chicago area game factories showed half a dozen new products last month to visiting distributors. The game makers included P&P Marketing, Namco-America and Sammy USA, and RePlay was there to report on what's in store for the fall
• Colorado Game Exchange Redux: Rich Babich has left route operating and returned to the ranks of distribution, "reviving" his "Exchange" as a no-nonsense sales & service machine
• Also: Ops Interface on Midway exit; Shaffer Dist. presents first Bernie Flynn Award; state associations meet in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin; Shop*Talk looks at Brave Firefighter and a Promax chassis; BCA tourney results; AAMA goes On the Record about trade show talks, RePlay takes another look in our Rearview Mirror; and Len Pytlak examines the pros and cons of partnership
• Wanna Buy a Route? So you're in the market for another route, or one of your competitors decides to call it quits. How do you go about valuing that business for a possible acquisition? Streets Smarts columnist Gary Spencer walks you through it step by step
• A Broad Range of Possibilities: Broadband is the newest high-tech rage to hit, and we wanted to know what it means for coin-op. So we caught up with top executives from one of the few coin-op companies using high-speed connections, Ecast Inc.
• Also: the ADA bows a new steel tip coin-op machine; AMOA topper Lee Wesson takes our summer temp; Russ Warner is our Thumbnail Sketch; Dart Scene discusses potential new markets; Randy Chilton continues his AMOA retrospective; and Valley's Dave Courington Steps Up and Speaks Out about the positive side of coin-op ­ leagues and tournaments
• XS Orlando Opens: Namco's much awaited XS Orlando opened earlier this summer, offering the latest and greatest in games and attractions, not to mention a true gourmet restaurant and extensive corporate meeting and group team building amenities
• Community Service: A struggling Northern California market, now turned into an arcade, is actually a cleverly disguised youth center plotting to help local teens develop job skills while they hang out. Our new assistant editor, Katie Martin, reports the story,
• Merchandise Mania: For the second time this year, RePlay brings you a comprehensive look at the universe of prize merchandise, all starting on
• Also: Benchmark bows their newest game; JDL holds another Vince Carter promo in Philly; George Smith advises on customer rewards and Frank Talk(s) about lessons learned from the theme park biz

• Cover: Ronbotics -- "Sensible Simulators" for the Arcade World
• The Votes Are In: Benchmark's Al Kress is the new AAMA Chairman. Al was elected along with a new slate of officers and four new board members at the association's annual meeting.
• That Other Vidgame Show: The seventh annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) drew more than 62,000 interactive entertainment professionals from more than 70 countries to the Los Angeles Convention Center. Read two special reports on the show including one from our own game reviewer Matt Bettelman
• Serving Their Country: Gekay Sales is the exclusive coin-op distributor to the U.S. military. This unique job requires the pros at Gekay to cover the customer base of an average distributor. The only catch: t hose customers operate on bases around the world
• Also: Trade leaders lobby Congress; Spotlight on Stern's new Austin Powers pin; coin-op firms show at National Restaurant Show; new AAMA chair goes On The Record; get a Blast from the Past by visiting a company that refurbishes vintage videos; Frank talks about facing our biggest challenge; Randy Chilton reminisces on AMOA board meetings past; AMOA topper Lee Wesson prescribes an ounce of prevention; Ops Interface on their current attitudes about the biz; Rearview Mirror takes a look back in the pages of RePlay; Jerry Monday suggests new directions for AAMA; Shop*Talk takes up ticket problems; Len Pytlak revisits independent contractors in On the Money; and CAGS holds an open house
• The Debate Goes On: Southern California music operator John Guthrie of G & G Amusement critiques the current crop of downloading jukes and the pros at Ecast and TouchTunes respond
• Tournaments Galore: We have loads of coverage from three recent national coin-op championships including the VNEA pool tourney and BullShooter and NDA dart competitions, all starting on
• They're At It Again: Merit continues to make news, this month with a game & website licensing deal with Arcade Planet and a 2nd annual competition being held at distribs around the country
• Also: Kendall College design students create new digital jukes; Gary Spencer educates us on the Street Smarts of seasonal locations; and ITS Canada takes off quadrupling their own expectations
• Powerful Medicine: Family fun pro Steve Bennett and his power team (Ken Withers & Steve Hall) have got the cure for game room blues with their newest Power House FEC in Orange, Calif. It's a model that has already proven itself, so look for more from this powerful and growing group of locations
• Get Your Motor Running: The Tilt arcade chain operated by Nickels and Dimes has hit the road to drum up player excitement, both literally with their new Tilt Bus mobile arcade kiosk and figuratively at their new site on the information superhighway
• Also: New product from Bromley, Benchmark, S & B Candy and Toys and Active Systems; as well as IALEI's George Smith on providing good ol' fashioned fun and value

• Cover: ICE's Wheel is ready to take Cyclone earnings to the next level
  
  
• No Wedding Bells: U.S. executives at both Sega and Namco say rumors of a possible marriage between the two companies are ill informed. There will be no merger, they assert, but maybe more cooperation
• West Virginia Gets Legal Pokers: After many years of trying, West Virginians will be able to operate state-regulated video lottery. But the restrictive law passed there is nothing to write home about, say ops
• Can Lightning Strike Twice? Our cover story subjects at ICE certainly hope so. The factory recently went into production on their newest attraction, Wheel of Fortune, and they predict the game will outshine their most popular piece to date, Cyclone
• Also: Video violence continues to plague trade; Jerry Monday discusses the merits of open houses; Ed Bevilaqua of Fun-E-Business discusses coin-op's need for venture capital; Betson Philly and Jersey and Commercial Music hold open houses; AMOA topper Wesson discusses NDA and Notre Dame; Shop*Talk examines Merit CD-ROM replacement and force feedback in Rush the Rock; AAMA leaders On the Record about trade events at Wal-Mart HQ & Dubai; Randy Chilton remembers his early AMOA days; Joystick Journal feasts on new Sega product; Frank Talks about worst case location scenarios; and Rearview Mirror offers a blast from the past through the pages of RePlay 25 years ago
• Big Changes in the Works: In the past six weeks, GameWorks has announced its expansion into Europe and the addition of bowling and movie theaters to its stores. GW exec Ron Lam talks to RePlay about what all this change means
• Taking Flight: New management and a newly designed M4-SX capsule are headlining new developments at North Dakota motion simulation maker FunFlight, formerly known as Adventure Quest
• Trials & Tribulations: Real estate investor Gene Hinkle, this month's Thumbnail Sketch, had to fight long and hard to finish his 30,000-sq.-ft. Albuquerque FEC, including trips to the federal and state supreme courts.
• Also: GameCom acquires Ferris Productions; Fun By George counsels business to start thinking young; and Bay-Tek bows two new games
• Making Headway! Los Angeles-based uWink Inc. made big promises last summer to deliver online game content and tournaments, and they are living up to those lofty goals. Read our update on Nolan Bushnell's latest brainchild
• Not Child's Play: Former distributor John Lotz, now selling kiddie rides and carousels with Sunshine Equipment, discusses the 12 truths of running rides profitably
• Also: OK Manufacturing enters self-vending novelty game arena with Gravity Hill; ops Interface about competition for the cash box; IT bows update for original Golden Tee and hosts top players at Vegas Championships; and Dart Scene provides tips on gaining new players

• Cover: TouchTunes...it's a distributor box, too!
  
• The Big Win in Indy: The coin-op industry won a major legal victory in its attempt to halt an Indianapolis law restricting the operation of violently themed vids. Read all about the court decision and what it means
• Big Moves at ICE: The gamesmiths at upstate New York's Innovative Concepts in Entertainment bowed their likely new hit, Wheel of Fortune. They are also making big news with a new product line, Fantasy Entertainment's Portrait Studio, and an exclusive new distribution deal in the Northeast with State Sales and Service
• ASI 2001: AAMA's annual spring coin machine expo, March 29-31at the Las Vegas Convention Center, saw slightly smaller crowds, reflecting continued industry consolidation, but the mood was generally upbeat We follow that show coverage with a catalog of brand-new equipment bowed at the event
• Also: LAI (Australia) and Arcade Planet (LazerTron) strike a manufacturing and distribution deal; Apple Photo to handles sales & marketing for JVL; trade leaders prepare for Washington Conference; Dave & Buster's shoots hoops for St. Patty's Day; Jack Guarnieri Steps Up and Speaks Out about pinball today; three hot new deluxe vids from Sega; American Alpha bows Smiley DBA in U.S.; distribs hold post-show open houses; Matt Bettelman picks his top three from ASI in Joystick Journal,; Roger Sharpe talks trade shows past & present; ShopHTalk examines wacky switch & heat related problems; Frank Seninsky discusses supporting upstart factories; Len Pytlak looks at constructive dividends; AAMA toppers go On the Record to discuss making headway in tough conditions; and Randy Chilton explores revenue sharing
• Nifty Fifties: This chain of 1950s themed family-style restaurants based in and around Philadelphia recently experimented with a good-sized FEC addition. It was so successful that they plan to expand
• Introducing Andamiro: This may be a new arcade game maker, but the faces and names are mighty familiar. Capcom vets Steve Blattspieler and Satinder Bhutani help company founder James Ko launch Andamiro USA, a division of the Korean firm that makes Pump It Up and more
• Also: IALEI prexy George Smith looks at future trends in Fun By George; and Jerry Monday reviews ASI
• TouchTunes on Stage! The digital juke maker returns to RePlay's cover for the second time. The firm has been shipping downloading boxes ­­ with loads of new features ­­ for almost three years and has close to 4,000 in the field. They're also now working with 10 U.S. distributors
• Year of the Street Operator: That's what Street Smarts columnist Gary Spencer concludes after visits to three location shows for bar and tavern, movie theater and pizza restaurant owners
• A Tee Time for Profits: Canada's Davis Skill Games just completed one of the biggest independent Golden Tee Fore! competitions seen to date. The event took place at one of that country's premier golf clubs and the big winner walked away with a new Nissan Xterra sport utility vehicle
• Also: NAMA West plays host to new machines and lots of vendibles; meet Indiana op Chuck Hescher in Thumbnail; AMOA topper Lee Wesson says state of the biz is mixed in this month's Hail to the Chief; recent tourney action; and Ops interface on current product offerings

• Cover: Rainbow Crane: color them successful!
  
  
• Midway's Shakeup: once America's vidgame powerhouse, mighty Midway laid off over 60 engineers, programmers and designers last month ­­ reportedly the bulk of their coin-op design force, countertops excepted. We cover what happened, why, and what it all means
• Adieu, Ron! AAMA Chairman Ron Carrara passes the gavel this month to his successor, who will be elected during AAMA's spring board meeting in Washington, D.C. The industry is also mounting a lobbying conference at the same time
• London Fog: London's ATEI Show usually sets the tone for the industry's entire year but January's edition may have left coin-op in a fog. Record attendance did not make up for relatively few new amusement games
• Also: our Cover Story on Rainbow Crane; Merit exits from the Dart Scene while reaffirming its commitment to c-tops; new products, Unique Digital, Namco and Sammy USA; TD Rowe buys six more routes; Touchtunes creates new lease options; F rank Seninsky gives a "state of the industry" overview;, Matt Bettelman on the state of online video gameplay
• Looking Up: According to a poll of Fun Expo 2000 attendees, the fun center market is actually getting better & more profitable for most. Sims and VR attractions are also reportedly on the upswing
• Prize Guys: We reached out to the suppliers of redemption prize merchandise to learn what's new, what's hot and what's in amongst the ticket-vending set these days. Result: your handy-dandy RePlay Redemption Roundup
• Also: IALEI prexy George Smith looks at recent dot-com & hi-tech developments in relation to coin-biz; Jerry Monday sees a good-news, bad-news market
• Rock-Ola Me Tonight: SoCal's own jukebox factory has a nifty new lineup including The Rock, a wallbox with interchangeable art panels, and the Wallette remote speaker-selector unit
• Tomorrow's Operator, Pt. 1: Nebraska Technical Services just may be the most wired-in operators in America. They have avidly embraced online darts, music and videos. See how they run
• Tomorrow's Operator, Pt. 2: Jim Lesser is an operator. He owns his own games. He splits the cash box with locations. It's just that he picks world class stops and ties in world class promotions. Results: world class earnings!
• Also: AMOA prexy Lee Wesson reviews their midyear board meeting; Gary Spencer talks about redemption in bars; Operators Interface on the recent news from Midway; Randy Chilton calls for upgraded machine components; NDA Director Leslie Murphy comments on Merit's exit from dart manufacturing; Shop*Talk looks at Rowe bill acceptor fixes

