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(Go to RePlay Magazine's Blog)
Charles “Chuck” Peitz, the
founder-president of Tricorp Amusements (Somerset, N.J.) has been
chosen as the Amusement and Music Association of New York’s “Man of the
Year” for 2010. The special honor will be celebrated at the group’s
annual gala cocktail/dinner reception on Monday, March 14, 2011, from
6-9 p.m. at the Douglaston Manor, Douglaston, Queens, N.Y.
About 150 operators, distributors,
manufacturers and related service providers in music and games are
expected to turn out for this fundraiser event, which will honor Peitz’
ability to start Tricorp in 1979 and grow into one of the nation’s
largest operators covering about 20 states between Maine and Florida
and east of the Mississippi.
Tricorp employs about 70 people
responsible for hundreds of accounts and thousands of amusements, with
a focus on movie theater chains, restaurant chains, family
entertainment centers, shopping malls and more.
Ken Goldberg (Emerson Amusement
Corp., Woodside, Queens, N.Y.), AMOA-NY president, says: “Chuck Peitz
is an operator’s operator who is an inspiring role model for many of
us. Beyond the growth of Tricorp, he regards membership and active
support in AMOA as his priority. Chuck openly declares how his
participation in our association goes hand in hand with his success.”
AMOA-NY executive director Danny
Frank says that: “This is the first time this affair of industry peers
and competitors is honoring an operator. So it demonstrates Chuck’s
popularity and outstanding reputation.”
Tickets for AMOA-NY members are $175
per person with higher prices for non-members. Souvenir journal ads for
AMOA-NY members begin at $200. For more details, contact
212-279-1041 or e-mail
dfrankproduction@aol.com.
Bill Glasgow Honored By
Tradeshow Group
(Posted
December 20, 2010 -- 8:30PM)
Bill
Glasgow,
Sr.,
president
of
W.T.
Glasgow,
Orland
Park,
Ill.,
was
awarded
the
Distinguished
Service
Award by the International Association of
Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) during the organization's annual event
last week in New Orleans.
The honor is presented to a member
"who has rendered distinguished service to IAEE and to the exhibitions
and events industry as a whole."
Glasgow started his career at the
Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago while attending Loyola University in
Chicago. His first assignment was at McCormick Place, where the Hilton
held the food service and meeting contract for the building.
In 1975, Glasgow was hired by the
Electronics Industries Association to manage its Winter and Summer
Consumer Electronics Shows. During his tenure there, the two annual
shows included more than 2,000 exhibitors and 70,000 attendees.
The tradeshow pro founded his own
firm, WTG, in 1984 and became show manager of the AMOA International
Expo in 1998. His firm had already been directing the ASI Show since
1985. When the two events combined into the Amusement Expo last year,
WTG was retained to manage the combined show.
Sobota Wins AMI Sweepstakes
(Posted
December 20, 2010 -- 8:30PM)
AMI
Entertainment
Network
would
like
to
congratulate
the
Pin
It
to
Win
It
Sweepstakes
winner
Bernie Sobota of Sobota Enterprises, who recently
won the grand prize — an entertainment package valued at over $15,000.
AMI jukebox operators were simply asked to update their location
information, or enter new location information, for a chance to win the
big prize.
North Carolina Gov Won’t
Rule Out Video Poker
(Posted
December 20, 2010 -- 8:30PM)
North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue
says she hasn’t ruled out asking lawmakers to legalize video
gaming. “Perdue told
reporters Thursday that she doesn't like the idea of video poker
parlors, but she has considered the possibility of legalizing them,”
reports North Carolina Public Radio at www.wfae.org. “She pointed out
that lawmakers have been trying unsuccessfully to get rid of the games
for years. And with the state's dire budget outlook, she's not yet
prepared to rule out a potential source of revenue.”
"If you're going to have it, it has
to be controlled. It has to be, I believe, regulated," Perdue was
quoted as saying. "There has to be a revenue stream that we can look
at, there has to be guarantees that people who are risking their money
are at least having an opportunity of reward, just like a lottery." A group of North Carolina operators
and locations have been lobbying for a measure that would authorize
legalized, video gaming.
Betson
to
Open
Florida
Office
(Posted
December 20, 2010 -- 8:30PM)
Betson Enterprises will be opening their 12th distribution office in
the central Florida region during the first quarter of 2011. “The support we have received from the
Southeastern operators has been overwhelming since we opened our office
in Marietta, Ga., last year, and this move is further commitment to the
operators of that region,” said Bob Geschine, president of Betson
Enterprises. “We see this as a win-win scenario for Raw Thrills and the
other manufacturers we represent and for the operators in the financial
commitment we make to help them grow their business and manage their
monthly cash flow.”
Look for further announcements in
early 2011, Betson said. Headquartered
in
Carlstadt,
New
Jersey,
Betson
operates
11
distribution
offices
nationwide
offering
coin-operated
amusement
and
vending equipment, coin
operated parts and service.
National Dart Association
Launches New Website
(Posted
December 20, 2010 -- 8:30PM)
The AMOA-National Dart Association (NDA)
launched a new website at its existing location, www.ndadarts.com. The new site has
a vibrant look and many features to enhance the user’s experience. One of the main new features of the
website is the online shop where operator members can purchase NDA
supplies, including award pins and foul lines. In the future, the NDA
will expand merchandise, offering more products to the public, players
and operator members alike. International rankings, the NDA event
calendar, educational materials, ThrowLines and Team Dart information
are all streamlined for easy access. The site also outlines the
official rules of play, and prospective referees are able to take the
Know the Rules test and register for the referee certification seminar.
Another exciting feature is the Find a League application where players
from around the world have the ability to find NDA leagues in their
area.
“The new design incorporates many
new features and a fresh look,” said Chris Warren, NDA president. “The
site is easy to navigate and provides access to educational tools, NDA
merchandise, league resources and much more. One way the NDA is making
it easier to take full advantage of your membership is offering the NDA
shop. Be sure to check out www.ndadarts.com; it’s another one of those
great benefits of belonging to the NDA.”
Each NDA operator member and
sanctioned player is able to log in with their current username and
password to access specific features tailored for each group within the
site. Once logged in, operator members have the ability to submit
events to the NDA calendar, as well as rankings, ThrowLines articles
and photos easily through the new application. Operator members have
access to a league resource center, which contains information on
starting and promoting a league, running a tournament and samples from
other operator members. The new site also has a member resource center
that contains board minutes, the NDA membership directory, current
newsletters and more.
Sanctioned players are able to view
and edit their profile, share NDA news to their Facebook page with just
a few clicks, shop online, view ThrowLines and much more. Meanwhile, prospective members and
players can easily find information about membership and leagues. In
addition, prospective operator members can now fill out the membership
application online. To view the new website, visit www.ndadarts.com.
Big Buck World Is Now Shipping
(Posted
December 15, 2010 -- 10:30PM)
The newest video arcade
shooter from Play Mechanix, Big Buck
World, is now shipping. The game combines Big Buck Safari and Big Buck Hunter Open Season into
one product. This new
shooter from Play Mechanix will be available in a dedicated 42" LCD
Deluxe, a 27" standard model and the 120" super deluxe. Additionally, a
software upgrade kit is available for every configuration of Big Buck Hunter Pro, Open Season and Big Buck Safari. Players will be
able to take aim at 17 animals; they include the Ibex, Rusa Deer
and Blackbuck, all new animals in the Outback Safari upgrade. In
addition there are 18 trophy animals, 77 crazy critters, 51 scenic
hunting treks and 255 hunting sites that cross four continents,
including Africa, Australia, Asia and North America. This new title
also offers 51 bonus games to guarantee that Big Buck World will be a chart
topping shooter.
Big
Buck
World will open myriad opportunities with the unique
ability to offer two games in one cabinet. The amount of content will
be staggering compared to other hunting games past and present. In
addition, a two-on-two shoot-out mode called Team Play will add a new
feature that the most competitive players will surely gravitate towards.
All purchases from September 1, 2010
of Open Season or Big Buck Safari would qualify for
a no charge software upgrade to Big
Buck World when it becomes available. All product
configurations are included in this offer: the standard 27" upright,
42" deluxe, Open Season full conversion kits and the Open Season software updates. This
no-charge upgrade will consist of a CD, dongle and a Big Buck World marquee. Offer good
while supplies last.
Benchmark Staffs Up To Meet Demand
(Posted
December 15, 2010 -- 10:30PM)
Benchmark Games is hiring
additional staff in order to maximize the second shift and doubling
production to meet the increased demand. "We enjoyed such a
successful International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
(IAAPA) Expo show in Orlando recently we are making this commitment to
fulfill the customer orders," said Al Kress.
"At this time, we are notifying
Benchmark's field force and business partners and working as hard as
possible to deliver our cutting-edge and high-quality redemption games
as quickly as possible," Kress went on to say. "The IAAPA show was
our best ever, and we want to keep our customers happy by delivering
product on a timely basis. The 2011 season is off to a great
start. I'm confident this momentum and growth will continue, and
Benchmark is prepared to support the increased business."
Foundations Announces 2011 Dates
(Posted
December 15, 2010 -- 10:30PM)
Foundations
Entertainment
University
this
week
announced
dates
for
its
2011
educational
calendar.
The
organization
will
hold
its signature
three-day program on the following dates:
* April 26 - 28,
2011 - Dallas, TX
* July 19 - 21,
2011 - Chicago, Ill.
* September 20 -
22, 2011 - Kansas City, Mo.
Foundations University is now
entering its eighth year and has more than 700 graduates worldwide. It
is widely recognized as one of the premier educational opportunities
for the amusement entertainment industry. For more information, go to www.foundationsuniversity.com.