• Cover: Nice Shot! Incredible Technologies Tees Up New Golden Tee Fore! 2001 Courses; ASI Showbook
  
  
• It's Showtime! From a new website to a reported slew of new games, this month's Amusement Showcase International (ASI) offers the industry's latest and greatest. The 2001 edition runs side by side with the Western NAMA, too. We have show and seminar schedules and more
• The Hayes Report: Namco America President Kevin Hayes says that R&D exclusively for coin-op is "almost a thing of the past" and most future arcade videos will run on consumer-type hardware. But Namco's reorganization is finished and we'll see more Namco games this year
• Let's Get Real: Are video gun games "murder simulators"? Is the industry's voluntary ratings program just a superficial PR ploy? You'll be surprised to learn who is leveling such charges
• Also: Cover Story on new software & new technology from Incredible Technologies; new product from Konami, Lazer-Tron, Smart, Hyperware, ICE & NET; Midway boosts parts & service support; Game.Com buys Global VR; AAMA chiefs call for ASI support; tradevet Joel Hochberg honored as 2000 Man of the Year at charity fundraiser; Randy Chilton calls for new $1 coin push; Frank Seninsky reflects on personal (and industry) transitions; Jerry Monday on why hype no longer works; Matt Bettelman reviews Sega's Air Trix; Len Pytlak's part 2 of sales expenses
• Confidence Plus: Simulator maker Ronbotics is beaming about new orders, a huge new factory, new team members and - coming soon - new product. It's all a healthy sign for simulators
• Meet John Barnes: The heir to the Barnes & Noble bookstore fortune has founded his own company, SimulTainment, and created an impressive new motion simulator with full software library. He's an intriguing fellow with business savvy, industry smarts and a passionate vision for coin-op's future
• The "Virtual Playfield": Software creator Keats Horstmann pens a guest essay that paints a vivid picture of where all this online development and hi-tech evolution is going. Hint: think convergence
• Also: IALEI Prexy George Smith on "thinking young to survive"
• The Artist's Eye: The glorious tradition of "jukey" jukebox design did not die out with Wurlitzer's Paul Fuller. Rock-Ola's Jim Sullivan has picked up the mantle quite nicely, as we show with color renderings of work from across his four-decade career
• Talkin' 'Bout My Generation of coin-op games, that is. Tradevets Roger Sharpe chats about the state of the industry with Wells-Gardner's Tony Spier and Marty Glazman. Rog and Marty have a clear prescription to revive sales to street operators
• Music Men: P&P Marketing has quietly built itself a nice market with a series of economical jukeboxes called "Regatta". The P&P stands for Pellegrini & Pellegrini, meaning brothers Ed and Frank
• Also: Merit Industries set to launch its TournaMAXX Global Player Ranking System; Valley-Dynamo notes a surprising twist in table game sales; Rowe-Ecast's downloading juke is now shipping; ATM launches new compilation CDs; JVL's online tournaments enhance their touchscreen games; AAMA Prexy Lee Wesson on vidgame regulation, hi-tech security & $1 coins; Gary Spencer's new & used game buying strategy; Rick Caviglia outlines tournament success principles; Shop*Talk focuses on faulty Rowe CBA-2s; Thumbnail Sketch of San Diego op Frank Rizzo; Operators Interface on how recession impacts coinbiz; tournament briefs

• Cover: NSM 2001 -- Re-Engineering their Coin-Op Music Future in the 21st Century
  
  
• $1 Coins, MIA? The new $1 coin remains nearly invisible to many consumers. Most banks are dragging their heels on using it. But Midwest operators Gene Winstead and Doug Diltz "Step Up and Speak Out" to say they are using the new coin aggressively in arcade and street operations, with notable success
• Farewell, Kane: Much-loved & much-respected operator and distributor Kane Fernandez died in early January of a heart attack. He received a send-off worthy of a true Hawaiian and a pillar of his community & industry
• One Ride Fits All: We're pleased to report on the first kiddie ride that is fully accessible for disabled children, a creation of a married couple who engineered the product with wheelchairs...and parents...firmly in mind
• Also: ASI 2001 is coming up; AAMA leaders advise ops to buy & use dollar coins; Stern's new casino-themed pinball rolls the dice; Fantasy Entertainment's new digital imaging booth "draws" your portrait; Apple bows all-new SNK fighting game for Neo-Geo; Atlas holds open houses; Matt Bettelman's first column examines Midway's Arctic Thunder; a personal memoir of Kane Fernandez by Jerry Monday; Randy Chilton sees cloudy future for violent video games; Larry Merritt updates "The Standard Location Agreement"; Len Pytlak advises how to handle sales expenses; Shop*Talk troubleshoots Golden Tee trackball
• Mario's LBE World: Andretti Speed Lab is a high-end, indoor go-kart facility near Atlanta. They focus on corporate team-building experiences and it's a winning formula
• Maxflight Takes Wing: The motion simulator company is launching VR2000. This two-person flight sim offers virtual interactive dogfights with 360 degree loop, roll, pitch, spin and spiral action. Jet-age Red Baron fun!
• Also: Jerry Monday's New Year's Resolutions; IALEI prexy George Smith calls for more operator investment to keep the buy-sell-build cycle healthy
• Highly Concerned About Hi-Tech: An open letter from ICMOA's New Technology Committee has sparked a fresh debate about the future role of operators (and distribs) in networked entertainment. Read the full text here, along with factory replies
• The State of the States: AMOA hosted execs from state operator associations around the USA to the annual January conference. National concerns got a good airing with solid info on hi-tech developments, jukebox licensing and video content regulation
• One Strip Convenience: Harvey's Music is distributing a new wide-format graphic title strip from Pure Note Publishing, containing both cover art & music tracks on the same sheet that's easy to insert
• Also: AMOA President Lee Wesson updates the jukebox license scene; Cover Story subject NSM confidently tackles 2001 jukebox market; NDA's Leslie Murphy on the value of teamwork; Gary Spencer sends a valentine to women of the industry; Operators Interface on the new Jukebox License Agreement; Thumbnail Sketch of former operator (now state legislator) Dwight Wrangham; tournament briefs; Steve Epstein "Table Talks" on promoting that slanted table game ­­ pinball

• Cover: Merit Countertops -- simply heroic!
  
  
• ANNUAL DIRECTORY (price: $25)
  
  this is the industry's premier reference annual with listings (addresses, phones, faxes, email, key personnel) of manufacturers, distributors, parts suppliers, trade associations, music one-stops...a must-have issue for anyone in the business!

• Cover: A-MAZE-ING NAMCO ... as busy as ever!
• Your Show of Shows: The 82nd annual IAAPA show featured lots of coin-op exhibitors hawking brand-new games, plus plenty of operators and distributors walking the aisles. Meanwhile, arcades expressed renewed interest in simulators and VR (and this show had lots of both)
• A Runaway Train? A member of the Chicago city council says political momentum to regulate local youth access to violent video games is a "runaway train"
• Fall/Winter Catalog: We put together a nifty guide to new product that made its U.S. national trade show debut at the AMOA/Fun Expo and we even managed to include a few things that debuted at the IAAPA Show. Step right up and get your handy-dandy RePlay Magazine fall-winter coin-op equipment catalog right here!
• Also: AAMA leaders outline red-label game defense strategy; arcade "Operators Interface" on the impact of possible video violence laws; preview of London's ATEI show; MusicVend/Dunis celebrates Golden Annivesary; Cover Story on Namco America; Incredible Technologies wins honors & launches new programs; the L.A.P.D. warns against fraudulent redemption games and illegal gambling devices; new products by A.G.E. and Ham On Rye; Gregg Reeves reviews Capcom vs. SNK and Sharkey's Shootout; Lynn Pytlak concludes two-parter on tax planning; Atlas & Betson open houses
• Fat's Where It's At: Fat City! This $8.5 million revamp of the former FunPlex site opened this fall. It offers 140,000 sq. ft. of arcade simulators, minigolf, skating, bowling and more
• Rotten! Lousy! Awful! Tradevet Harold Skripsky goes beyond just "Stepping Up & Speaking Out." He takes off the gloves and comes out with both fists swinging at rotten service. Poor FEC management contributes to the problem, he charges. Okay, Harold, but what do you REALLY think?
• Maxflight Takes Flight: The folks at MaxFlight are right in the forefront of the resurgence of popularity for big ride simulators. A growing number of locations across the USA are using and endorsing their products, as our "Spotlight Special" attests
• Also: Jerry Monday suggests how factories could reduce...yes, we said "reduce"...game prices
• Rowe Goes Internet: After shaking up the jukebox market this summer with news of Rowe's partnership with Ecast, the factory says it will be ready to ship the resulting online jukebox to distributors this month. Downloading product sells & ships by Januaryg
• Merit-orious: We interviewed Merit's Dave Myers to learn the thinking behind the company's renaissance. They've gone back to basics while embracing new technology and new markets
• Music of the Spheres: A hi-tech R&D firm in Mexico has built a satellite-feed digital juke, have 1,200 units on location South of the Border today & plans to expand to the rest of the world soon
• Also: AMOA President Lee Wesson on government relations priorities; Frank Seninsky and Gary Spencer focus on video violence; State Sales and Stern Pinball solve a Pennsy operator's dilemma; Randy Chilton's holiday wish list; Thumbnail Sketch of Pennsy operator Gina Dolby; Dart Scene's Leslie Murphy on location pampering; Table Talk focuses on the BCA's 25th anny; Shop*Talk covers monitor repair; tournament highlights

• Cover: Sega Raises Online Profile and Bows Even More New Games at IAAPA
• Atlanta Bound! Plenty of coin-op factories and distributors (plus quite a few operators) will attend the USA's biggest leisure expo this month. The International Assn. of Amusement Parks & Attractions stages its show in Atlanta. We have exhibit hours, seminar schedules, exhibitor booth numbers and more
• Signpost to the Future: AMOA/Fun Expo 2000 offered an eye-opening preview of several possible futures for the coin-op industry. Along one way lies the smooth road of political unity; another path may take us down the bumpy road of hi-tech turmoil
• Busted! AAMA's undercover investigation of two California copyboard crooks led to surveillance by the FBI. Next came a search warrant, followed by indictments and arrests. Guilty pleas followed last month and the FBI says they're working more cases right now
• Also: new product from Sammy USA & Incredible Technologies; cover story on Sega's new games & Internet ventures; guest essays by Todd Cravens & Roger Sharpe ponder our hi-tech future; Larry Merritt reveals "how to get locations to sign a contract"; AAMA toppers discuss video violence & the coming wireless revolution; Frank Seninsky reports on standardization progress; distributors host post-AMOA open houses
• The Spot for Fun: Take a popular resort area (Weir's Beach, N.H.), add 21 acres of games, bowling, golf, rides, fun food and mix in a wonderful family atmosphere and you get Funspot, one of the best arcades in the entire country
• Eliminate Ticket Jams! Even the best ticket dispenser can have a jam when the cardboard or paper snags on the edge of an interior metal component. Solution? Quik Tick has simple, low-cost inserts to smooth the ticket's "glide path"
• Scooter Fever! The hottest kids' toy of the year is the revised scooter. Bonita Marie shows operators of cranes and merchandisers how to capitalize on this sizzling trend
• Also: new product from Dynamic Visions; Carole Sjolander updates IALEI personnel news; Mel Laforce of Fun Industries explains how to "get rich in your niche!"; and Jerry Monday warns of distributor debt dangers
• Potential Partners? Debra Leach, executive director of the National Licensed Beverage Assn., says she believes NLBA and the coin-op amusements trade have many common interests - and she's ready to lead NLBA to an political alliance
• NSM's Latest: Newly-reorganized following their management buyout, the once-German jukebox factory is touting a new floor model to go with their latest wallbox. Downloading technology will come, too
• Report from Federal Prison: Randy Chilton recently visited former AMOA board member Ted Furkin, serving time for charges stemming from vidpoker ops. Read Randy's most gripping column
• Also: new route software from Premier Data; Gary Spencer on why 2001 will be "the year of the (online) tournament"; Jukebucks on keeping locations happy; Shop*Talk covers Rowe CDM-4 motor rebuilding; Operators Interface on downloading music & the jukebiz; AMOA's Lee Wesson reviews Expo & programs

• Cover: CES: Emerging Gamesmith Shows Its Stable at Expo
• Them's Fightin' Words! Coin-op video games escaped direct criticism in a September report by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission on the marketing of media violence to youngsters. But coin-op gets tarred with the same brush in the public's mind anyway, says industry legal counsel Elliott Portnoy. Our special section includes the FTC's own statement...a chat with Elliott about coin-op's Indiana lawsuit...plus broadsides from the Gore and Bush campaigns. Also, association chiefs talk video content issues in this month's "AAMA On the Record."
• Sega Goes Online: One month before AMOA Expo, Sega's newly "right-sized" network of U.S. distributors met in San Francisco. There, Sega previewed online coin-op games and online distributor services. A followup story examines Sega's new chain of online arcades in Japan
• Also: a brief preview of IAAPA's November convention; PhotoNet has thousands of networked online games up & running in Europe; Spotlight Special on Konami's new driver; Foto Fantasy gets a patent for their Portrait Studio; Cover Story on CES; Frank Seninsky & Randy Chilton call for free-market distribution; Shop*Talk studies Namco's System 23; Lyn Pytlak on next year's tax planning; Larry Merritt on contracts; and Gregg Reeves on games that "shoulda been" hits
• Has Coin-Op Missed the Boat? A thought-provoking story was published last month by our fellow trade journalists at London-based Centaur Publications. Looking at the explosion of online video games and related entertainment services and technologies, and with Sega's new online arcades opening in Japan, they asked: has coin-op missed the boat? Our thanks to Centaur for permission to reprint this piece
• Just-right FEC Design: consultant Randy White has penned an entertaining essay on the importance of proper sizing in fun center design. Too big makes your place look deserted; too small can feel like Sardine City. Randy reveals how to make sure your center is built "just right"
• Tag & Play: Amusement Soft's John Ridgway and John Legge are gearing up for the next step in arcade management. Their new Tag & Play is a wireless, radio-connected, indoor-outdoor data-tracking & function-control system. It clocks machine income, sets or changes pricing, etc. All this is correlated with the "virtual money" on a player's computer chip-embedded smartcard or wristband
• Also: Fun Industries' new Steer Crazy II; Jerry Monday on new trends in redemption and self-vending skill prize vending machines; IALEI George Smith re-introduces his association and its committee chairs
• A Mature Industry: To help with music licensing negotiations, AMOA commissioned a study of today's jukebox market by two University of New Orleans economists. Their findings may surprise you
• What's New? Lots! Merit Industries readied a lot of new releases for the trade this fall from software to hardware to alliances. See what's up their sleeves beginning on
• Everything Old is New Again: The title of Cole Porter's classic song also describes the latest market-building efforts of the American Darters Assn. ­­ dart leagues for senior citizens. ADA chief Glenn Remick says their numbers are growing larger every minute
• Also: Thumbnail Sketch of Alabama's Frank Hughes; Gary Spencer on the many hats route ops wear; Operators Interface on whether or not they've got friendly relations with local competitors; Dart Scene on how to handle complaints; Tournament Briefs

• Cover: Midway Debuts The Grid "Vidgame" Show/VEGAS EXPOBOOK 2000
• SHOWTIME! AMOA & Fun Expo will hold their 2nd co-located convention bonanza in Vegas this month. We've got a huge section full of details plus an nterview with incoming AMOA topper Lee Wesson
• Rowe & Ecast Team Up: The most dramatic announcement, of many last month, came when Internet startup Ecast and jukebox stalwart Rowe announced plans to partner on a co-branded downloading juke. (In this issue, we also profile two other new Internet coin-op ventures, Fun-E-Business, and Nolan Bushnell's uWink.com.) To get the details on Ecast and Rowe, as well as the others
• Comeback Kids: Despite rocky times, Midway execs tell RePlay in this month's cover story that they are bullish on coin-op with extensive plans for the Midway Tournament Network
• Also: Industry mourns Gil Kitt and Bernie Williams; AMOA updates coupon & Notre Dame programs; system upgrade & new alliance for SNK/Apple; Stern releases tournament ready Sharkey's Shootout; factory reps tour China with Entropy; Mars' John Kelly talks about the new money; an anonymous operator discusses the worn but intact chain of distribution; Atlus gets on Pokemon craze; Jerry Monday on downloading; Larry Merrit explores success; Shop*Talk about Merit hard drive conversion; Millennium Memories from the early '60s when Seeburg ruled and Rock N Roll was beginning to be heard; Len Pytlak analyzes expansion profits; and Greg Reeves reviews Sega's 18-Wheeler
• Tales of Arabian Fun: LouLou Al Dugong is a new 25,000-sq.-ft. fun center in Dubai. Designed by White Hutchinson, it's focused on promoting cultural respect and environmental consciousness
• Aye, Aye Matey! DisneyQuest recently introduced a new pirate themed interactive attraction, Pirates of the Caribbean, plus the SongMaker, a produce-your-own-music CD, novelty at its Orlando site
• Mr. Smith Goes to Vegas: Namco Cybertainment VP of Business Development George Smith will be sworn in as the new IALEI president this month at Fun Expo. We interview him starting on
• Also: Spotlight on Ferris Productions; a new bopper from Skee Ball; laser tag news; goings-on at IALEI; Fun by Judy Novak on the resilience of Fun Expo; and rapid expansion at Twin Galaxies Intergalactic Scoreboard
• It's a Pool World: Get an inside look at pool table maker Global Billiards. A Gramstrup family enterprise, Global combines craftsmanship & market savvy to produce a handsome line of tables
• Talking Darts: NDA's Leslie Murphy says tomorrow looks bright for electronic darts. The association exec challenges ops to get a fresh start with their leagues for a leg up on the future
• The Music Man: Semi-retirement has not slowed affable vending industry veteran Lester "Herschy" Herschman of Vendor's Exchange, who also teaches violin and plays in two orchestras
• Also: Gary "Street Smarts" Spencer says knowledge is power; Ops "Interface" on open houses and conventions; the latest from Rock-Ola and TouchTunes; coverage of fledgling Calif. association; Randy Chilton looks back on his days in the beer industry; a Day in the Life of Wallace Distributing's Joe Ringo; the MOMA state show; tournament news; and U.S. Air Hockey Pres. Brian Accrocco discusses promotion in Table Talk

• Cover: arcades say Mexel's Debit Key System looks good
• SOLD! The coin-op industry's three leading trade associations got together and bought Fun Expo from prior owner Reed Expositions Co., it was announced in June. AMOA, AAMA and IALEI will run Fun Expo as a partnership team under a new group called Leisure Entertainment Trade Shows
• Teamwork's in Fashion: Meanwhile, AMOA and AAMA are creating a bridge mechanism to combine certain "mirror" committees, ensure a single industry voice on legal and political issues, and save time and money. It's called the Industry Council.
• Vidpoker's Vanishing Act: South Carolina's video poker market shut down July 1. That means 28,000 machines are now illegal and a $2.8 billion business vanished overnight. Here's how it happened
• Also: preview of AMOA Expo and Fun Expo; Cover Story on Mexel's DKS arcade management technology; AAMA's Spotlight on Sega's Nascar simulator; Merit & TouchTunes form alliance; new product from Smart, Midway, Gamecom; Greg Reeves reviews new games from Capcom and Midway; Shop*Talk looks at Sega's Outrunner Twin; Larry Merritt reviews non-compete contract clauses
• MTV & Coin-Op: Devecka has landed a prestigious cross-promotion deal with the popular MTV cable television channel. Promo focuses on the factory's nifty MTV Drumscape musical novelty piece, where the player becomes a hot drummer. Catch the beat
• Hyper Cool! A featured attraction in Sony's Metreon complex (San Francisco) is a wild "virtual bowling" experience called HyperBowl. Now it's available for fun centers everywhere
• Also: Thumbnail Sketch of FEC super-pro (and super-nice guy) Lloyd Butterfield; IALEI prexy Phil DeAngelo on the Fun Expo purchase; Jerry Monday on "guessing games" and "blame games"
• Service Checklist: "Street Smarts" columnist Gary Spencer says ops should use the summer lull for some back-to-basics upgrades. One nifty tip to save time, money and labor: a service checklist that can be attached to every unit of your equipment
• Show Me! The Missouri AMOA held its very successful 4th Annual Trade Show at the Marriott Tan Tara Resort on beautiful Lake of the Ozarks, drawing 132 people and running a 28-booth expo (see photo of gavel passing to new prez)
• League Loyalty: National Dart Assn. Director Leslie Murphy offers key tips on how to keep up the "loyalty factor" among your existing dart league customers
• Also: AMOA President Frank Seninsky explains the Fun Expo purchase and Industry Council in Hail to the Chief; Millennium Memories of early jukebox days; Len Pytlak on choosing the right business entity; Warner Music's Ed Borgia on keeping control of your pool leagues; Tournament Highlights including VNEA's 10th annual "juniors" competition

• Cover: VNEA Marks 20th; Pool Table Special
  
• Real World Distribution: Hal Lieberman is sales veep of Lieberman Music Co., now in its 10th decade of business and fast nearing the hundred-year mark. Our conversation includes his frank thoughts on "strained" factory-dealer relationships, on distributors who operate and on operator consolidation. The key to strong distribution today, he says, is diversification
• Agora Steps Out: Howie Rubin, Andrew Prell & Frank Ballouz are three well-known trade names behind Agora Interactive. This hi-tech startup has unveiled an impressive prototype for a multi-application, multi-player, nationwide, networked platform. "Sooner or later, somebody is absolutely going to make this idea work - and we think it will be Agora!" they declare confidently. Major corporate sponsors seem to agree
• Also: FBI busts vidgame counterfeiters; (re)introducing AAMA's once and future prexy Mike Rudowicz; Smilin' Mike & Chairman Ron Carrara look to the future in "AAMA On the Record"; Spotlight Special focuses on Namco's new soccer-themed video simulator; Atlas hosts open houses in Chicago & Kentucky; Len Pytlak on accounting services; Greg Reeves reviews Capcom, Atari and SNK kits; Jerry Monday examines factory-distribution relations; Shop*Talk tech tips for Naomi & arcade games
• Salute to Pool: the green felt table has reigned as "King of Coin-op Tavern Games" ever since Valley put a coin mech on a pool table more than 50 years ago. Now the Valley pool league, launched by the factory in alliance with key operators, has climbed its own 20-year pinnacle. Our comprehensive special section includes a history of pool, a VNEA history, a report on VNEA's recent Vegas championships, a survey of operator news & views, a catalog of American pool tables now on the market, a "Thumbnail Sketch" of VNEA President Vince Leavey and a timely operating tip from "Street Smart" columnist Gary Spencer. It all starts on
• Also: AMOA President Seninsky relates lessons from the road; "Operators Interface" on security problems; Randy Chilton on video poker; Glenn Anderson gets a visit from "Super Joe" Camarota; Merit updates its online network plans; Craig Beard "Table Talks" about ICMOA's state tourney; tournament briefs
• Good Stuff, Mate! Bar Code and Galactic Circus are a chain of highly themed, and highly profitable, LBE/FEC complexes in the Land Down Under. Now this Aussie-based concept has landed on American shores. Owners have big expansion plans, too
• You're in the Picture: That innovative Canadian firm, Vivid Group, has released a new software package. It lets third-party customers such as game developers, locations or other entertainment firms use Vivid's "immersion technology" for custom applications. Vivid puts the player's image onscreen for live interaction with the game or program
• Coaster Madness: Ronbotics has revamped its wild roller coaster simulator technology to meet operator needs more closely. They've also hired some coin-op veterans to beef up their sales staff

• Cover: Gary Stern: This Wizard's Pinball Passion is Boundless!
  