Ecast Promotes Nitafan to Finance VP
(Posted
December 15, 2010 -- 10:30PM)
Ecast has promoted Ron
Nitafan from controller and director of finance to the new position of
VP of finance. Nitafan joined Ecast nearly four years ago, bringing
with him an extensive background in finance, accounting and human
resource management for some of the biggest technology companies to the
most successful startups, including Microsoft Web-TV, Sega of America
and BEA Systems.
"Ron has played an integral role in
helping Ecast manage its core digital music network for optimal revenue
and profit, as well as our efforts to transition our touchscreen
platform capabilities to forge a sustainable position in the exciting,
emerging customer activation arena over the last two years," said John
Taylor, CEO of Ecast. "In this new position, Ron will continue to play
a key role on the executive team and provide the critical financial
direction, planning and strategies to ensure we are managing our new
business for success."
"Ecast is at an exciting juncture
and in an ideal position to leverage the intersection of exciting
technologies such as digital signage, location-based services,
commerce, mobile and social media. The current consumer trends support
our product and market strategy, and I'm thrilled to be able to
leverage my previous experience at emerging technology companies to
guide Ecast's efforts," said Nitafan.
In addition to assisting CEO Taylor
with strategic planning, board guidance and preparation, business
planning and venture funding, Nitafan is responsible for managing
finance, music royalties and licensing, and human resources. He
previously managed operations, customer support and production.
strategic planning, board guidance and preparation, business planning
and venture funding, Nitafan is responsible for managing finance, music
royalties and licensing, and human resources. He previously managed
operations, customer support and production.
Valley-Dynamo/Champion
Games for 2011
(Posted December 14, 2010 -- 12:30PM)
Valley-Dynamo
is
now
shipping
the
Best Shot
air hockey, a tournament-quality coin table tough enough to thrive in
rough locations. The Dynamo table made its debut at IAAPA 2010. The factory also brought its still-new Panther ZD-X (bill-acceptor) and Panther (push chute) tables to the
show for many operators to see for the first time. While the attractive
cheyenne leather finish and smooth corner casting design first catch
the eye, features including new electronics with league dues
capability, battery protection, MEI bill acceptor, five-bolt "death to
the dead spots" rail system and durable cloth show the Panther's beauty is more than skin
deep. Meanwhile, Champion
Shuffleboard's space-efficient Bank
Shot attracted many players in its official unveiling.
International customers in particular found the fast action and compact
footprint of Bank Shot an attractive combination, noted the
manufacturer.
For more information, log on to www.valley-dynamo.com.
AAMA Lights Up Season for Charity
(Posted December 14, 2010 -- 12:30PM)
Representing
the
AAMA,
John
Schultz,
Linda
Schultz,
Tina
Schwartz
and
Josh
Morin
joined
Chef
Kevin
Jones
and
staff of the Wyndham Lisle Hotel for the
second Charity Festival of Lights on December 2. John, Linda, Tina and Josh, along with 40
other groups, decorated trees that will go to needy families in Chicago
that would otherwise go without. In a dramatic lighting ceremony,
tree sponsors joined at the Wyndham for an evening of food and fun.
Guests arrived with donated toys in hand to fill an enormous toy box in
the lobby, which over overflowed by the end of the evening. Contact the AAMA at 847/290-9088 or information@coin-op.org.
National Dart
Association Director Named
Rising Star
(Posted December 10, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
The AMOA-National Dart Association’s (NDA) Director of Communication,
Andrea Cowan, has been named as the Rising STAR of 2010 by the Indiana
Society of Association Executives (ISAE). The Rising STAR award is
granted based on several criteria. To be considered, individuals must
be nominated and have one to three years of service in the association
industry. The Rising STAR must show exemplary contributions to the
employing organization, dedication and innovation of service to the
association’s members and must participate in professional development
and educational activities.
“Andrea is a tremendous asset to the NDA,” said NDA executive director,
Leslie Murphy, CAE. “Relatively new to the association industry, Andrea
has quickly learned the ins and outs of the organization and
successfully implemented numerous communication projects. She fully
deserves the recognition for her hard work, dedication and talent.”
Cowan has served as the NDA’s director of communication for nearly two
years. In her time with the NDA, she has directed numerous projects,
including promotional plans for Team Dart, social media outreach,
annual communication plans and, most recently, the design and launch of
two member e-newsletters (E-Member Update and OnTarget).
On a daily basis, Cowan oversees all NDA communication efforts. She
serves at the editor of ThrowLines, the NDA’s official player magazine,
and coordinates the layout and design of all NDA materials including
posters, signage and advertisements.
Under Cowan’s leadership, the NDA’s official Facebook page has quickly
gained a following of nearly 3,500 fans. The OnTarget player
e-newsletter has increased the player e-mail list by 20% and was named
the Best Association Newsletter by ISAE in 2010.
Cowan has served as a volunteer for ISAE and attended numerous
professional development events in order to increase her knowledge base
and to stay up-to-date on the latest trends of communication
tactics. Rising STAR nominees were evaluated by ISAE’s Executive
Committee and announced at the annual STAR Awards event held on Dec. 2
in Indianapolis.
TouchTunes Rings in
Holiday
With 2010 Christmas Hits Playlist
(Posted
December 10, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
TouchTunes Interactive Networks has announced this year’s Christmas
Hits playlist for celebrating the holidays. The TouchTunes Christmas
Hits playlist will be available on more than 30,000 digital jukeboxes
nationwide now through Christmas and offers a selection of songs
perfect for rockin’ around the Christmas tree.
The custom playlist will help set the festive spirit in bars and
restaurants across North America and allow customers to choose their
favorite songs. The list features close to 100 wide-ranging pop, rock
and oldies tunes, including:
Carol of the Bells by Jessica
Simpson
Oh Santa! by Mariah Carey
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
by Wilson Phillips
The First Noel by Susan Boyle
Santa Claus is Coming to Town by
The
Jackson
Five
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Frank Sinatra
It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams
Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano
Merry Christmas Baby by Sheryl Crow and Eric Clapton
Christmas Tree by Lady Gaga
“Music is at the core of any holiday celebration,” said Vicki Saunders,
TouchTunes VP, digital media and music marketing. “The Christmas
Hits playlist is another example of how TouchTunes continues to engage
users with relevant content that enhances their night out.”
FEC Chains Show Party
Increases in 2010
(Posted
December 10, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
Gatti’s Pizza franchises have seen an increase in birthday sales,
according to Beth Standlee, Trainertainment CEO and RePlay’s Party
Professor columnist. Nick Moore, president of 14 locations, has seen a
26% increase with 44 weeks of sales systems, secret shopper reports and
coaching calls.
“TrainerTainment has worked with our stores in Texas, Kentucky and
Mississippi for almost four years,” Moore said. “We have experienced
continued growth in our party business during that time. In past years,
we’ve had a 12% and a 13% increase, so we could not be more pleased
with this 26% increase in party sales this year in the midst of this
crazy economy.”
Other locations have also seen significant increases despite the
economic slump, notably iT’Z locations in Albuquerque, Colorado Springs
and Houston, according to Brian Cohen, VP of operations.
“These stores have performed so well this year in the face of an
economic recession because they have great operators,” said Stanlee.
“They gave us the opportunity to hire, coach and train a great group of
sales people. These stores have had the willingness to make sure our
sales programs are implemented, and they deliver each event at a high
level that keeps the guest coming back. I don’t care how bad the
economy is; people, families, companies, churches, schools and friends
are going to party.”
Coast To Coast Debuts
Four New Games
(Posted
December 10, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
Coast
to
Coast
Entertainment
recently
introduced
four
new
games
to
attendees
at
the
2011
IAAPA
Expo
in
Orlando,
Florida. Here's a quick look at the
new pieces:
Lucky
Zone is a simple to play redemption game. The player simply
drops a coin in, and it spins around the vortex and then lands onto
another spinning wheel below. This interactive game play appeals to
players of all ages. A card-swipe version is also available, making
this game perfect for any location from FECs to street locations.
Friction
is a two-player, gun game video kit. The game is designed to be easy to
play with something for the casual player, as well as the experienced
gamer. The kit is reasonably priced and can go in almost any cabinet
you might have, as it supports EGA, VGA and CGA monitors. The kit comes
complete with everything you need, including two guns. A dedicated
large version game is coming soon. Both the kit and the dedicated game
yield impressive earnings while being offered at the most competitive
price in the industry.
Mini
Hot Stuff wall mount crane was designed for locations where
floor space is at a minimum. This little crane comes with a wall
bracket that allows it to be mounted directly to a wall. It has bright,
LED front lights that are built to attract even more attention to the
game.
Blazing
Quarters is a coin-in, coin-out simple pusher game. Two
different models are available. They feature all types of popular
graphics to match any location. Some styles include the Mexican flag
and flames in both blue and red styles. Blazing Quarters was designed by an
operator and comes with a rapid fire-style shooting handle that allows
the player to shoot up to twenty coins to the play field in a matter of
a few seconds. For more information on Coast to Coast, log on to www.cranemachines.com.
ICE
Profiled
In
Buffalo
Newspaper
(Posted
December 10, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
The creative success
story of Clarence, N.Y.,- based Innovative Concepts in Entertainment,
along with the factory's plans to host an upcoming Super Chexx tournament, were the
focus of a complimentary feature story in the Buffalo News earlier this
week. Looking back at the factory's start making the original Chexx game, the paper noted: "Chexx was an unconventional
competitor for quarters. Instead of blasting aliens on a computer
screen, players pulled and turned plastic rods to control
hockey-playing figures... The bubble hockey game, now called Super Chexx, has sold more than
35,000 units since its inception. Its success laid the foundation for a
company that has expanded into a variety of coin-operated amusement
games sold in more than 50 countries."