• Sega Goes Internet: Excess inventory and odd pieces that distributors don't care to handle will be sold to operators over Sega's coin-op website. Sega prexy Al Stone vows it does NOT mean they're going direct. The following story looks at Sega's new "Star Wars" sitdown racing video & a deep-sea fishing sim
• E3, Meet E62,000: Something like 62,000 people attended the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3 show) in Los Angeles from May 10-13. Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo & Sega bid for control of the home video market, as well maneuvered for position in the worlds of DVD and Net access
• Thought-provoking! Keats Horstmann is a visionary businessman who's got some real-world industry experience. He applied his farsighted analysis to this guest essay about the industry's possible future direction. A radical new business model, not just new technology, is recommended
• Also: Cover Story on Stern Pinball; bad precedent looms for video violence laws; AAMA's outgoing Bob Fay reminisces about his tenure; new product from Incredible Technologies, Konami, SNK and BayTek; Touch Tunes VP Linda Komorsky "steps up" to analyze the Digital Millennium Copyright Act; Randy Chilton on creating "raving fans"; Larry Merritt on estate planning; Len Pytlak's tips for self-employed workers; Shop*Talk tips for Sega, Atari & Wells-Gardner products; Greg Reeves reviews Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and SNK's Metal Slug 3; Jerry Monday urges association and show mergers; distributor open houses
• A Day in the Life of Greg & Joyce Frieden means the RePlay camera visits Fun Time Amusement in Kearney, Neb. The company was founded 10 years ago when Greg began fixing up old pinball machines as a hobby. It's grown plenty since then!
• Wall Boxing: Long seen as the wall box market leader, NSM has added a new machine called Cosmic Burst to their wall box stable. There's a bit of new mechanical design under the hood, too
• Also: AMOA President Seninsky updates association activities; "Operators Interface" on summer earnings; Rowe & Valley-Dynamo gear up for the new dollar coin; Ed Velasquez on upgrading to the new $1 coin and new $5 & $10 bills; Gary Spencer on machine security; NDA's Leslie Murphy on boosting league visibility; tournament news
• We Have a Winner! We recently visited one of the Jillian's chain. They're a successful location based entertainment center that combines grownup food and beverages with plenty of the latest videos, "cosmic bowling," some unique attractions and very popular "retro" theming
• Palace Is Confident: Columnist Jerry Monday interviewed a top exec at Palace Entertainment, the new & fast-growing, mega-FEC operators. The secret to their success? Experienced management!.
• No Illusions here! SoCal simulator factory, Illusion Inc., is looking good with financing and a (pending) software patent. They specialize in race driving centers and that snazzy parachute-drop sim
• Also: Spotlight Special focuses on Coastal's new game lineup; Fun by Dave (Schwartz) weighs debit cards vs. coins & tokens

• Cover: Open Season! Sammy USA's Deer Hunting video kit hits spring market
  
• ASI 2000 took place at the Vegas Convention Center from March 29-31. Attendance was light, said most observers, but we counted 92 new products on the floor. Our coverage includes a convention overview, plenty of pix, new product catalog, and reports on the meetings of the Century Club and Standardization Committee.
• Western NAMA 2000: This regional vending expo took place side by side with ASI in Las Vegas (and they'll co-locate both shows again next year). Mostly a show of vendible commodities, the Western NAMA drew robust attendance including a handful of ASI crossovers
• The Midway Tournament Network: the Chicago factory says it could "revolutionaize coin-op " with this system. It starts with tournaments and eventually download game updates
• Also: Rock-Ola closes Illinois branch to consolidate under one roof in SoCal; video violence laws now pending in six states and two major cities; AAMA leaders on Bob Fay's departure; "Spotlight Special" on FotoZap!; new product from Incredible Technologies and Konami; Cover Story on American Sammy
• Golden Moments: Nevada operator Doug Minter celebrates his 27th year in the coin machine business and his 50th year of marriage to his lovely bride
• Surviving a Family Business: if anybody can speak with authority on this subject, it's Randy Chilton. This month's column is a definite classic, packed with true-life stories and excellent advice
• Also: AMOA President Seninsky reports on their midyear board meeting; hardware upgrades & new game software from Merit Industries; Lou Miele "steps up & speaks out" on TouchTunes jukeboxes; Ed Velasquez on staff training; "Operators Interface" on key success factors; Gary Spencer on profiting with $1 coins; Larry Merritt on employee lawsuits; Len Pytlak on accounting terms; Star*Tech Journal looks at gun aiming systems & reset problems; Greg Reeves reviews Midway's 'Exotica' and Namco's 'Rolling Extreme'; NDA's Leslie Murphy says more league winners mean fatter cash boxes; VFI's Dave Courington "Table Talk" on foosball promotions; tournament news; distributor open houses
• The Sony Sim: Okay, they're the king of the home video game industry right now...and with their PSX2 platform set to become key hardware for coin-op, they're looming large in our industry as well. But, did you know Sony also makes a motion platform for video simulators? Neither did we
• Lazer-Tron's Latest: As their ArcadePlanet.com venture heats up, this No. Calif. factory continues offering nifty redemption novelties and low-cost new video software for their VRS platform as well
• More On Doron! Yes, there is more on Doron's menu as this respected East Coast maker of multi-seat ride platforms continues to offer new models & ridefilm attractions like "The Millenium Bug"
• Also: IALEI Executive Director Carole Sjolander takes up the pen to author this month's "Fun By" column on creative business thinking

• Cover: International Shoot-Out Soccer from Design Plus
  
• Operator Poll: We faxed questionnaires to AMOA member operators about the state of the industry. Whilte operators are bullish about their own businesses, they are more bearish about the trade overall.
• Smilin' Sega: Sega's U.S. coin-op team looks forward to a strong lineup of new games and aggressive use of new technology at many levels. A related feature shows how the Sega Service Center is upgrading its already-impressive Internet presence.
• A Chat with Kevin: Namco America/Namco Cybertainment President Kevin Hayes concedes it's a tough market right now, but he takes a relaxed view of the trade's long-term prospects. Kevin also says the notion that video violence causes real-life violence is "nonsense" .
• Also: coin-op website designers; Martin Dempsey's IMA show report; a guest column attacks violent vidgame bans; new product from Quantum 3D, FanCard and American Sammy; Rick Parsons' charity fundraiser; Randy Chilton on the art of negotiation; Larry Merritt on biased judges; Star*Tech Journal looks at steering problems on drivers; Greg Reeves reviews Sega & Namco games
• Sunny Side Up! We spent a day or so on the route with Central California operator Gary Spencer, who specializes in rural tavern locations. He's doing great business by applying the timeless principles we've all heard about.
• Distributors & $1 Coins: Can distributors help encourage operators to use more dollar coins? We kicked this issue around with several top dealers and got some thoughtful replies.
• Also: Thumbnail Sketch of Colorado's Erik Christensen; Ed Velasquez on marketing music to locations; Gary Spencer on servicing far-flung sites; AMOA President Seninsky reviews new AMOA initiatives; "Frank Talk" about cutting expenses; A "Day in the Life" of Melody Music; Len Pytlak on business expansion issues; Leslie Murphy's "Dart Scene" marketing advice; "Table Talk"; tournament news
  Lauran's Latest: If you combine the gameplay of Rocket Bowl and Wheel 'M In, then add some extra pizzazz, you get Whirlwin, the new fast action redemption game from Bromley.
• D&B in San Jose: Finally, coin-op's West Coast capital gets a Dave & Busters to call its own. The big new store opened in March with a huge debut party and the RePlay camera was there.
• Also: profile of the Magic Island FEC; Namco unveils WonderPark CEC plans; "Fun By" Linda Fernandez on rating your centers from the customer's perspective; Amutec offers Bafco "TeleTubby" rides & sims; Zamperla's transport & safari-themed rides; Cover Story on a soccer-themed novelty from Design Plus; Jerry Monday's good-news review

• Cover: Rowe Execs Ring in Saturn Musicbox
  
• ASI Showbook! The 2000 trade show season has already kicked off in Europe and Asia. Now it's our turn. The U.S. industry heads to the Vegas Convention Center from March 29-31 for the ACME show, which partly overlaps the Western NAMA expo for the first time ever
• $1 Coins: So What? The industry seems oddly indifferent to the new "Golden Dollar," even though early indications are it's a hit with the public. We review $1 coin equipment from leading currency-handling device makers; columnist Randy Chilton suggests how operators can best use the coin; and "Operators Interface" examines that same topic.
• Goodbye, Bob Nims: The "quiet giant" of New Orleans was an AMOA past president and a highly influential, behind-the-scenes powerhouse. He was also a generous, caring community member.
• Also: coin-op auction websites; Martin Dempsey's ATEI show report; Elliott Portnoy on how operators can avoid violent vidgame bans; AAMA leaders on $1 coins; new product from Midway Games & Stern Pinball
• Street Redemption: Can street operators use the redemption concept? "Yes," says Australian tradevet Malcolm Steinberg of Leisure & Allied Industries. His guest essay discusses theory and practice, including some LAI games, that could help
• Also: Cover Story on Rowe International; Thumbnail Sketch of Ray Shroyer; Ed Velasquez reports on music at the ATEI show; Gary Spencer on the tavern expo; AMOA President Seninsky on music licensing; Larry Merritt on location-jumping; A "Day in the Life" of B&K Enterprises; Len Pytlak on depreciation; Shop*Talk looks at new Merit c-tops; Greg Reeves reviews two new Sega "Naomi" games; Leslie Murphy gives gives "Dart Scene" marketing advice; profile of New Jersey's NJAA operator association; tournament news
• ArcadePlanet.com? That's one of three new websites just launched by LazerTron. They're still making traditional coin-op redemption games, but some of their video redemption concepts are also going online for home redemption play (players win points, not tickets; winners select prizes to be mailed). Can this blend help promote coin-op gameplay, too?
• JumpZone! It's the latest wild simulator around, and it actually dangles players in the air while they experience a virtual reality parachute drop. Illusion, Inc. is the manufacturer.
• Also: new product from Benchmark, Skee-Ball, Smart, BayTek, MaxFlight and ICE; Devecka on music novelties; IALEI's George Smith on competitiveness; Jerry Monday on

• Cover: Konami Aims for Smash Sequel
  
• Outgunned: The issue of video game violence is back. This year, the industry may be outgunned, since 20 or more states are expected to consider a ban on shooting games
• We're In The Money! The new gold-colored $1 coins begin to circulate this month. But will the public accept them? Trade members are encouraged to promote the coin
• Happy Birthday, Mrs. G! Lots of industry folks joined family and friends to salute Southern California jukebox operator Faith Guthrie at her 100th birthday party in December. She danced with about 25 guys (no kidding) and we have photos
• Also: AMOA States Conference focuses on gambling; Cover Story on Konami; "Spotlight" on Rowe International; new product from Sega, Midway, Incredible Technologies, SNK & Dynamo; AAMA leaders see industry "healing"; ASI preview; Frank Seninsky calls for more R&D; Commercial Music's post-AMOA open house; farewell to Frank Schulz
• Pandora's (Juke) Box: When ASCAP, SESAC & BMI told AMOA they wanted a new Jukebox License Agreement, they opened a Pandora's Box of copyright law and hi-tech issues. The impact could go far beyond music, too
• CD Copycats: Nobody admits it on the record, but jukebox factories, one-stops and operators alike whisper that it's a growing practice: buying one CD and using a desktop CD-ROM burner to make multiple, illegal copies for your music route
• OCMA's 25th Anniversary: one of the best state operator associations in America proudly marked its Silver Anniversary in 1999. Here's a report and photos from their big celebration banquet
• Also: Ed Velasquez analyzes jukebox woes; Gary Spencer on operator financing; operators interface on their business outlook; AMOA President Seninsky on music licensing; "Thumbnail Sketch" of Courtesy Coin's Phil Weezner; Randy Chilton addresses your business "legacy"; Len Pytlak on training expenses; Shop*Talk looks at pinball switches; Greg Reeves reviews new Midway & Sega titles; "Dart Scene" gives league planning tips; VNEA's 20th anny is marked in "Table Talk"; tournament news
• New Roc City: The Family Golf chain has opened a big new FEC in New York and it's a doozy. From standard coin-op games to big attractions, two ice rinks & good eats, this one's got it all
• Power Station: How do you make a $1.5 million center look like a $3 million store? Steve Bennett and his team have done just that in their Irvine, Calif. FEC
• Also: Coast to Coast makes cranes; Benchmark updates 'Drill-O-Matic'; IAFEC VP Lorien Henry on education & planning; Jerry Monday on violence scapegoating; Tony Desiderio "steps up" to talk merchandising ideas

• Cover: SNK Joins Trade Toast to New Millennium
  
  
• ANNUAL DIRECTORY (price: $25)
  
  this is the industry's premier reference annual with listings (addresses, phones, faxes, email, key personnel) of manufacturers, distributors, parts suppliers, trade associations, music one-stops...a must-have issue for anyone in the business!

• Cover: Spawn-Capcom's Cashing in on Comic Craze
• Awesome in Atlanta: The 1999 IAAPA expo featured dozens of coin-op exhibitors among 500,000 square feet of booth space. Rowe, ICE, Midway, Benchmark, Sega, Namco and many others debuted new products at this whopper
• Midway's Net Plans: Their sister company Williams has stopped making pins, but Midway Manufacturing is stepping up to the Internet plate with an ambitious agenda for online tournaments, promotions and more
• Goodbye 1999, Hello 2000! Our annual "Year in Review" encapsulates a super-busy, super-complex year that was jam-packed with industry news (some of it good). We also make several predictions in our "Forecast 2000" feature
• Also: Williams exits pinbiz; a final visit to the WMS flipper factory; Cover Story on Capcom; new product from Sega; AAMA leaders talk technology & globalization; ATEI preview; Frank Seninsky's prescription for the industry; Randy Chilton goes back to basics; Len Pytlak gives various advice; Shop*Talk on Atari repair & maintenance; Greg Reeves reviews new Sega & Konami titles; more distribs hold open houses; farewell to Stan Harris and Irwin Margold
• Gambling-Style Redemption: Street operators have lost battles to legalize video poker in most states. But a growing number of state operator groups have quietly achieved legal status for gambling-style redemption gameplay
• Also: Ed Velasquez on music downloading in this month's "Jukebucks"; Gary Spencer's holiday wish list; operators interface on a look ahead at 2000; AMOA President Seninsky updates group insurance plans; Table Talk on encouraging youth participation; Georgia operator association meets; a "day in the life" of Southern Games; tournament news
• Never Stand Still: To an outsider it may appear that Dave & Buster's sticks closely to their winning formula. Yet within that formula D&B seeks maximum variety, as their Reggie Moultrie explains
• Amusement Soft: Early indications are super-positive for a new redemption counter and inventory software program out of Southern California. It comes preinstalled in a computer, too!
• Also: IAFEC prexy Phil DeAngelo reviews the events of the past year; fun center operator Rod Marshall "steps up" to give video tournament tips

• Cover: Namco: Experienced, Strong & Still Havin' Fun
• The Combo Show: AMOA Expo and Fun Expo came up winners with their first-ever co-located show in Las Vegas. The September 23-25 event pulled in 8-9,000 people and generated upbeat moods (and some sales).
• AMOA Awards: the surprise winner this year was Sega Pinball, which took home the "Most Played Pinball" honors for the first time ever. Their South Park got the nod from operators
• Product Catalog: We present "brand new product only" from AMOA Expo in catalog format, with a sampling of Fun Expo's new attractions as well. The combo show bowed nearly 20 new videos, three pins, dozens of new redemption titles and more
• Also: Namco charts a path into the new millennium; AAMA's Carrara & Fay review New York's vidgame violence hearings; Rowe's Rex Yannarell retires; ex-Atarians form Whatever Games; Randy Chilton on correcting mistakes; Len Pytlak on payroll headaches; Shop*Talk on testing transistors; Greg Reeves reviews Sega's baseball game and Williams' sci-fi pin; post-AMOA open houses; Ed Adlum's latest "Millenium Memories"
• Encore! Rowe/AMI bowed its "year 2000" Encore series of floor model CD jukeboxes at the AMOA Expo in Las Vegas. It offers an eye-catching 16 CD cover title display along with colorful new graphics
• Jukebucks is the name of a new monthly jukebox column by operator Eddie Velasquez. This AMOA board member & experienced music op launches his first effort with a timely discussion of play pricing
• A Day in the Life of Dan Sunday, whose Alpine Vending covers the Colorado Rockies. It's a new, fun photo feature and we encourage operators to participate! Send photos and captions showing a day in the life of your route!
• Also: "Spotlight" on Merit's latest product and new website; new product and developments from NSM, Incredible Technologies, Arachnid & TouchTunes; AMOA prexy Seninsky backs three-show Spring Gala in 2001; Gary Spencer on those "other" tavern machines; operators interface on countertop content; NDA's Leslie Murphy on advertising tactics
• The Big One: Even AMOA President Seninsky admits that this month's IAAPA is now "the" fall show. AAMA has a "group exhibitor" booth and plenty of coin-op factories are taking their own booths as well. We have show logistics, exhibitor info, seminar list and more
• Good Advice: redemption expert Sue Monday offers some pithy and valuable advice on buying merchandise for cranes and fun centers. The lady knows whereof she speaks!
• Dead or Just Resting? IAFEC treasurer Harold Skripsky poses that stark question about FECs as he pens a guest column under our "Fun By..." banner. This seasoned pro is realistic about the challenges but offers some commonsense solutions (hint: back to basics!)
• Also: Jerry Monday on prospects for industry recovery; new products from ICE and S&B Toys

• Cover: AMOA's New President (Frank Seninsky) has reason to celebrate!
• Last Man Standing: Now the industry is down to two pinball factories, only one of which -- Gary Stern's Sega Pinball Inc. -- still makes traditional pins. "I will be the last man standing in the pinball market," Gary declares
• Frank Talk: Frank Seninsky became AMOA President at the just-ended Expo. He's also marking his 30th anny in the trade this year and celebrating his 50th birthday this month. Our special salute includes an interview, profiles of his company Alpha-Omega and his two partners, and more
• Also: previews of the IAAPA and ATEI shows; new product from Sega, Tecmo and Capcom; AAMA's Carrara and Fay on the future of trade shows; Angel Studios offers hi-tech expertise; Randy Chilton surveys the home vidgame market; Len Pytlak on yearend tax planning; Shop*Talk troubleshoots Deltronics; Greg Reeves reviews Rush 2049 & Savage Quest; Brad Brown "steps up" on video game violence; Ed Adlum's latest "Millenium Memories"
• Comets & Fireballs: Celestial fireworks abound at Rock-Ola these days. Prexy Glenn Streeter (see picture) bowed new products at AMOA Expo and sees a brighter future for coin-op music
• TouchTunes Hits 1000: They said it couldn't be done, but just over a year after the Canadian factory rolled out its first production unit, the 1,000th Genesis downloading juke was installed in a Wisconsin bar last month
• Also: AMOA offers $2,000 Coupon Book to members; Ecast bows a new downloading jukebox and Internet kiosk; Gary Spencer on finding new locations; operators interface on using computers; Thumbnail Sketch of Montana op Chris Warren
  The Big Picture: It's actually a "mixed picture." Yes, Sony, Disney, Sega, Dave & Busters, Wal-Mart and Carmike Cinemas keep getting bigger, but they've had their ups and downs, too
• FEC Digest: a roundup of simulator news includes new products and new placements around the world for this still-growing product class
• Also: IAFEC prexy Phil DeAngelo on trade shows; Jerry Monday on feasibility studies

• Cover: Lush Lazer-Tron Lineup on Board Expo Express
• Double Your Fun: the amusement & music show takes place as a joint venture with the FEC show as AMOA and Fun Expo team up for a 1,000-plus-booth extravaganza. We have floor plans, exhibitor lists, seminar and event schedules, and more
• Meet the Prez: You may think you know incoming AMOA prexy Frank Seninsky, but this profile could surprise you. Did you know next month he's turning 50 -- and celebrating his 30th anniversary in the biz? Learn Frank's plans for
• Next: Sega.com: Japan's high-profile vidgame factory launches its new home video console this month, but what about coin-op? Sega's chairman vows to release 30 new "Naomi" titles in a year and to take the U.S. subsid public
• Also: new product from Midway, Sega Pinball, Namco, Konami, Capcom, Incredible Technologies, JVL, American Sammy, Interactive Light, Coastal Amusements, Quantum 3D; "spotlight" on ICE; Merit's "Cash back" financing; Frank Seninsky advises a financial "checkup"; Randy Chilton's game buying advice; Len Pytlak on estimating taxes; Shop*Talk on quality assurance; Greg Reeves reviews new titles; Eddie Adlum's nostalgic look at yesteryear's tradeshows; an introduction to our website; Steve Belmonte "steps up" to talk promotion
• Another Nationwide Route: But this one has a twist -- it focuses on kiddie rides. SunBelt's Dave Patterson & former Sega prexy Tom Petit team up with a new venture that's growing fast
• Jukebox License Office: Jukebox License Office chief Isabel Landeo surveys the jukebox licensing scene. What is the JLO's definition of a jukebox? What about downloading? What about a new agreement with AMOA? We ask the tough questions
• Downloading Seminar: A recent trade show in Brazil (Salex) featured experts from the jukebox and telecommunications industries in a seminar on the future of music. Satellites, the Internet, cable delivery and DVD are all on the table
• Also: AMOA-NDA's Leslie Murphy debuts her new darts column; Table Talk on pool from Scott Nenninger; Gary Spencer on your most important purchase; AMOA President Stansfield reviews a successful year; operators "interface" on getting new locations; a Thumbnail Sketch of Indiana operator Jeff Collins; Rowe bill changer retrofits; tournament news
• Back to Basics: Although Bay Tek has expanded its product line beyond rolldown games in recent years, they're not neglecting their bread & butter. Two new rolldowns feature egg and fireman themes
• New, Better Quik Tik: Steve Shoemaker's paper ticket vender now contains fewer moving parts. There's also an adapter kit for Deltronic Labs dispensers and a super-sensitive scale
• Also: IAFEC's executive educational program; Jerry Monday on redemption & joint ventures; IAFEC's Phil DeAngelo looks ahead to Fun Expo; HMS Monaco's Steve Schulman on millennium-themed merchandise

• Cover: Faith Guthrie
• Atari Shakeup: Owner Midway Games has consolidated both firms, bringing Atari inside the Midway sales/marketing umbrella. Some industry vets have taken their leave, but the new team was brimming with determination, enthusiasm & ambitious plans at the first Midway-Atari combo distributor meeting
• Meet Mrs. G: 99-year-old operator Faith Guthrie graces our cover this month and the Cover Story interview inside will amaze you. She's sharp as a tack and ambitious as L.A.'s largest jukebox operator would have to be. And she still drives herself to work every day
• Memory Lane: You can trace coin-op's mechanical roots back to the 1880s and '90s, but the industry's organizational roots (including the distributor chain) were really planted in the 1930s and '40s. Publisher Ed Adlum offers a breezy exercise in prewar nostalgia
• Also: AAMA's Baltic trade mission; "Spotlight" on Konami's musical lineup; AMOA Expo preview; Irwin Knigin passes on; Len Pytlak's retirement tips; Shop*Talk troubleshoots pinball; Greg Reeves reviews new titles; Betson's annual golf fundraiser; "Stepping Up" to the Internet for small and medium sized businesses
• T.D. Rowe: With over 18,000 machines on location in 20 states, operator Terry Davis runs the largest U.S. street route from the T.D. Rowe headquarters in Dallas and 15 branch offices. A former CPA and oilman, Terry combines financial discipline with wildcat ambition
• Happy 25th, OCMA: The Ohio Coin Machine Assn. marks its silver anniversary this month. Their presidents recall highlights of a proud history
• MOMA Meets: Those Minnesota tradesters always manage to combine work & play in their annual summer convention & "get-together." This year was no exception as you'll see in our upbeat story
• Also: Frank Seninsky on old-fashioned operating; Randy Chilton spends a day with a route tech; Gary Spencer flips for pinball; operators interface on the value of state associations; AMOA President Stansfield on their summit with AAMA; "Ernie's Tourney" from Valley; more tournament news
• Broadway City: Dick Simon and daughter Gillian staged the grand opening of their new Times Square FEC, Broadway City, this summer. It's a huge, handsome place themed around New York's neighborhoods and offering food plus the latest coin-op fun
• Also: Fun Expo preview; Jerry Monday reveals FEC lessons; a look at the recent Bowling show in Florida