ICE will be hosting a World Bubble
Hockey Championship Dec. 27-28 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center
as part of the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship's Fan Fest.
"The total prize purse could go as high as $20,000, depending on how
many people enter," the newspaper reported. "The planned 16-table
tournament will offer more than 1,000 individual slots and 1,000 team
slots in competitions held on two separate days." To read the entire story, log on to www.buffalonews.com/business/article274466.ece.
Betson Offering Lease
On Terminator Salvation Video
(Posted
December 10, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
Betson Financial Services is offering a limited time Stop-'n-Go
lease program starting as low as $55 per week with 90 days, no payment
on Terminator Salvation 32". This newly released, high-earning,
two-player arcade shooter offers a 32" LCD for HD graphics, redesigned
stationary weapons with force feedback, lighted marquee topper,
multiple game levels and attractive neon lit accents, making this game
the perfect addition for any location. Customers that participate in
this special program can opt out after only 18 months or can choose to
continue the lease for 24 or 30 months.
Sales tax, delivery, freight and filing fee must be paid up front, and
all applicants must be approved through Betson Financial Services prior
to delivery. The offer expires on Dec. 31. The length of lease is 30
months, although as noted it can be stopped at either 18 or 24 months.
Weekly payments are based on the monthly payment of $239.99. The
residual payment is $500. For more information on this special offer
and other current finance and leasing options, contact Betson at
201/438-1300, ext. 3318, or email info@betson.com.
Table Game Guru Gatza Retires From Shelti
(Posted December 10, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
Senate Passes Coin
Modernization Act
(Posted December 6, 2010 -- 3PM)
The U.S. Senate has passed H.R.
6162, the Coin Modernization, Oversight, and Continuity Act of 2010.
The same legislation passed the House several weeks ago, passed the
Senate December 1, and is now on its way to President Obama for his
signature.
NAMA senior vice president of
government affairs Ned Monroe commented: "This is a major victory for
every member of the vending industry. New coin validation costs have
been estimated to cost our members millions of dollars, and now with
this legislation we have successfully protected them from potential
unnecessary and costly burdens."
The legislation allows the U.S.
Treasurer to study changes in coin alloys in an effort to reduce
minting costs and specifically calls for legislators to consider
factors relevant to new coinage materials, "including the effect on
vending machines and commercial coin processing equipment and making
certain, to the greatest extent practicable, that any new coins work
without interruption in existing coin acceptance equipment without
modification."
In addition, according to the
legislation, no recommended changes can economically impact the vending
industry. Some of this legislative language was recommended by NAMA,
including association Chairman Craig Hesch, who testified to Congress
on this issue in July.
The legislation also states that any
changes recommended by the Secretary of the Treasury "to the greatest
extent possible, may not include any recommendation for new
specifications for producing a circulating coin that would require any
significant change to coin-accepting and coin-handling equipment to
accommodate changes to all circulating coins simultaneously."
"Every member of our industry should
be happy with this legislative language since it will save the industry
from considerable potential time and money if the mint changes the
alloy content of our coins," concluded NAMA's Monroe. "It's another
example of how NAMA saves members of the industry every single day, and
why everyone should join the association and support our efforts."
AMI Ships Final Force Update
(Posted December 6, 2010 -- 3PM)
AMI
Entertainment
is
reminding
operators
that
Megatouch
2011
marks
the
final
software
update
for
all
Force
systems.
This
release
features
2010's hit Little Shop of Treasures,
its
sequel
Little Shop Road Trip,
and Boxxi Blitz, all in
high-resolution. 2011 also features an all-new Penthouse photo library,
including the hot titles Penthouse
Panty Bandits and Penthouse
Super Boxxi. The Megatouch Force 2011 software is only available
until December 31. To learn more, log on to www.amientertainment.com/games/
Music
News Updates
(Posted December 6, 2010 -- 3PM)
Ecast
recently
released
two
specially
curated
holiday
music
playlists
certain
to
have
something
for
everyone.
The
first
list
titled
"Not So Silent
Night" features top pop and rock artists with unique renderings on
classics and tongue-in-cheek offerings such as Fall Out Boy singing,
"Yule Shoot Your Eye Out." The Holiday Classics list features legendary
crooners like Bing Crosby, Dean Marin, and Andy Williams belting out
"White Christmas" and other old time favorites.
"Imagine hearing classic holiday
songs recorded by your favorite alternative artists. That's one of
the playlists that we decided would be interesting and fun to create
this month in honor of the holidays," said Scott Walker, VP of
network operations for Ecast. "Conversely, keeping true to the spirit
of classic holiday music that we all know and love, we created our
Holiday Classics playlist. When you hear one of these songs, you
know that the holiday season is in full swing."
The playlists were released across
Ecast's nationwide digital jukebox network of bars, taverns, lounges
and clubs. Consumers interested in hearing some of their favorite
alternative artists sing traditional holiday songs can visit www.facebook.com/ecastmusic.
Meanwhile, TouchTunes Interactive
Networks is currently promoting The Black Eyed Peas' newest album, The
Beginning, across its TouchTunes Digital Jukeboxes and TouchTunesTV
screens network. The promotion will coincide with the album's
availability in stores. With six Grammy awards and 10 more nominations
under their belt, The Black Eyed Peas are set to commercially release
The Beginning, their sixth studio album. A sequel to The E.N.D.,
The Beginning features the hit single "The Time (Dirty Bit)" and is
inspired by electro and dance music.
"The Black Eyed Peas are an
international phenomenon and their music is a consistent favorite on
our network," said Vicki Saunders, TouchTunes VP of digital media and
music marketing. "TouchTunes Interactive Networks is thrilled about the
release of their latest album, and we can't wait to share the love!"
Fromm, Seninsky Team Up
for Seminars
(Posted
December 6, 2010 -- 3PM)
Two of the industry's most
well-known teachers, tech guru Randy Fromm and FEC game operator and
consultant Frank Seninsky, will co-host a joint session in early 2011
to discuss game repair and game layout. The four-day program will run
from Jan. 17-20 in Orlando, Fla., with heavy emphasis from Fromm on a
wide range of technical issues, including instruction for operating
digital multimeter, soldering, power supplies and monitor repair. To
learn more, call 619/593-6191 or log on to www.randyfromm.com.
Apple Debuts Magazine Me Photo Booth
(Posted
December 6, 2010 -- 3PM)
Sweepstakes Ban
Starts
In North Carolina
(Posted December 1, 2010 -- 10:30PM)
Sweepstakes
games
are
officially
banned
in
North
Carolina
with
a
new
state
law
eliminating
the
machines
going
into
effect
today.
A
last minute
decision by a Wake County Judge dismissed a challenge to the law,
although another court ruling in Guilford County found the ban was too
broad and violated free speech protection under the First Amendment.
The new law makes operation of the games a misdemeanor although
multiple offenses could result in a felony conviction. A radio station
in Charlotte, WFAE, reported today that a number of sweepstakes café
operators say they have no plans to stop operating the machines.
JLO Announces 2011
License Fees
(Posted December 1, 2010 -- 10:30PM)
The
Jukebox
License
office
has
announced
its
license
fee
schedule
for
2011.
The
first
jukebox
will
cost
$439
to
license,
while
the standard rate
for all other machines will be either $101 per jukebox for non-AMOA
members or $74 per jukebox for AMOA members.
The JLO will mail renewal materials
to all jukebox operators who are currently licensed, and operators
should receive their materials in early January 2011. License fees are
due by March 15, 2011.
In order to qualify for the AMOA
member discount in 2011, operators will need to:
* Send in your
2011 Schedule A and payment by March 15, 2011.
* Pay your AMOA
membership dues before sending in your JLO renewal.
* Provide your
AMOA member ID number on the renewal form where indicated.
New operators have 30 days after the
placement of the jukebox to obtain a license. The forms needed by new
licensees can be downloaded at www.jukeboxlicense.com.
A & A Parkway
Revs
Up With NASCAR Plush
(Posted December 1, 2010 -- 10:30PM)
Parkway
Toys,
a
division
of
A&A
Global
Industries,
is
racing
onto
the
prize
market
with
NASCAR
plush
in
its
licensed
lineup.
Coming soon in both
jumbo and small sizes, these mixes feature race car drivers outfitted
in gear with sponsor logos, helmet and even replica driver signature.
Specific pieces include Digger, logo pillows, plush "foam" fingers and
Nascar Scooby-Doo. All items are vibrant, colorful and of incredible
retail quality.
The jumbo pre-pack features 50 cute
and attractive characters (packed two bags of 25) at $3.50 per piece,
and the small pre-pack includes 120 pieces at $2.45 per piece.
Parkway Toys is also offering free freight on four or more boxes of
plush, and all product lines are available from either two warehouses.
To learn more, log on to www.parkwaytoys.com.
Triotech Launches New
XD Dark Ride at IAAPA Show
(Posted December 1, 2010 -- 10:30PM)
IAAPA's
Charlie
Bray
To
Head
Grocer
Group
(Posted
November 30, 2010 -- 10:30PM)
IAAPA president and CEO
Charlie Bray, who previously announced plans to leave the attractions
trade group, will be the new EVP and COO of the National Grocers
Association. NGA is based in Arlington, Va. Bray will remain at
IAAPA through Dec. 3. Long-time IAAPA EVP Susan Mosedale will manage
IAAPA as interim chief operating officer from Dec. 4 until a new
president and CEO is named. Applications for the IAAPA President and
CEO position will be accepted until Dec. 1.