• Cover: Sega's new F355 simulator is driven by the Naomi board
• Cooling Trend: Congress and the states have backed off from the anti-violence legislation which loomed so large after the April 20 massacre in Colorado. But experts say we've only won a temporary reprieve; this issue will definitely return strongly this fall
• Meet the Prez: AAMA President Ron Carrara grew up in an operator's family, worked on the route as he went through school, then worked for distribution for many years before becoming a top factory exec. His affability and openness make him a good rallying point in politically strained times for the biz
• Switch Hitter: Midway has come up with a clever update for old Merit boards. You can now turn them into Midway's Touchmaster 7000 game! Financing is available, too
• Also: Sega reports big losses; Eric Brashear "steps up" to defend video; new product from Namco & Cashcode; "spotlight" on ICE; Frank Seninsky scouts new opportunity; Randy Chilton touts the Notre Dame seminars; Len Pytlak on "profits without cash"; Shop*Talk provides capacitor reference charts; Greg Reeves reviews new titles; more distribs hold open houses
• Front & Center: Despite ups and downs, the jukebox is still mainstay of the street operating business. Operators say collections are fine, but factories admit sales have dropped sharply in recent years
• Online Revolution: Ever heard of "MP3"? This and other methods of music downloading are turning the overall music biz upside down & inside out. Next comes satellites, DVD-Audio
• VNEA 1999: Our publisher went to Vegas for the latest edition of this, the grandfatherof all pool tourneys. He found a healthy, thriving, vigorous, confident, operator-run organization (& happy players
• Also: Jack Ewer integrates jukes with other systems; Gary Spencer's thoughts on jukeboxes; Manley Lawson "steps up" to discuss music; operators interface on the Jukebox License Agreement; new CD compilation sources; AMOA President Stansfield on video content; Thumbnail Sketch of AMOA government relations chairman Rich Holley; tournament news
• Empires Expand: Sony, Disney, Sega GameWorks and Dave & Busters all opened new facilities in June. The mega-chains just keep getting bigger and expanding their market share
• Fun Expo Update: Great seminars have long been Fun Expo's backbone and they're planning the best lineup of educational sessions yet for this September's Las Vegas outing
• GameWorks Chicago: Their new "grownup-friendly" philosophy was front & center as GameWorks opened a new store. That includes a big, handsome, centrally located bar & adult-oriented menu
• Also: MaxFlight's roller coaster simulator proves popular; IAFEC prexy Phil DeAngelo and Jerry Monday on vidgame violence

• Cover: Y2K and Route Management Software
  
• Video Under Fire: Our extensive post-Littleton coverage includes a political and legal report on anti-video laws; "pro and con" essays on games' role in real-life violence; responses from operators both locally and nationally; in-house editorials; and views from our columnists
• AAMA's New Chief: Ron Carrara, sales VP at Lazer-Tron, was elected to a one-year term as president of AAMA during the association's mid-May board meeting. He's recently served as chairman of their foreign business development committee
• The Massive E3 Show: Drawing nearly triple the attendance of an IAAPA, and big enough to fit an entire ASI or AMOA Show into the Sega booth alone, this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo testified to a vibrant $6.5 billion home vidgame biz
• Also: Cover Story special section on Y2K issues and industry-specific computer software; new games from Konami, Namco, ICE and Atari; "spotlight" on Capcom's lastest "Street Fighter" entry; Len Pytlak on employee motivation; Shop*Talk offers a resistance reference chart; Greg Reeves reviews new titles; more distribs hold open houses
• Operators USA: with some 12,000 machines in the field and over 40 regional offices, American Coin Merchandisers (aka Sugarloaf Creations) is the most prominent nationwide amusement op
• Hail to the Chief: AMOA President Jim Stansfield said ops may find violent videos less attractive purchases and factories may stop making them in the wake of the Colorado massacre
• Street Smarts: tavern operator Gary Spencer holds forth on the subject of countertops this month. He likes 'em and has some useful suggestions on how to make them even more profitable
  Success Story: The Super Centre FEC in Philadelphia is a big place with big competition, but they're providing a positive alternative for lower-income kids in the neighborhood
• Green Light: simulators are getting increased exposure with Thomson's recent promotional tie-ins and Showscan's coin-op themes including "Street Fighter 2: The Ride"

• Cover: The Coastal Group ... Arcade/Redemption Special Issue
  
• Growth Industry: In a historic turnaround, pro-gambling ballot measures and political candidates are winning nearly every voter referendum and election in sight, notes Professor I. Nelson Rose. Of course, that means growing competition for coin-op amusements
• Sweet Diversity: The "Coastal Group" now includes redemption, hi-strikers and countertop videos, which makes them a strong presence for parks, arcades and street locations. The acquisition and merger strategy continues, as you'll read in our Cover Story
• Also: New product from Nova and Ferris; AAMA's Rudowicz and Fay recount lobbying victories; Len Pytlak on auto mileage tax deductions; Star*Tech Journal gives a battery reference chart; Greg Reeves reviews new Midway and Capcom titles; and a RePlay photo caption contest
• Vending Roundup: Western NAMA conventioneers see the state of the art in vending (especially in cold drink dispensers) at spacious, breezy show in Anaheim's Convention Center
• MOMA's 50th! The Minnesota Operators of Music & Amusements' 50th anniversary themes our "Thumbnail Sketch" of association exec director Hy Sandler
• Also: AMOA President Stansfield's association status report; Gary Spencer on how to increase pool earnings; new product by JVL and Midway; Randy Chilton's tips for negotiating with location owners; tournament news
• FECs Are Still Growing: That's the bottom line of IAFEC's just-released "1998-99 Industry Survey." Birthday parties are still the biggest moneymaker; VR and hi-tech top the FEC market's buying list. We've got IAFEC association news, too
• GameWorks Grows Up: They've dropped plans to build a new LBE every six weeks and increased adult appeal with better food and bigger, more prominent bars in their locations. Flashship store number 10 opens this month near Chicago; they've also got 10 smaller "GameWorks Studios" up and running
• New Concept in CECs: The L.A.-based Children's Time Machine is a promising new children's entertainment center that's going all-out to make sure parents have fun, too. They hope to expand the first store into a fullblown chain
• Also: our annual "FEC Digest"; consultant Randy White analyzes what works (and what doesn't) in fun center design; HMS Monaco's Steve Schulman reveals this year's hot prizes; new product from LazerTron, Fun Merchants (see the Spotlight Feature), Benchmark, Smart, Bay Tek, Sammy USA and Carousel; ITLA's laser tag news roundup; Jerry Monday examines pros and cons of direct sales; IAFEC prexy Phil DeAngelo on referrals; Frank Seninsky's on redemption and FEC operating; arcade operators interface on today's typical players

• Cover: On location with TouchTunes
  
• Sunshine in Vegas: exhibitors across the board said they wrote good orders at the 1999 edition of the Amusement Showcase International. Operator attendance at the event remained stable, reported show sponsor AAMA. Our show coverage includes politics, product, parties, charity events and more
• Tax Time! Accounting expert Mark Battersby says industry members may have overlooked some helpful tax information. With all the changes in the law, he's may have some savings for you
• New Dealership: Orange County Games held its grand opening in late February, drawing a big crowd of California operators to a new facility that reps many of the industry's key product lines
• Also: Arcade PC at the Game Developers Conference; AAMA issues new game ratings; new product from Sega, Konami, Traffic Jam and Rock-Ola; AAMA President Rudowicz on pending vidgame bans; Frank Seninsky's AMOA memories; Randy Chilton's career advice; Len Pytlak on tax filing options; Star*Tech Journal on monitor chassis fixes; Greg Reeves reviews new titles; more distribs hold open houses; Bob Sokol unearths "the last new Ms. Pac-Man."
• To the 'MAXX': Merit's latest multi-game countertop shows why they are AAMA's Manufacturer of the Year for the second year in a row. Read about their new technology and personnel changes at this factory in this month's Spotlight Special
• Buying Plans? Many operators say they're basically in a "holding pattern" for new purchases this spring, except for touchscreen c-tops and (of course) those golf videos
• Also: AMOA President Stansfield at home & abroad; Gary Spencer on getting monthly minimums from your locations; a "thumbnail sketch" of Virginia operator Charles Rowland
• Light Show! All American SportPark, the new urban entertaiment center in Vegas, features state of the art lighting and theming to increase its appeal.
• Fightertown Upgrades: FighterTown Upgrades: we visited their Pasadena, Calif., site to see the latest additions and improvements to this realistic flight simulation center
• Also: IAFEC prexy Phil DeAngelo's on the key to finding winning team members

• Cover: Midway Pops Innovative Lineup/ ASI Las Vegas Show Special
  
  
• Showcase in Vegas: Look for a healthy ASI Show this month thanks to co-op deals with a gambling expo and support from AMOA and the the U.S. Commerce Dept. Our show coverage includes logistics, show hours, seminar and event schedules, exhibit floorplan, and more (photo courtesy of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority)
• Anatomy of a Deal: What's the story behind the agreement to hold this year's AMOA Expo and Fun Expo side by side? Industry pressure and a leap of faith combined to bring out a result applauded by all
• Coastal Buys Micro: Merger mania continues merrily along. Micro Mfg.'s touchscreen countertop line comes under the Coastal Amusements umbrella. This is Coastal's second recent acquisition and they're looking for more
• Also: JLO chief talks jukebox stats in "Stepping Up"; AAMA chiefs predict ASI success; London's ATEI Show breaks records; new products from Atari, Capcom, Interactive Light, Namco, NSM & Sega; trade photog Don Marshall; Frank Seninsky on global trade cooperation
• Street Smarts! California tavern operator Gary Spencer joins our roster of monthly columnists this month. He's a first-generation operator who is professional, yet very down-to-earth. You'll enjoy meeting him
• Sugarloaf Buying Spree: One of America's coast-to-coast street operating firms is in an aggressive buying mode. They doubled their size in 1998; here's a review of what they bought and how much they paid
• Also: AMOA President Stansfield recaps the Fun Expo deal; Randy Chilton on truckstops; operators interface on tax & license fees; Star*Tech Journal updates a pinball novelty; Greg Reeves reviews new titles; Lynn Pytlak on succession plans; tournament news
• Sim City! The latest generation of simulators is making a bid for fun center interest with smaller, cheaper units and bigger, better software libraries. Steve White reviews the field
• Shoemaker Strikes Again! Arcade owner and factory chief Steve Shoemaker (Wedges/ Ledges, Redondo Beach, Calif.) has a new game, a revolutionary new ticket dispenser and a new company to create paper tickets
• Amusement Solutions: This company offers a new computer software program that ties all your other programs into a single neat, tidy package. Sounds like a winner to us
• Also: IAFEC prexy Phil DeAngelo's "ten commandments"; Thomson simulator update; new products from Vivid Group & Holoplex; Jerry Monday's arcade musings; Play by Play update

• Cover: Looking Good! Rock-Ola's New 8000 Series CD Jukeboxes
  
  
• Midway's Chief: Midway CEO Neil Nicastro sees an upbeat future for coin-op games in this interview reprinted from the pages of Centaur Publication's British coin-op trade journal
• AAMA On The Record: this month we launch a monthly interview with AAMA's Mike Rudowicz & Exec Director Bob Fay. They discuss the ASI Show, cooperation with AMOA & more
• DBA Update: the new $20 bills are here! Tom Happ, VP of Happ Controls, tells you how to update your bill acceptors (those which can be updated, that is)
• Also: big changes at NSM & EMT; Merit's looking for acquisitions; AAMA at the China show; new games from Capcom, Interactive Light, Konami, Midway and SNK; Martin Dempsey reviews Germany's IMA Show; Frank Seninsky says ops are "treading water"; Lynn Pytlak on record retention; Star*Tech Journal on switches; Greg Reeves reviews new titles; open houses at several distributors
• Hit Show! Taverns love coin-op equipment more than ever. That was the message at the 1999 Nightclub & Bar Show, where dozens of coin-op factories displayed their goods
• Affairs of State: AMOA's Randy Flowe chaired this year's conference of state leaders. For street operators, "Topic A" remains legal gambling: either getting it, keeping it or fighting it
• Tim Norberg: we interviewed the third-generation owner-operator of that Midwest mega-route, C&N Sales. A very optimisic Tim told us that promotion is the name of the game today
• Also: AMOA President Stansfield on AMOA's new budget; Randy Chilton on Ken Anderson's early days; operators "interface" on bar locations; Worlds of Games new product; tournament highlights
• Dive! Dive! Exciting submarine action comes from Meltec's new novelty, whose real 2-mirror periscope is a superfun player interface
• School Days: AMOA's successful Notre Dame education program now has a counterpart at IAFEC. They've also got a new FEC sales and marketing handbook
• Great Debate: Debit cards were perhaps the most enlightening topic at an IAAPA seminar given by arcade pros Michael Getlan & Frank Seninsky. Our Steve White moderated the event
• Also: IAFEC prexy Phil DeAngelo's 10 commandments; an arcade operator "Steps Up" to exit coinbiz

• Cover: ICE Strikes Again with 5 New Games for 1999
  
  
• ANNUAL DIRECTORY (price: $25)
  
  this is the industry's premier reference annual with listings (addresses, phones, faxes, email, key personnel) of manufacturers, distributors, parts suppliers, trade associations, music one-stops...a must-have issue for anyone in the business!

• Big Show in "Big D": Tons of coin-op distributors & manufacturers participated in the big daddy of trade expos ­­ the International Assn. of Amusement Parks & Attractions' annual event. Simulators? Of course, but also street vids, jukeboxes, novelties & table games were strong
• Poker Power: The aroused wrath of South Carolina video poker operators played a key role in the defeat of incumbent Republican Gov. Jim Beasley, a poker foe. The new governor favors more taxes and regulations on pokers
• Year in Review: After a sixth straight year of consolidation, the industry seems to be coming to terms with being smaller and tighter. Political harmony between the AMOA and AAMA associations was a major highlight; and the future seems sure to offer more legal battles over video content. In the following "Interface" feature, operators recount the year's highs and lows
• Also: new or updated product from Atari, Sega, Lazer-Tron, Midwest Amusements and Traffic Jam Productions; IDSA reports on home video; Eastern Europe market report; Frank Seninsky touts legal preparedness; Randy Chilton defends smaller trade shows; Len Pytlak reviews new tax laws; Star*Tech Journal finishes a 2-part column; Greg Reeves reviews new titles; plenty of open houses at distributors
• Price Tags: "How much is my route worth, if I want to sell it today?" Some very experienced operators, mostly AMOA past presidents, addressed that and related issues in this first-ever seminar which was the most popular educational event at the association's Dallas show
• Do Your Homework: The buy-sell theme for street routes is picked up & amplified by Marc Rosset, a professional vending route broker who's expanding into the music & games biz. In this guest essay & debut column, Marc reviews some basics of getting your route ready to sell.
• TouchTunes Update: The Canadian jukebox company should have product on site from coast to coast as you read this. They're planning to ramp up production to hundreds per month by spring. Oh, and beyond coin-op they also think they can sell their technology to hotels and airlines
• Also: AMOA President Stansfield on a possible Fun Expo merger; tournament highlights
• Sony's LBE: Now Sony is getting into the act with its own location based entertainment site. Metreon opens next year in San Francisco. It will include restaurants, shopping, movies, theme park and arcade type attractions
• Movie Moola: Fun centers and movie theaters have always been a natural combination, but now the multiplexes are getting bigger and so is the gameroom (or FEC) component. Leading national theater chains are becoming their own operators, too.
• Also: New products from Seidel, G.L. Technology & Benchmark; IAFEC prexy Phil DeAngelo's FEC safety advice; Harold Skripsky "steps up" to discuss FEC labor management; Nascar Motor Speedway attraction opens in SoCal; Taiwan's Spaceport 9 takes theming to the max

• The Biggie: Many coin-op factories will exhibit at the Nov. 18-21 IAAPA expo and convention in Dallas. The list includes both novelty & vidgame makers with a number of companies planning new product intros - games not already shown at AMOA or Fun Expo. Check out our special IAAPA section inside this issue for an overview, seminar lineup and complete exhibitor listings
• Vidgame Ratings: Operators are urged to support the industry's voluntary rating system for video games to alert parents to content. Use this chart to see which stickers go on which games
• Sammy Branches Out: Supporting the continued success of their smash hit novelty vender Sports Arena, American Sammy is opening a merchandise supply division to help operators maximize earnings from this popular unit
• Fall Buying Guide: We assembled this useful catalog of new equipment which debuted or had its first national trade show outing at either the AMOA Expo or Fun Expo. A convenient roadmap to the latest and greatest goods on today's market
• Also: Warehouse of Vending & Games buys Colorado GamEx; new product from Elo TouchSystems, Midway and Namco; Sega Pinball's modem tourney plans; CashCode validator study; Quantum3D upgrades ArcadePC platform; Gene Winstead reports on using dollar coins like tokens; Walter Day's latest player promo; Frank Seninsky on AMOA member benefits; Lynn Pytlak on financial ratios; Star*Tech Journal on saving switchers; Greg Reeves reviews new sequels from Atari and Namco
• Magic Seven: Rowe AMi bowed seven - count 'em, seven - new jukebox models and variations at the recent AMOA Expo. Zippy floor models include Encore and Starburst; wallboxes include Starburst and Sunrise (available with or without visible CD mechanism)
• Bigger Than Texas: Houston-based TD-Rowe Corporation - a national operator of vending, payphones and amusements - plans to double its size over the next five years. They're also putting the finishing touches on a financial plan to provide $50 million of capital for this expansion
• Also: new products from Incredible Technologies & NSM; TouchTunes rolls out production models; AMOA prexy Jim Stansfield reviews Expo '98; Bulldog's street redemption program; open houses at Mountain Coin, Betson West, C.A. Robinson and State Sales (and more on tap for next month, too)
• Faithful Barometer: The FEC biz has had its ups and downs, and the Fun Expo show - which caters to FECs - has faithfully followed that market's trend lines. Exhibitors saw fewer (but high-quality) visitors at this year's mid-October Orlando event
• Water Sports: Stricor has placed its widescreen motion platform, now equipped with a nifty speedboat racing game, in some top arcades around the USA and site owners report fine earnings. The factory says they've taken ride simulators to a new level.
• Also: Sega's new driving game at IAAPA; Jerry Monday on values and professionalism; conclusion of 4th Wave's report on DisneyQuest

• The New AMOA: the Amusement & Music Operators of America held its 50th anniversary convention and tradeshow in Nashville mid-September. Fine new product and superb strides toward industry unity with AAMA highlighted the event. We cover the mood, the numbers, the politics, the equipment, the parties and chat with new prexy Jim Stansfield.
• Major Merger: What's the industry coming to these days? Fewer companies controlling larger market share. The two leading pool manufacturers have announced plans to merge their table divisions; new firm will be called "Valley-Dynamo LLP"
• Also: AAMA in Vietnam; IAAPA show preview; new product from Merit, Midway & Atari; Bay Tek branches out in our Cover Story; Frank Seninsky's strategic advice for ops; Jerry Monday on walking the trade show floor; Lynn Pytlak on financial ratios; Star*Tech Journal on electronic coin mechs; Gregg Reeves reviews Sega, SNK & Capcom games
• Fun Expo '98 goes back to that kiddie paradise (Orlando, Fla.) for its second show under the ownership of Reed Exhibition Co. We preview the show and interview IAFEC's new president, along with providing many IAFEC updates and history items
• Randy White is one of America's most respected fun center consultants. He enjoys a reputation for excellent feasibility studies and topnotch design work. In a chat with our Doug King, Randy shared his thoughts on the FEC biz, theming, and future trends in fun centers
• DisneyQuest! We're proudly publishing an in-depth review of Disney's new venture written by industry analyst Dr. John Latta and his colleagues at 4th Wave, Inc. Their verdict: a bold experiment (part 2 follows next month)
• Also: Harold Skripsky's IAFEC "report card"; thumbnail sketch of FEC operator Ron Stiller; Randy Chilton on bowling center arcades; Coney Island Emporium wins "Thea" award
• Love Those Countertops! the new favorite staple of the tavern location still has loads of potential in terms of technological evolution, product innovation and market penetration. Trade pros look at this flourishing phenomenon
• VNEA: strategies and philosophies are discussed during the 10th annual gathering of the charter holders of this incredible tournament association
• Also: tournament highlights from around the country

• Golden Anniversary Expo: This month the Amusement & Music Operators Assn. converge on Nashville for a 50th anniversary party as well as their traditional convention and tradeshow. We have a show overview, a profile of Nashville, seminar and exhibit schedules, booth floor map and more including interviews with both the new and exiting AMOA presidents, plus anniversary musings by association officers, trade leaders and rank & file operators
• Violent Opposition: key members of the U.S. Senate strongly praised the trade this summer for our voluntary rating system to alert parents to vidgame content. Federal regulation now seems unlikely, assuming we get fairly full compliance. But, serious threats remain
• All Systems Go! trade writer Kevin Williams turns his keen eye to the latest vidgame system platforms. Question: is Sega's new "Naomi" system a rival to the Arcade PC? Learn the answer to this and other fascinating questions in a special guest essay
• Also: new product from Atari, Sega, LazerTron & Midway; Sega GameWorks sells coin-op division; SNK's Mexico PR smash; Betson's charity golf event; an interview with Bondeal's Fred Milner; the Imonex coin acceptor; Walter Day's latest promo; Frank Seninsky & Randy Chilton columns on AMOA's anny; Benchmark's story of redemption product & more in our Cover Story; Len Pytlak on accounting systems; Star*Tech Journal on steering & accelerator fixes; Greg Reeves reviews new Capcom & Atari titles
• True Blue Rock-Ola! SoCal factory says production versions of its new floor model (see photo), in the trademark bright blue cabinet, has some "intriguing" upgrades inside and out!
• Leagues Today: Is there anything new to say about leagues? Yes, and our Steve White says it in his thoughtful way. Learn about the latest trends, challenges and opportunities
• Ohio Ops Meet! Ohio operators continue to have one of the nation's best organized, most professional and activist state operator associations. They proved it again when (in an industry first) two gubernatorial candidates addressed their latest convention
• Also: Venture updates a classic pool and shuffleboard line; thumbnail sketch of Tennessee & Florida operator Marion Paul; Todd Erickson upgrades Blitz upright cabinets; tournament highlights
• Ready, Set, Learn! Fun Expo based its initial appeal on a strong seminar lineup, and the '98 show will continue that tradition. Here's a glance at what's lined up for the October show
• Peak Experience: IAFEC, the International Assn. of FECs, signed a deal to keep their show at Fun Expo for the next decade. They get a slice of the profits, too. (See photo of their summit meeting.)
• Thomson Muscles Up: you've been hearing more about Thomson simulators, and you'll be hearing even more in future times. They've got new products, new rides, & a new U.S. rep
• Also: Lazer Runner updates its laser tag product and services; Jerry Monday on FECs and vidgame charts; George McAuliffe's medley of summertime musings

• Dynamic! Bill Rickett started as a part-time operator, graduated to building soccer tables in his garage & eventually built the Texas factory now marking its Silver Anniversary...read about it in this month's cover story.
• AMOA Show Preview: Nashville was the site of one of AMOA's most successful expos back in 1992. Next month the national operator association returns to the Country Music Capital of the World and oh, yes, they're celebrating a Golden Anniversary!
• SNK Plays Host: some key U.S. distribs were treated to a tour of SNK's factory in Japan this summer. Some say the maker is ready to reclaim its title as "king of system cabinets"
• Also: a drum-playing music novelty game; NSM & distribs visits France for the World Cup; news from Atlas in Cincinatti; new games from Sega Pinball, Atari and Opus Entertainment; Frank Seninsky on the operator's changing role; Lynn Pytlak on buy sell agreements; Star*Tech Journal on crimps & fuses; Greg Reeves reviews new Sega & Capcom; Totem's snazzy gumball vender
• Are You "Dart Smart"? our Steve White surveys the electronic dart scene. Ops, distribs and factory guys alike say it remains a valuable staple on the national street route
• Missouri Meet: operators in the "Show Me State" held their second-ever state convention and trade show. AMOA President Don Hesch was one of those who "showed" up
• Banker Turns Operator: Texas operator Windell Cannon took an unusual areer path into the industry; he was originally a banker! He says his financial know-how helps him keep the coins and dollars in balance. He also recounts his famous battle with the IRS (which he won)
• Also: AMOA's Don Hesch updates the federal tobacco picture; Minnesota operators have a get-together dinner; street operators interface on darts; Randy Chilton on the emotional impact of selling your route; Valley's "Ernie" is back for promo chores; State Sales hosts pinball promo event
• Combat Ready: a SoCal computer R&D firm called Holoplex has entered the vidgame biz with "Combatica," an arena-type presentation system for video games. They install current hits (much like a universal cabinet); unit's succeeding in top arcades
• Disney, Again: Baltimore, Md., was the site for Disney's own location-based entertainment concept, ESPN Zone. It opened in July with tons of hoopla to generally positive reviews
• D&B, Again: store number 13 for the Dave & Buster's chain opened in Irvine, Calif., last week & our Ingrid Adlum was there. Her one-word review? "Fabulous."
• Also: IAFEC's Harold Skripsky on improving service; Jerry Monday surveys the news of this summerSticker City: The industry has made good progress in dealing with government concerns about violence in video games. But we're not out of the woods yet. Everybody has to do their part. See Doug King's interview of Elliott Portnoy