Stern Releases
Limited Edition
Avatar
(Posted
November 30, 2010 -- 10:30PM)
Stern Pinball has released a special edition flipper called Avatar Limited Edition Pinball.
After the success of the arcade version of the Avatar pinball game,
Stern is releasing a limited edition run of handcrafted machines
featuring enhanced game play and superior mechanical features.
The Avatar special edition
pinball machine brings players to the paradise planet of Pandora where
they become hero Jake Sully on a quest to protect the Na'vi people from
an invading mining colony. Stern is only producing 250 machines for
this limited edition run that will each be numbered with a plaque and a
certificate of authenticity.
"The Avatar Limited Edition
machine has been a very special production for Stern Pinball and game
designer John Borg," said Gary Stern, founder, CEO and chairman of
Stern. "We believe it to be worthy of James Cameron's masterpiece film
and firmly believe the pinball community will feel the same."
Falgas Rides Garner IAAPA
Awards
(Posted
November 30, 2010 -- 10:30PM)
Falgas Comercial S.L. won two Brass Ring Awards at this year's IAAPA
Expo in Orlando. Falgas won both awards for best new product in the
coin-operated kiddie ride category. They received a first place award
for their Kid's Corner
display concept for operation in shopping centers and other public
spaces and an honorable mention award for their new kiddie ride, MAX Super Truck.
"Falgas once again proves they are the leader in children's
coin-operated entertainment," stated Paul Jacobs, VP of Elaut USA's
kiddie ride division, which represents Falgas in the U.S. market. "They
consistently come up with fresh ideas year after year."
AMI Giving Away Good
Charlotte Guitar
(Posted
November 30, 2010 -- 10:30PM)
IAAPA Show
Reports Increased Attendance
(Posted
November 22, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
IAAPA show organizers reported a
slight increase over last year’s expo in overall registration,
qualified buyers and exhibitors. The IAAPA 2010 show, which concluded
on Friday, hosted 14,800 buyers, up 200 from the previous years.
Exhibitors numbered 1,140, compared to 1,074 last year. Total
attendance for this year’s show reached 25,000, up from 23,800 at the
2009 IAAPA show in Las Vegas.
Court Considering Challenge
to
Sweepstakes Ban
(Posted
November 22, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
Sweepstakes terminal operators in
North Carolina are awaiting a state judge’s ruling on whether the games
are constitutionally protected free speech. Meanwhile, a statewide ban
of the units is set to take effect on Dec. 1. Two software providers have challenged
the ban, arguing that it violates the First Amendment’s protection of
free speech, according to a report in the Winston Salem Journal.
“Attorneys for the companies, Hest
Technologies and Internet International Technologies, said that
sweepstakes games are comparable to contests held by such companies as
McDonald’s and Coca-Cola,” the paper reported. “Attorneys for the
software companies argued this week that the games are protected by the
First Amendment, just like any other video game.”
Some municipalities like Winston
Salem have been generating fees from the machines, and those
communities are faced with an upcoming revenue shortfall if the ban
goes into effect. The judge hearing the case could stay the ban with an
injunction until he hands down his ruling, according to the paper.
Sacoa Lands in New Latitudes
(Posted
November 22, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
Latitude 30, the new Jacksonville,
Fla., LBE, has chosen Sacoa Playcard to manage their operations. The
50,000-sq.-ft. entertainment venue includes boutique bowling, luxury
movie theaters, a cutting-edge arcade and billiards, as well as a
sports bar and an elegant restaurant.
Equipped with Sacoa’s Color Shot
readers, Latitude 30’s games (including over 70 playing positions) will
be controlled by the wireless Playcard system. Redemption games will
dispense e-tickets and use Sacoa’s exclusive large numbers display to
enhance the e-ticket winning experience.
Redemption inventory will be managed
by the Redemption Wizard, Sacoa’s inventory and control system, while
sales will be taken care of through the Micros terminals integrated to
the Playcard System, as well as the self-service Sacoa kiosks that sell
and recharge cards.
IAAPA Prize Patrol: Plush Prices to Increase
(Posted
November 22, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
Soaring costs of certain goods from China dominated plush suppliers
conversations with buyers at this week’s IAAPA, leading to what one
supplier described as “panic inflation.” In fact, plush suppliers did
not quote prices for plush outside of existing inventories since wild
fluctuations between the dollar and the Chinese Renminbi from day to
day prevented the cost of future orders from China to be determined.
Although myriad factors were attributed to paralyzed plush
distribution, largely as hearsay, all suppliers agreed the price of
plush will be unilaterally higher in the coming year, affecting current
levels of quality and value. Therefore, each supplier had to decide for
what duration they would sell product at existing price points to
attendees placing orders.
In addition to the steep exchange rate against an already weakened
dollar, rumors cited a Chinese government-mandated hike in the cost of
raw materials like cotton, used as stuffing. Others said it may also be
a direct fallout of skyrocketing shipping costs due to fuel prices, as
well as commercial shipping losses due to less demand over the last
several years. Until the volatility settles, allowing suppliers
to determine their sourcing costs, they are at the mercy of the Chinese
market.
“Where else can we get goods that inexpensively? Even if prices were
got go up 20%, there’s no place cheaper for us to do business than
China,” said Jack Kelly of Nancy Sales Co. (Nanco), one of the largest
plush distributors. Nanco’s IAAPA was to only sell product at current
rates through December 15.
These
issues played out against President Obama’s and the Federal Reserve’s
Ben Bernanke recent remarks that China’s undervaluation of its currency
has imbalanced global trade.
Brady
Memphis Hosts Open House
(Posted
November 22, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
Brady Distributing-Memphis recently
held a “Spooktacular” open house. “There was plenty of fun,
games, food, prizes, specials and deals to go around,” said Jack
Cardwell of Brady Memphis. “On display were some of the latest vending
equipment and games in the industry. We thank the 36 manufacturer
representatives and 100 plus customers that helped make this one of the
best open houses of the year.”
Kid
Rock Album Released on Ecast
(Posted
November 22, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
Ecast has released the new Kid Rock
album, Born Free, across its nationwide digital jukebox network. The
new album will be the showpiece of Kid Rock’s 2011 tour which begins
with the biggest headlining show of his career at Ford Field in
Detroit. To mark the occasion of the first new album from Kid Rock
since Rock ‘N’ Roll Jesus in 2007, which debuted at number one and
became the biggest selling rock album of 2008, Ecast is hosting a
sweepstakes to win the ultimate Kid Rock album collection.
“Kid Rock is a huge crowd pleaser
and his music spans multiple genre, appealing to country, hip-hop and
rock fans alike with his unique talent. This is also more evidence of
Ecast’s hallmark in securing the top new albums from the most popular
artists as they embark on tours and other major promotional events,”
said Scott Walker of Ecast.
Patrons at Ecast venues can enter
the Ultimate Kid Rock Collection sweepstakes by submitting their email
address. For more details about the Kid Rock sweepstakes, visit Ecast’s
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ecastmusic.
IAAPA 2010: Putting
Amusement Biz Back in
the Game
(Posted
November 17, 2010 -- 3:30PM)
The first day of IAAPA 2010
indicated that amusement game manufacturers aim to drive a slow but
inevitable economic recovery by introducing a plethora of new product
to the market.
Dozens of new releases run the gamut
from deluxe videos and simulators to redemption and merchandise games
to photobooths, many with applications in both FECs and street
locations. While some were variations on existing themes and concepts,
forward-thinking innovation was also evident with more pieces than ever
integrating with social networking, enhancing interactive play, and
utilizing touchscreen image manipulation.
Factories and buyers alike are
eagerly using this year’s IAAPA to gain face time with one another,
filling the void created with the loss of Amusement Expo in the fall
time slot. However, the mammoth parks show — taking place through
Friday at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando — appears to
have continued its trend of less buyer and exhibitor attendance, though
final numbers are yet to be released. Exhibitors were nonetheless
optimistic about the level of interest, rate of purchases and number of
leads.
“It’s been awesome,” said Simon
Deith of Primary Leisure, exhibiting the Giggle Pod kiddie video booth.
“When I first came into the show, it looked smaller, and I was worried.
But we sold a ton of product. We had meetings with Chuck E. Cheese and
Namco Cybertainment; tomorrow we’re meeting with Pelican. Attendance
from the overseas market is very strong at this show, especially the
Middle East.”
Beth Standlee of TrainerTainment,
among many others, concurred. “We are satisfied with day one of the
show,” she affirmed. “This year, we have increased sales for our
company by 40% and for the companies we serve from 20% to 25% and for
one by 35%.”
Nonetheless, last week’s
announcement of legendary distributor C.A. Robinson closing its doors
weighed heavy on the minds of tradesters as a sign and harsh reminder
of the times. RePlay is in attendance,
generating complete coverage of new product and trade developments for
inclusion in the December 2010 issue.
JVL Hires Trustee
To File Reorganization
Proposal
(Posted
November 17, 2010 -- 3:30PM)
MSI Spergel, Inc. of Toronto has been
engaged by the JVL Corp. to help it file a proposal to creditors as
permitted under Canada’s Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. This appears to
be Canada’s equivalent of bankruptcy reorganization as exercised in the
U.S.A. by corporations seeking to define or streamline debt or simply
to gain time to straighten things out. The proposal is to be filed by
Dec. 1, 2010, though an extension could be granted. What’s important to
the industry is that the prominent touchscreen manufacturer will
continue to conduct business as usual up to and after a meeting of
creditors accepts the proposal. A spokesperson for the company told RePlay that JVL was doing “business
as usual.”
Game Room
Magazine Ceases Publication
(Posted
November 17, 2010 -- 3:30PM)
GameRoom Magazine, the publication
that covered the consumer end of coin-op as well as other home
recreational products, has ceased publication, according to a letter
sent out to advertisers this week. “Unfortunately, the current economic
climate for niche publishing is not good, and the hope for conditions
to improve is even worse,” publisher Kevin Steele wrote. “The magazine
had an amazing 23-year run.”
Subscribers will be receiving a special download code for the
publication’s 20th Anniversary Collection, according to GameRoom’s
website, www.gameroommag.com.
Weiner Distributing
Offers Discount on ICE Games
(Posted
November 17, 2010 -- 3:30PM)
Weiner Distributing is offering a
special discount to operators on all new ICE products during the month
of November. Qualified buyers will receive 2% off the purchase price in
addition to the promotional 0% financing option currently available on
ICE products. The discount is available on any new ICE purchase from
now through Tuesday, November 30.
IAAPA 2010 Gets Down to Business in Orlando
(Posted
November 15, 2010 -- 4PM)
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 — one of the largest product
showcases in the world and now the only fall tradeshow for the
amusement trade — takes place this week at the Orange County Convention
Center in Orlando. Following yesterday’s launch of an extensive
educational program continuing through Friday, the tradeshow will be
open for business from Tuesday, Nov. 16 through Thursday, Nov. 18 from
10 a.m. till 6 p.m. and on Friday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.
Sponsored by the International Association of Amusement Parks and
Attractions, the expo is welcoming leading game manufacturers and
suppliers, along with a myriad of other vendors serving overlapping
entertainment and leisure marketplaces. Close to 20 amusement member
companies are set to exhibit in the American Amusement Machine
Association’s pavilion in a gameroom-style setup to thematically
advertise the coin-op industry, while numerous other game industry
firms will be located across the 400,000 sq. ft. of aisle space.
Advance word indicates that IAAPA 2010 will represent a high water mark
in game debuts, with the anticipated unveiling of dozens of new
equipment pieces.
RePlay will be in attendance,
updating the trade online throughout the week of show news and trade
developments, as well as in the December 2010 issue of the magazine.
Moreover, the current November 2010 issue offers a complete guide to
IAAPA’s exhibitors, educational opportunities, events and other
pertinent info for a handy resource.
NAMA Calls for Regulatory
Relief
(Posted
November 15, 2010 -- 4PM)
The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) has
called on Congress and the Obama Administration to freeze and
re-evaluate new federal regulations that are not directly related to
health or safety of the public. The proposal is similar to job creation
ideas promoted by former President Ronald Reagan, Governor Mitch
Daniels (R-IN), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage
Foundation, NAMA asserted.
Ned Monroe, senior VP of government affairs for NAMA, said: “The waves
of new regulations on the horizon are adding to the uncertainty of job
creators. In just our small, humble industry, our business owners are
facing new Americans with Disability Act regulations, new fuel
efficiency standards for light trucks, new 1099 reporting requirements,
new calorie disclosure regulations and new Energy Star
regulations. When our vending operators can’t even make payroll,
how can they be expected to comply with all these new red-tape
bureaucratic regulations?”
A one-year regulatory time-out, forbearance or freeze will provide
small businesses a chance to regroup and recover in the current
economy, according to NAMA. The trade group is calling on President
Obama to issue an executive order to all federal agencies directing
them to evaluate the economic impact of implementation and promulgation
of new regulations that do not impact the health and safety of the
public and where legal flexibility allows such relief. Congress should
pass legislation calling for federal agencies to also freeze and
re-evaluate the need, cost and value of new regulatory rule writing in
an effort to create jobs, according to NAMA.
“America’s small business must have regulatory relief if we are to
start creating jobs,” Monroe added. “Now that the voters have spoken,
let’s start creating jobs by providing relief from all this new federal
red tape.” NAMA is the national trade association of the food and
refreshment vending, coffee service and foodservice management
industries.
FEC Operator iT’Z Acquires
Incredible Pizza Locations
(Posted
November 15, 2010 -- 4PM)
Entertainment operator iT’Z has acquired the assets of the
former Incredible Pizza locations in Euless and Pasadena Texas from a
former franchisee.
“We are very excited to expand our brand in these new locations. These
acquisitions, along with planned new future store growth, will provide
great opportunities for our current and future team members,” said iT’Z
CEO W. Mark Moore.
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
(IAAPA) recognized the iT’Z Houston location as the Top Family
Entertainment Center in the World in 2009.
iT’Z Euless and Pasadena will offer a variety of favorites on their
expansive all-you-care-to-eat buffet. In addition, guests will enjoy
over 150 of the latest redemption and videogames, bumper cars,
mini-bowling and indoor go-karts. Guests may also enjoy eating in one
of four themed dining rooms.
iT’Z will be making significant capital expenditures in new interior
décor as well as new games and attractions over the next few
months.
Elaut Presenting Six
Games at IAAPA
(Posted
November 15, 2010 -- 4PM)
Elaut USA will offer up a half dozen new and debut products at next
week’s IAAPA show in Orlando. The newest game is called The Wizard of Oz, a six-player
pusher featuring all of the memorable characters from the classic
movie. Elaut will also exhibit new cranes, The Lollipop Kids and Night
Fever, both utilizing the factory’s timeless play dynamics and prize
percentaging with hip new styling.
Elaut
has
also
entered
the
video
redemption
arena
with
Fantasy
Football Ticket Touchdown
and Fantasy Soccer Tickets,
both designed to appeal to the broad range of fantasy sports
enthusiasts. Lastly, they showed off final production models of their
rotary merchandiser, Disco Round.
In other company news, Elaut has set up a toll-free parts direct
hotline. The number is 877/373-5225, which rings on all parts
extensions at the same time virtually assuring a live person to assist
with orders.
ICE
To
Debut
Four
Games
at
IAAPA
(Posted
November 15, 2010 -- 4PM)
Game maker ICE will showcase four new pieces at IAAPA. They
include Frogger, Knock Out Punch, Shell Game and Treasure Quest. Frogger is a skill redemption game,
featuring the legendary Frogger license. This new spin on an arcade
classic plays out on a 42” high-definition monitor with a cabinet and
graphics package that are second to none. ICE teamed up with Raw
Thrills for the development of this piece.
Knock Out Punch is a
boxing-themed redemption game. Bobblehead-styled boxers move along as
players go for the big hit. Shell
Game, from the Price is Right, has one of the industry’s most
recognizable licensed titles. It’s a quick and simple ticket redemption
game with game play on a 32” hi-resolution monitor. This true skill
game challenges players to “come on down” and test their ability to
follow the diamond as it gets shuffled through cups.
Lastly, Treasure Quest is a
centerpiece, pirate-themed thriller that features a four-foot wheel
that players spin to win the bonus jackpot. ICE also recently launched
its very own Facebook Fan page at www.facebook.com/icecoinop.
CA
Robinson
Closes
Its
Doors
(Posted
November 10, 2010 -- 10PM)
Effective Monday, Nov. 8,
Southern California's prominent games
distributor C.A. Robinson & Co. joined a host of other industry
wholesalers that left the jukebox and games business over the last
decade. After assembling staff members at their familiar place of
business on Pico Blvd. in L.A., owners Ira and Sandy Bettelman advised
that they were closing the business down and that the short time
remaining would be devoted principally to equipment and parts
liquidation.
"Aside from moving the remainder of
inventory and collecting
receivables, our priority at the moment is helping our employees find
work elsewhere," Sandy Bettelman told RePlay.
"We
have
some
who
have
worked
here
for
decades
and
we
want
to
do
what
we
can
for
them and
their families."
There will only be a skeleton crew
on hand beginning Monday, Nov. 15,
Sandy said, adding that inventory is already under control and that
some others in the business have expressed interest in the parts.
Shortly afterward, the door will be locked.
The Bettelman family, by the way,
also owns the property, which is a
rather extensive setup on Pico that includes the showroom and offices
in combination with a large warehouse. They intend to put it all up for
sale. The brothers are not only leaving the distribution business. .
.they are disposing of their route and arcade operation called Sons
Amusement. "I can't speak for Ira, but as for me, I'm retiring," Sandy
stated.
Economic conditions in the
distribution business, as well as in the
state and nation, motivated the decision. "Five years ago, one of our
financial advisors said we should shut down, but we kept it all going
because we didn't want to hurt employees unless we absolutely had to,"
Sandy said. "But there comes a day when you have to make those hard
decisions and that day came Monday."
The removal of C.A. Robinson &
Co. from the Southern California
coin-op map leaves Betson in Buena Park as the only full line dealer
left in the territory. Trade scuttlebutt wondered if anyone from
outside the territory might now be interested in opening a branch
there. A more detailed report will appear in RePlay's December
issue.
Sega Rolls Out Super Monkey Ball Ticket Blitz
(Posted
November 10, 2010 -- 10PM)
Sega is set to release Super Monkey Ball Ticket Blitz,
which continues the adventures of AIAI – the monkey-in-a-ball
characeter that started the franchise. Since then, Sega has
released 12 versions for both the arcade and various consumer
platforms. In all, over six million Super
Monkey
Ball units have been sold for various
platforms.
“Very few gaming franchises have
maintained such long term popularity and relevance,” stated Sega
president and COO Paul Williams. “Monkey Ball’s universal appeal lies
in its intuitive game-play combined with the delightful and captivating
AIAI character.”
Super
Monkey
Ball
Ticket
Blitz’s game play is simple and straight
forward -- roll AIAI along a path toward the final goal.
Along the way, players win points and tickets by collecting as many
bananas as possible. Players compete on one of 12 randomly selected
stages. Each stage consists of three levels starting easy with a floor
that does not move and ending at the hard level with trap doors that
require deft trackball skills to maneuver. If a player navigates
safely to the end, he get’s to take on the Jackpot Bonus Round.