• Sticker City: The industry has made good progress in dealing with government concerns about violence in video games. But we're not out of the woods yet. Everybody has to do their part. See Doug King's interview of Elliott Portnoy
• WaveNet Launch: What do you call a network that links 50 Atari driving games in California via ISDN phone lines, allowing remote interactive, realtime play? Midway's Wavenet!
• Calling Dr. Latta: top level trade members make the Wave Report required reading for hi-tech news & views. It's the brainchild of former defense industry analyst John Latta, a man with provocative views (but he can back them up with tons o' research)
• Also: Euromat talks Eurocoin; fishy fun from Konami; Quake Arcade ships out; Namco's variety pack; Fun Merchants offers finance deal; Lynn Pytlak on small biz tax issues; a guest essay on pinball care & maintenance; Star*Tech Journal on wire splices; Greg Reeves reviews two gun games; distributor open houses: Music-Vend, Betson
• VNEA '98: There's no biz like show biz, as the Valley National 8-Ball League proves year after year. The granddaddy of coin-op national tournaments keeps rollin' along
• Rock-Ola teamed with Harley-Davidson for this new jukebox (see photo)
• The 13th Bull: Arachnid ran their 13th annual "BullShooter Championship" national playoffs over the Memorial Day weekend. It was another big, classy, dart-promoting event
• Tavern Videos? they're actually flourishing, according to the operators we spoke to for this month's "Operator Interface." C-tops and that golf game on our cover got repeated mentions
• Also: AMOA's Don Hesch on industry consolidation; the Medalist dart tourney; new cocktail vidgame from CES; Frank Seninsky on mega-street routes; Vending Connection talks promos; thumbnail sketch of Bruce Bauldridge; Randy Chilton on "selling out to the man"
• The Wizard: New Orleans Novelty is not only a distributor, it's also a creative arcade operation thanks largely to the inspired touch of Jack Boasberg (see picture of one of his locations). He reveals a few of his philosophies
• Galactic Importance: Could be, if the idea behind this new Aussie fun center catches on. Also see sidebar on their novel idea for a themed bar with integrated amusement machines
• Big Attractions! Jerry Monday says they make big money; he shares some of the current operating approach gleaned from leading French trade members

• Atlas Moves Out...out to the suburbs, that is. After years in a gritty downtown location, Jerry Marcus & Eddie Pellegrini have a new facility (and room to grow)
• Namco Meetings! Namco Meetings! From the sunny Dominican Republic, where distribs gathered with sales & marketing execs, to the Windy City environs where factory reps briefed arcade managers, Namco had a busy month. Two stories
• Two Cheers for Arcade PC: mega-arcade operator Michael Getlan visited the Computer Game Developers Conference (Long Beach, Calif.) in early May. He was "underwhelmed" by the progress of melding the PC and arcade
• Also: new product from Atari, PhotoVend, Williams; Sega corporate & product news; TouchTunes opens Montreal facility; more post-ASI open houses; Nelson Rose on Internet gambling; Frank Seninsky on route management; Len Pytlak on budgeting; Star*Tech Journal on pinball fixes; Greg Reeves reviews Sega & SNK games
• Sweet Music: American operators remain fond of continuity, proven technology & long-term ROI. That must be why today's juke market feels comfortably stable, if not spectacular, to most
• Regatta Sails On: Eddie Pellegrini believes in the CD jukebox market so much, he's building (and selling) his own. Next comes a wallbox from this Chicago tradester
• Vandal Proof? Can a chemical expert create a way to make coin mechs vandal proof? One award-winning company claims to have done just that. If so, they'll save ops a ton of dough
• Also: AMOA's Don Hesch sees healthier market; Dick McCannell honored in N.C.; street operators interface on jukeboxes; Randy Chilton assesses trade conditions; Vending Connection advice
• DisneyQuest: the world's most successful entertainment marketers have turned their talents to the LBE biz. The result, DisneyQuest, opens to the public this month. It's huge, glitzy, fun and everybody in the industry worldwide will be watching
• Chowing Down: Buster Corley is the food expert half of the Dave & Buster's LBE duo. He chats in this month's interview with Doug King on his philosophy (food & drink account for over half of D&B revenues!)
• MaxFlight Takes Off! a new simulator center featuring jets? Yep, and it's in a mall location! A visionary mall developer worked with the sim factory to install this place in Altoona, Pa
• Also: Harold Skripsky on scoping out the competition; Jerry Monday on game prices; GameWorks Studio opens in the L.A. area

• Rebound! The Amusement Showcase International was a nice hit. Fine attendence, very good product and moods so upbeat it was almost hard to believe, all added up to a true winner. Check our show overview, product review, coverage of parties & meetings, plus more
• Intel Inside: Their much-touted Arcade PC products are now "inside" of Sega & Namco arcades, that is. Bah, humbug to the skeptics; this is reality, folks
• Coinsoft Launched: H. Betti Industries & Interactive Light have teamed up with Immersia, Intel & Angel Studios to bring their unique insight, direction, support and know-how to the the Arcade PC initative. Don't miss our related exclusive interview with HBI Chairman Peter Betti
• Also: another expert view on parallels; Valley restructures; Western NAMA focus on changers; open houses by Betson and C.A. Robinson; new product from Sega, Namco, Midway, Unico and Atari; Frank Seninsky on when to buy & sell games; Len Pytlak on choosing accountants; Star*Tech Journal on pinball maintenance; Greg Reeves reviews two Atari games
• Red, Black & Seductive: the Black Widow is a new side by side, dual target dart game system. The central computer is housed in a black box. We didn't notice if it sports a red "hourglass" imprint or not, but concept seems ready to score some "green" in the cash box
• Recovery Seen: AMOA prexy Don Hesch says he thinks the industry has entered a rebound period. "We're not there yet but it's underway," he tells us in our exclusive monthly chat, citing the upbeat ASI, good equipment, good earnings for professional operators & other hopeful factors
• Also: Randy Chilton on a new category of site called "LWGs"; Bill Johnston's service tip; Vending Connection pushes service efficiency; tournament highlights
• Redemption Roundup: Here's the rundown on new redemption product shown at ASI. Consensus was: volume of brand-new titles was a bit down, but what was there, was choice
• The LBE Scene: guest essay by Kevin Williams surveys the growth & evolution of location-based entertainment. He divides today's LBE sites into four broad categories. Must reading
• FEC Digest: news briefs from the busy worlds of lasertag, fun center associations & trade shows, related products & companies (& check out a new carpet designed just for FECs!)
• Also: new products by Meltec and STRiCOR; George McAuliffe on getting sponsorship dollars for FECs; Jerry Monday on redemption trends; ops interface on voluntary game ratings; Steve Siegel explains AMOA's Arcade Promo Committee in our "Stepping Up & Speaking Out"

• Shaffer Buys J&J Distributors: Believe it or not, J&J began life several decades ago as a Shaffer branch in Indianapolis. Now it returns to the original fold
• Simulator Saga: Kevin Williams, freelance industry writer (& Disney Quest software supervisor) penned this superb recent history of coin-op vidgame R&D. He really puts it all in perspective
• Global Biz: Intergame's David Snook essays America's role in the world coin machine market as more & more U.S. factories find growth & opportunity overseas
• Also: more Sega ups & downs; U.S. Supreme Court rules on parallels; IRS okays income forecasting for ops; catching up with Grand Products; Don Shimel obituary; pinball history makes for entertaining video documentary; new products from Konami, Namco, Sega Pinball; Frank Seninsky on local operations; Lynn Pytlak on employee morale; the Irish trade expo; Star*Tech Journal on silicone uses; Greg Reeves reviews new Capcom & Namco fighters; Betson West holds pre-ASI product show
• Intriguing! In its biggest booth to date at the just-finished ASI Show, Rock-Ola Mfg. Co. debuted five new models, added a juke sales pro to their team, and unveiled (with Premier Data) some nifty remote-access software
• Cigarette Wars: Tobacco vending may have lost the political battle but ops could still win a financial windfall "If you can't beat 'em, at least make 'em pay big compensation bucks"
• Stepping Up: Payphone manufacturer Ric Stephan takes a shot at AMOA for defending the cigarette vend biz. RePlay replies that failure to defend this market could invite the loss of others
• Also: the latest on JVL's Concorde countertops; AMOA's Don Hesch reports on board meeting; street ops interface on cig vending; Randy Chilton on parental advisory stickers; debut of a new "Vending Connection" column; tournament highlights
• The Garage: Our recent visit to Betson Enterprises' first FEC, themed around cars and service stations, revealed a promising concept, appealing execution and wise location strategy
• Just Stick It! Photo sticker machines and other digital image venders are all the rage in Japan, though legal headaches have slowed their market penetration in the USA somewhat. Contributing editor Doug King surveys the field
• Slamsite! A new arcade chain featuring Internet terminals alongside coin-op games has opened its first two stores in SoCal. They're planning to merge coin-op & the Net in surprising ways
• Also: LazerTrek is making "headway" with its Heads Up! laser tag equipment; Jerry Monday reports from Vietnam; Harold Skripsky reveals "secrets" of FEC success

• Showcase! The Amusement Showcase Int'l. moves into the Sands Convention Center (Vegas) from March 27-29. Based on equipment seen at the recent ATEI and AOU shows, it should be full of new product. Check our overview, seminar & exhibit schedules, booth floor map & more
• Dillon Passes: Joe Dillon, 58, succumbed to a brain hemorrhage in February after a long battle with cancer. The popular Williams/Midway sales top will be missed
• London Pride: this year's ATEI Show was the biggest yet, proving once again that nothing succeeds like success. International attendance was up again, too
• Also: new product from Acclaim, American Sammy, Capcom, Dynamo, ICE & Sega; Sega corporate news; Atari's rainy (but fun) distrib. meeting; Incredible Technologies passes the $1 million prize mark; home vidgame market booming; PAPA tourney boosts pinball; video game museum; interview with Namco prexy Kevin Hayes; Frank Seninsky on using consultants; Doug King interviews Doug King; Lynn Pytlak on employee morale; Star*Tech Journal on power supply; Greg Reeves reviews two Sega simulators
• Small Box, Big Sound: Rowe has scored back-to-back coups with introduction of its handsome Berkeley wall-mount jukebox and industry-exclusive licensing of True Dimensional Sound
• State of the SLATE: after a 1986 movie helped spark a huge pool comeback, the industry's early-'90s recession slowed table sales for a while. Now pool is back!
• "Indian" Holt: an interview with Texas operator Jim Holt reveals the team spirit and zealous customer service at the heart of the Dallas-based Bowling & Billiards Supplies street route
• Also: AMOA's Don Hesch predicts lower game prices; TouchTunes delays but improves its juke; street operators interface on the "3 P's"; Dan Knack "steps up" on burglar-proofing for operators; Randy Chilton on street redemption; tournament highlights
• D&B II: king of the LBE market, Dave & Buster's, is rolling out a new, slightly downsized version of their popular concept. They plan to build up to 150 "D&B II" sites in the USA! Store incomes and profits remain high in their existing places, too
• Big vs. Small: several fun center experts tell how owners of smaller chains or independent arcades can compete against the "big guys." Knowing your customer and spending money wisely emerge as two consistent themes
• Fightertown: its first store has long been popular near a California military airbase. Now this flight simulator center has opened more sites and plans to become a full-sized chain
• Also: IAFEC's member card & benefits; Jerry Monday on FEC planning; SureShot offers redemption novelties; Ohio op works with "Buckeye" LBE; George McAuliffe analyzes key LBEs

• Cover: NSM : Gem of a Juke: NSM America mines "Sapphire" music box
  
• Happy Days: the tavern market revels in newfound popularity among yuppies, but worries about DUI and anti-smoking laws. AMOA joined AAMA and 30 coin-op factories at the vibrant 700-booth Nightclub & Bar trade show in Vegas (see photo at right), where bar owners loved those amusement machines
• Hail to the Chief! AMOA prexy Don Hesch chats with RePlay's Marcus Webb about the association's plans & the state of the industry. Don sees the operator shakeout continuing a while
• Valley Promos: this Midwestern pool and dart game factory is whistling up a bunch of lively new promotional tools and techniques for its classic street equipment. Remember "Ernie"? He's back, and so are some other good ideas
• Also: AMOA Conference of Affiliated States; street ops "interface" on their future prospects; Frank Seninsky on AMOA and the street operator; Side Pockets offers classy pool boutique franchise; Lynn Pytlak on new tax laws; Randy Chilton salutes Tami Norberg-Paulsen; Star*Tech Journal service tips; and new goods from Great American Recreation, Midway Games, NSM America (cover story), and Mars Electronics; tournament highlights & calendar
• Take That, George! a former operator responds to Texas Gov. George Bush's campaign against video eight-liners in this month's "Stepping Up & Speaking Out"
• Happy Birthday, Mrs. B! Everybody's favorite, the gracious Leah Bettelman (at left), was honored a