Players get one chance to send AIAI down a ramp at just the right speed
so he’ll fly off and land in the jackpot bonus target.
The new game features a jumbo track
ball interface “The track ball is a giant 7” in diameter,” said
Sega R&D GM Tad Nagamatsu. “The size of the track ball
adds a great deal to the fun of the game and we’ve further enhanced it
by adding lighting that makes the track ball glow like a mini star
field.”
Super Monkey Ball Ticket Blitz
comes housed in a cabinet featuring attractive LED accent lighting and
a comfortable seat, while the video graphics and sound create an
immersive game play experience. Other features include 32” HD LCD
Monitor and operator adjustable ticket and jackpot settings. The
game will be exhibited to the U.S. trade at next weeks’s IAAPA show in
Orlando.
Ecast Taps Media
Veteran Chris Goumas
(Posted November 8, 2010 -- 3PM)
Ecast has hired Christopher Goumas
to the newly created position of Sr. VP of marketing and media
solutions. In this new role, Goumas will oversee marketing, product,
business development and creative services for Ecast. Most
recently, Goumas worked for Access 360 Media as SVP of retail and
marketing solutions where he was responsible for mobile marketing,
digital place-based media, retail development, sales support and
marketing. Prior to Access 360 Media, Goumas was the director of retail
development for Premier Retail Networks, where he was responsible for
retailer and partner development.
“Chris comes to Ecast with extensive
experience in place-based media applications and mobile marketing. As
such, Chris will play a vital and formative role in enhancing Ecast’s
core music and media offerings for our current market and developing
future products and markets that will lead to strategic expansion
opportunities for the company,” said John Taylor, CEO of Ecast.
As a nationally recognized expert in
text marketing and implementation for the retail and service sectors,
Goumas was instrumental in bringing market defining mobile initiatives
to the retail sector. Chief among them were “text2-screen” and
“text2-web” services for events, social media and customer
interactivity; iPhone apps for merchandising; and applets to support
ecommerce, couponing and loyalty programs. Goumas is also a frequent
industry speaker on mobile marketing, retail marketing and customer
loyalty.
First
Amendment
Center
Analyzes
Supreme
Court
Case
(Posted November 8, 2010 -- 3PM)
An organization devoted to
free speech, the First Amendment Center, has posted a close analysis of
last week’s oral argument before the U.S. Supreme Court of a California
law that would restrict the sale of violent video games to minors. An
appeals court for violating the First Amendment’s protection of free
speech struck down the law. The First Amendment Center examines the
comments of each of the justices at oral argument, ultimately
predicting the court will side with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
in deeming the law a violation of free speech. The court’s opinion
isn’t due for several months. Check out the website at http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/analysis.aspx?id=23575.
The
First
Amendment
Center
is
an
educational
organization
affiliated
with
Vanderbilt
University.
Benchmark
Showcasing New Games at IAAPA
(Posted
November 8, 2010 -- 3PM)
Benchmark Games will debut
four games including the Trap Door
and a few surprise releases at the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010,
November 16-19 in Orlando. “This is the amusement industry’s biggest
tradeshow of the season,” noted Al Kress of Benchmark. “We will be
bringing a couple of surprises for the show and invite all the
attendees to stop by and see all of our family of amusement games.”
The recently released Trap Door
became available in October and is a major hit with distributors and
amusement facilities. “Trap Door
offers a low-maintenance, high-revenue merchandiser game with LED
lighting for long lasting service,” added Kress. “The innovative Trap Door and mousetrap snap-claw,
with patents pending, comes with the capability of swipe card and
operator adjustable pricing.”
As a means of introducing and
showcasing Trap Door, Benchmark features a video at www.benchmarkgames.com/popup_TrapDoor_video.html.
To
learn
more
about
Benchmark,
check
out
this
month’s
cover
story
in
the
print
issue
of
RePlay Magazine.
IAAPA Chairman To Speak at
Spring FEC Summit
(Posted November 8, 2010 -- 3PM)
Incoming International Association
of Amusement Parks and Attractions chairman Bob Rippy will be a
featured at the IAAPA FEC Summit, which will be conducted Feb. 28-March
2 in conjunction with the AAMA/AMOA Amusement Expo in Las Vegas. This
news was reported by AMOA’s online newsletter Off The Top.
“Rippy worked on Wall Street in the
financial industry for many years before becoming a silent partner in
Jungle Rapids, a Wilmington, N.C.-based family entertainment center in
1985,” Off The Top noted. “Five years later, he purchased the business
and expanded the facility to include a waterpark. He holds the
distinction of being the first FEC sole proprietor to hold the position
of chairman at IAAPA.”
Coast to Coast To Hold Black Friday Sale
(Posted
November 8, 2010 -- 3PM)
Coast to Coast Entertainment
will be hosting a Black Friday back by popular demand from customers.
“It was such a great success in the past, we decided to do it again
this year,” said Gary Balaban, co-owner at Coast to Coast. Black Friday specials will only be
available from open till close; 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Friday, November
26. The sales staff will be at work and at their desks awaiting phone
calls. In addition, the supplier will feature separate specials hourly
that will only be available on Facebook. Some of these specials will
include plush, novelties, electronics and many more surprises. For more information on Coast to Coast,
visit www.cranemachines.com or
call 800/224-1717.
In the Hood: Prizes! Expands
College Team Jersey Bears
(Posted November 8, 2010 -- 3PM)
Prizes! has released four new
additions to their multicolor series of 14” Team Color Hoodie Bears,
bringing the total number of college teams to 40. The four new ones
include Oregon, Boise State, Clemson and North Carolina State. The cute
and vivid bears make for an eye-catching assortment and strategic
incentive for local and national fans. The supplier is a leading plush
assortment company and licensed sports distributor featuring exclusive
items for the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and NCAA. More images of all 40 Team Color Hoodie
Bears can be viewed at the Prizes! website at www.prizes1.com. For customer
service, call 800/992-2388.
Coastal Amusements
Debuts New Games
(Posted
November 8, 2010 -- 3PM)
Coastal Amusements will be
unveiling two new pieces at this month's IAAPA show in Orlando. Crazy Clock is a redemption
attraction game that stands almost 10 feet tall by 5 feet wide. Play is
based on a boardwalk wheel game popular for generations on the Jersey
Shore; the player must stop the clock hands to win. In addition to
multiple standard win types, Crazy Clock also offers 12 different ways
to win the progressive bonus.
Tutti
Fruitti is a 100% skill-based touch screen fruit game in which
the player must identify and touch on the matching symbols to win
tickets. Winnings are based not only on recognition but also on
speed. The faster the player recognizes and touches the winning
symbols, the more the player wins. Tutti
Fruitti is also available with a progressive bonus sign to link
up to eight games in a network. To learn more, contact Coastal
Amusements directly at www.coastalamusements.com.
Ecast Previews Ce Lo Green
Album
(Posted
November 8, 2010 -- 3PM)
For the next week, Ecast patrons
across the country can stream a preview of innovative hip-hop and soul
impresario, Cee Lo Green's new album,The Lady Killer, his first solo
work in over six years. Ecast landed the exclusive distribution rights
to stream the new album over its network of digital jukebox in 10,000
bars, taverns, clubs and lounges nationwide. Eagerly awaited by legions
of fans, the album's blockbuster single released on YouTube last month
drew more than two million plays in its first five days online. The
album will be commercially available in retail stores and online on
November 9.
"We're thrilled to have the
exclusive digital jukebox streaming rights for this highly anticipated
album from Cee Lo Green and to provide our operators with this unique
opportunity," said Scott Walker, VP of network operations.
Cee Lo Green is internationally
known as half of the Grammy-winning duo, Gnarls Barkley whose hit
"Crazy" in 2006 was later named "song of the decade" by Rolling Stone
Magazine. A prolific hip-hop and R&B songwriter and producer, Green
has collaborated with top artists Jennifer Hudson and Brandy, among
others. Ecast will promote the preview stream of The Lady Killer album
to patrons via banners served over its network of digital jukeboxes.
Pin
Legend
Kordek
Injured
in
Fall
(Posted
November 8, 2010 -- 3PM)
The 99-year-old patriarch of
the pinball world, Steve Kordek, fell and broke his hip on Friday, Oct.
22 by his home in suburban Chicago. Steve Epstein, another "fixture" in
the pingame pantheon, said his older colleague was taken to the
hospital but should be resting at a relative's house right now. Kordek
was scheduled to speak at the Pinball Expo (the collectors' show), but
the injury prevented that. Let's hope he's doing okay, because breaking
a hip at his age can be nasty.
Video Game Case Shows
Divided Court
(Posted November 4, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
In the midst of a national election,
the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in the videogame violence
case, Schwartzeneger vs. EMA. The case involves a California law that
would have banned the sale of violent home games to minors. A federal
appeals court struck down the California law on the grounds that it
violated the First Amendment’s protection of free speech.
The high court is considering the
question of whether the government can restrict violence as speech when
it comes to minors in the same it did decades ago with regard to
sexually explicit content. California is asking the Supreme Court to
reinstate its law under such a ruling.
Although the court’s final opinion
is not due for months, news reports of the oral arguments suggest that
allegiances on either side of the issue will not confirm to traditional
notions of who is conservative and who is liberal. For instance, Chief
Justice John Roberts found what appeared to an be ally in Justice
Stephen Breyer, who is a Democratic presidential nominee to the court.
Meanwhile, the staunchest defense of free speech even as it applies to
violent content was from arguably the most conservative member of the
court, Justice Antonin Scalia.
Scalia said he didn’t believe the
founders would support such a ban. In one humorous interchange, fellow
conservative Justice Samuel Alito, who expressed his support of
restricting violent content, quipped: “What Justice Scalia wants to
know is what James Madison thought about videogames.” Scalia responded
by saying, “No, I want to know what James Madison thought about
violence.”
An attorney for the videogame
industry argued that the First Amendment protects videogames from being
regulated and that other methods, like the rating system, can achieve
the right public policy without invoking censorship. California’s
lawyer stressed that certain, explicitly violent games should be
regulated when it comes to their distribution to minors.
TouchTunes Hosting Chicago Sales and Service School
(Posted November 4, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
TouchTunes is hosting a sales and
service school next week. The session will focus on the firm’s new
myTouchTunes and myTouchTunes Mobile App, managing a music route more
efficiently with the Operator Dashboard, the evolution of TouchTunesTV
(formerly known as Barfly) and how Compass and Analyzer Reports can
streamline operations and create more profit.
A service school portion will also
cover TouchTunes tech forum and classifieds, troubleshooting tips, best
practices, sound solutions, broadband (benefits, setup and
troubleshooting), diagnostic alerts and much more. This event
will take place on November 11 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 75 W. Algonquin
Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. The sales school will run from 10
a.m. – 1 p.m.; the service school will follow from 2 – 5 p.m. Call
Theresa Rodriguez at 847/419-3300, ext. 7735, or Kathy Hickey
847/561-3207 to reserve a spot.
Club Lucky Hosts
Second Annual Vendor Event
(Posted November 4, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
The national operator consortium
Club Lucky Group hosted its second preferred vendors event in late
October, welcoming more than two dozen suppliers of games and prizes to
a special tradeshow for its operator members at the Grand Geneva Resort
in Lake Geneva, Wis.
The suppliers set up their wares in
an informal ballroom. Some of them brought equipment, including all
three jukebox makers, while others discussed their games and handed out
literature. There was also a buffet and bar for the Friday afternoon
event. Club Lucky includes 35 operating companies, 32 of which were
represented at the event.
“It’s a little more relaxed than a
traditional tradeshow,” explained Club Lucky president Larry Elbert.
“But it’s a great opportunity of our members to talk to suppliers. We
were able to get some face time to get to know each other. We also had
a quite a few plush companies, and they all brought samples.”
Following the Preferred Vendor
Event, Club Lucky kicked off the Tournament of Champions III held on 25
Golden Tee Golf games and five
Silver Strike Bowling
machines. The tournament room exuded competitive grandeur with all
games having 42” LCD monitors. There were a total of 86 golfers, and 30
bowlers battled it out to claim championship titles. Over $85,000 in
cash prizes was awarded with the first place prize being $10,000 for
Golden Tee and $4,000 for Silver
Strike. Look for more
coverage of this meeting in the December issue of RePlay.
AMOA Government
Relations Preview: Less
Lawmaking, More Regulations
(Posted October 29, 2010 -- 1PM)
Small businesses like those
represented by AMOA and its affiliated state associations can expect
considerably less legislation at the federal level but probably more
administrative oversight of commercial business activity from the
executive branch, counseled AMOA government relations expert Mike
Zolandz during a call held for state trade leaders.
Citing widespread polling that
predicts a Republican take-over of the U.S House of Representatives,
Zolandz said the subsequent lame duck session would likely produce
little activity beyond an extension of the so-called Bush tax cuts for
one and possibly two years. Zolandz quoted polls predicting the GOP
will take approximately 50 seats from Democrats in the House, giving it
a majority, but will likely come up short from winning a majority in
the U.S. Senate. “The amount of electoral and voter uncertainty has
never been higher,” he noted cautiously. “We still don’t know how
independent voters will break.”
A Republican take-over of the U.S.
House, or even large gains that fall short of a majority, will slow the
pace of legislation. Zolandz said the action will likely shift to the
executive branch where the Obama administration will attempt to shape
policy through its rule-making power. On the industry specific issue of
capping ATM fees, Zoland said that issue appears “well and truly dead”
for the near future.
Meanwhile, on the very day that
voters go to the polls, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments
in the case of Schwarzenegger v. EMA. In that case, the state of
California is hoping to reinstate its law banning the sale of violent
consumer videogames to minors. Zolandz said even a ruling for
California will not necessarily have a negative effect on the arcade
amusement game trade.
“It would be a significant set back
for the home industry,” he said. “It would open the door for
constitutionally permissible regulation of violent content. That would
be a sea change. It would open up the door for all kinds of
content-based regulation.”
However, Zolandz noted that even a
ruling for regulating violent content in general might well be tailored
in such a narrow fashion that the California law in question would not
comply. Such a ruling could spark another round of state and local laws
regulating violently-themed videogames. Lower federal courts have
rejected all those measures for violating the First Amendment.
Betson Has New Moves
With DDR X2
(Posted October 29, 2010 -- 1PM)
Betson
Enterprises
is
about
to
show
off
its
new
moves
with
Dance
Dance Revolution X2, which
will be making its way into the marketplace in December. Betson is the
exclusive distributor of Konami games in North America and Canada.
Konami has reportedly gone to great
lengths to develop their latest edition of DDR with both the novice and
hard-core players in mind. Novice players can get right into the action
by selecting Happy Mode while hard-core players can select Pro Mode
that will allow them to customize their game experience to their skill
set. Player adjustments in Pro Mode include arrow speed adjustment,
hidden/sudden steps and risky. Anticipating a lot of usage, the dance
floor has been re-engineered to endure the high volume of play
associated with this wildly successful product.
Konami has also added 70 all-new
songs, combined with a huge library of DDR dance hits from previous
editions to bring the total DDRX2
song catalog to well over 400 songs. Stalwart Bemani fans are anxious
to bust some new moves on this highly anticipated new release, Betson
reports. To check out
the new game in person, visit Betson at the upcoming IAAPA Trade Show
in booth 1406, or call the distributor directly at 201-438-1300 ext.
3408, email info@betson.com.
FEC NRG Hosts
Operator
Summit Meeting
(Posted October 29, 2010 -- 1PM)
AMOA Notre Dame
Tradition Continues
(Posted October 25, 2010 -- 3PM)
AMOA’s ongoing Notre Dame Management
Development Program celebrated a biennial changing of the guard over
this past weekend as members of Class XIV graduated while welcoming
members of Class XV, who got their studies underway. Previous program
graduates also launched a second round of so-called Masters studies,
with additional in-depth curriculum.
“This weekend belongs to Class XIV,”
AMOA opined in its Friday Off the The Top email newsletter. “Like their
predecessors in the program, the members of this group were a cohesive
bunch, serious about learning but also dedicated to fun. From
organizing a costumed pub crawl last Halloween to scoring a private
tour of the football team’s shrine-like locker room and football field,
Class XIVers will leave South Bend next Monday with not only enhanced
professional skills, but many friendships forged during the five
weekend sessions held over the past 2.5 years.”
AMOA president Gary Brewer and
program chairman Tony Paszkiewicz presided over the graduation
ceremonies.
RePlay
has long encouraged AMOA members to take advantage of the AMOA Notre
Dame program. “The AMOA Notre Dame management program is a way to
invest in yourself and your company, which is especially important in a
turbulent economy,” said RePlay
editor Steve White, a graduating member of Notre Dame Class XII. “The
program covers so many angles, any of which might be the deciding
factor in your business’ survival or growth.”
Ohio High
Court Upholds Prize Limit
(Posted October 25, 2010 -- 3PM)
Ohio’s Supreme Court has ruled that
a $10 prize payout limit on skill games is constitutional. The party
challenging the law had argued that the law was an arbitrary effort to
limit legal activity and said the limit was not “rationally related” to
differentiating between unlawful gaming and legal skill game activity.
However, the state’s highest court rejected this argument, ruling that
the limit serves a legitimate government interest and doesn’t violate
either the Ohio or the U.S. Constitution in guaranteeing equal
protection under the law.
Ohio law allows for the operation of
skill-based games, even those targeted at adult players with
gaming-like aesthetics, so long as the prize limit is honored. The case
will go back to the appeals court to further examine claims that the
statute is too vague.
Andamiro Set To Unveil Dolphin Show
(Posted October 22, 2010 -- 1PM)
Andamiro will unveil its newest
ticket redemption game, Dolphin Show,
during
the
IAAPA
Convention
2010
Orlando.
Thousands
of
players
and
exhibitors
will
be
able
to
witness first hand Andamiro’s latest
innovation that is designed to bring a refreshing and charming dolphin
thematic twist.
The objective of Dolphin Show is very simple and
straightforward. Players will launch colored balls into a targeted hole
on a rotating ticket wheel. A progressive bonus play is offered during
every play. This game of skill has shown immense potential to yield
consistent income immediately in every location, according to the
manufacturer. The game features captivating tunes and special lighting
effects.
Gaming News Update
(Posted October 22, 2010 -- 1PM)
Namco Shipping New
Driver Dead Heat
(Posted October 20, 2010 -- 3:15PM)
Namco America is now shipping its
newest arcade driver, Dead Heat.
Factory
execs
say
there
is
nothing
typical
about
Dead
Heat is , an intense driving
game that focuses on head-to-head competition. Every race will have
players scrambling for a re-match. Photos are taken of each player
before the race and appear above their car during the race. This
feature helps players identify their opponents quicker and heightens
the competition. Players will know exactly whom they are battling for
the top prize.
By incorporating social networking, Dead Heat players that race each
other are identified as friends. The social networking tree expands as
more and more friends race each other. Patented technology analyzes a
player's driving style and saves that information to use as computer
opponents in future races against friends using the PIN system. With
this technology, players get to race friends even when they aren’t
present. This state-of-the-art technology blurs the line between human
and artificially intelligent opponents. When they use their NOS
boosters to propel them to the finish line, it’s their friend they just
beat not just some anonymous computer car.
Dead
Heat's HD graphics offer highly detailed and accurately
represented cities. When you drive through Chicago, you’re driving the
real roads and not just some fantasy roads with a few landmarks thrown
about the place. Players can choose between eight customizable licensed
cars including popular Japanese and U.S. cars.
C2C Offering
Facebook Gift
(Posted October 20, 2010 -- 3:15PM)
Coast
to
Coast
Entertainment
is
giving
away
a
free
gift
to
any
customer
that
becomes
a
fan
of their new company products page on Facebook. From now
until December 31, Coast to Coast will give the first 300 customers a
free gift worth a retail value of $49.99 when they join the company’s
Facebook Products Page. They can also read the latest company news, get
product information and view pictures of the newest games and prizes
available from the company.
VendEver
Announces 0% Financing
(Posted October 20, 2010 -- 3:15PM)
VendEver, co-maker of the Cotton
Candy Factory with Feiloli Electronic Co., is offering 0% financing for
one year for their vending machine through Vend Lease Company. This
program will provide no interest financing on the purchase price
through the VendEver nationwide distribution network. It’s being
offered until November 30, and applications are available for download
from the VendEver website at www.vendever.com.
Titan Offers New
Features
(Posted October 20, 2010 -- 3:15PM)
CHARLIE BRAY
RESIGNS AS IAAPA PRESIDENT AND
CEO
(Posted October 18, 2010 -- 10:45AM)
Charles Bray
has resigned as president and CEO of the International
Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) effective Dec.
3, 2010. Bray is leaving the association for an unspecified opportunity
in the Washington, D.C. area. An announcement with the details on his
new opportunity will come in the weeks ahead, IAAPA said in making the
announcement.
“IAAPA has made tremendous progress
under Charlie’s leadership,” said
IAAPA Chairman Chip Cleary. “IAAPA has realized its goal of operating
globally; we now have offices in Europe, Latin America, and the
Asia-Pacific region. We could not have done this without Charlie’s
vision and guidance.”
“With Charlie’s expert management,
IAAPA was able to weather the impact
of the economic downturn. He was instrumental in negotiating the
agreements to host IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando for the next 10
years. He leaves the association poised for a very bright future and we
wish him continued success as he moves on to his new opportunity,” said
IAAPA First Vice Chairman Bob Rippy.
Bray was hired as IAAPA’s chief
financial officer in June 2004. He was
appointed president and CEO in February 2006. Prior to joining IAAPA,
Bray was with the nonprofit division of RSM McGladrey, a business
consulting firm. Bray began his career with Arthur Andersen, spent five
years with American University, and 17 years with the Food Marketing
Institute, where he rose to senior vice president and chief financial
officer. He also served as president of two associations, the
International Association of Food Industry Suppliers (IAFIS) and the
Electronic Retailing Association (ERA).
The IAAPA Executive Committee will
define and lead the search process
for Bray’s replacement.
ECAST ANNOUNCES JUKEBOX
PROMO
(Posted October 18, 2010 -- 10:45AM)
Ecast is offering a
new EQ promotion for the
critical fourth quarter
business season. The promotion runs through December 31, 2010 and
entitles operators to a free EQ
for every two they purchase. “The EQ has an excellent track record
and has proven to increase
consumer engagement and transactions by 48% over traditional digital
jukeboxes. We expect to see immediate and strong response to this
promotion, especially among operators who have already upgraded to the
EQ as well as those who were waiting for the right incentive to step up
to the larger form factor and significant increase in coinbox,” said
Scott Walker, VP, network operations for Ecast. “The promotion also
provides our distributors with a critical sales tool to close more
business in Q4.”
The promotional offer is only available while EQ supplies last. Other
promotion terms require operators to pay freight and tax on the free
unit and purchased EQ’s must
be paid in full before the free EQ
ships
to the operator. Additionally, purchased EQ’s must be online before the
free unit ships and the free EQ
must be online by Feb. 28, 2011. Ecast
is also offering special financing through Firestone Financial with 0%
financing for 12 months or 5.99% for 24 months. More details are
available at ecastcentral.com.
AMI RELEASES SPOOKY SONG
PROMO & SUPPORTS INDIE ARTIST EVENT
(Posted October 18, 2010 -- 10:45AM)
A spooky
soundtrack will haunt jukeboxes nationwide as AMI
Entertainment Network releases its 2010 Halloween playlist just in time
for the witching season. The new list blends contemporary with
classic, featuring thrilling tunes ranging from Lady Gaga’s “Monster”
to Bobby "Boris" Pickett’s “Monster Mash.”
"We are very proud of this year's Halloween playlist. Sure, it has
classics like "Thriller" and "Monster Mash", but it also spins into
totally different directions, with the Misfits, Lady GaGa, Pantera, and
others,” said Brian Hoekstra, music content manager of AMI. “This is a
super-fun part of the year for bar patrons and we wanted to make sure
we catered to different moods/niches, so people can rock out at their
favorite bar.” The playlist
is available on broadband-connected AMI jukeboxes
nationwide. AMI compiled the list as a downloadable package for AMI
jukebox operators and locations to gear up for an exciting Halloween
weekend, October 29-31.
AMI has also announced its support for unsigned emerging music artists
as a sponsor of the 2010 CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival, kicking
off in New York City on October 19. AMI will join representatives of
Musicati, the world’s first jukebox
promotional service for unsigned bands and musicians, to host a
nighttime showcase October 23 at the Ace of Clubs. Performances from
new artists will include GunFight!, Gringo Star, The Hounds Below,
Jonalee White, Rootbound, MiniBoone, and Reptar.
“We are excited about the
artist lineup for the Musicati CMJ showcase,”
said Brad Circone, president of Circone + Associates.” This is a great
opportunity to help these artists be heard. CMJ also gives us a
platform to make other artists aware of our unique promotional program
designed specifically for indie artists.”
Organizers expect the showcase to
attract up to 200 music fans,
industry insiders, and music artists from across the country.
REDEMPTION PLUS
SPONSORS HILLOWEEN FUNDRAISER
(Posted October 18, 2010 -- 10:45AM)
Redemption Plus
is sponsoring its annual HillOween fundraiser for this
Saturday, October 16, to again benefit the Lee Ann Britain Infant
Development Center. The catered holiday event, featuring a DJ, costume
contest, and live and online auctions and named after the supplier’s
president Ron Hill, has grown into the premier Halloween extravaganzas
in Kansas City. Find out more at www.hilloween.org,
where
there’s
also
the
option
to
donate
to
the
cause
if
you
cannot
attend
but
would
like
to support the
cause. The Britain Center is dedicated to serving children with
developmental disabilities from birth to six years of age by involving
parents and siblings in therapeutic treatment and education.
TRAINERTAINMENT TO
HOST SALES SUMMIT
(Posted October 18, 2010 -- 10:45AM)
Traintertainment, the marketing and
promotions specialist run by RePlay
columnist Beth Standlee, is hosting a two-day Sales Summit Nov. 11-12
at the Alley Cats FEC and bowling center in Arlington, TX. Presenters
will include Standlee and Pam Weatherford, both of Trainertainment, as
well as special guest Bill Carlson of the U-Profit seminar
series. Topics will include overcoming sales objections,
motivating sales people, and selling to targeted groups. To learn more,
log on to www.trainertainment.net.
SPECIALTY COIN HOSTS
AMUSEMENT EXPO NORTHWEST
(Posted October 12, 2010 -- 12:30PM)
Specialty
Coin,
the
Portland,
Oregon,
-based
amusement
distributor
with
a
satellite
office
near
Seattle,
hosted
the
day-long
Amusement
Expo
Northwest
on
Saturday,
attracting more than a dozen suppliers and
scores of operators to the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia, Washington. The
day's agenda included lunch and dinner, a hosted bar, door prizes, a
booth crawl allowing each supplier to present their new products and
two topic-focused seminars on operating ATMs and merchandising
redemption. Specialty founder Mike McWilliams (pictured above at right
with Washington operator Pat Thompkins of Digital Music) played master
of ceremonies, at one point thanking the suppliers for their support
and his staff for considerable effort in setting up the event.
McWilliams and his staff also circulated throughout the impressive
hotel ballroom filled with equipment, dialoguing with both customers
and suppliers. Look for coverage of this event in the November issue of
RePlay.
SEGA BRINGING
DOZENS OF GAMES TO IAAPA
(Posted October 12, 2010 -- 12:30PM)
Sega Amusements has
big plans for November’s IAAPA show; the factory will exhibit more than
30 games including more than 20 titles debuting for the very first
time. “This will be an amazing showing for Sega and will validate our
pledge to deliver innovative, high-earning, quality-built products for
the industry,” said Sega president and COO Paul Williams. “We’re quite
confident attendees will find one or more of our exciting games
appropriate for their location and guests. It will truly be a
one-stop-shop for any attendee looking to outfit their gameroom with
the best in coin-op.”
Sega’s lineup of games they’ve never
displayed before comprises nine
ticket redemption games, including Super
Monkey
Ball, Spinarama
and Space Ship; seven
videogames including Grid, Lets Go Island, Giant Tetris; and Harley 29” Standard, three prize
vending games including Key Master,
The Great American Road Trip,
a single player coin pusher, and Van
Gogh, an interactive photobooth. In addition, Sega will be
showing recent hit games including five ticket games, five video games
and one coin pusher.
BENCHMARK SET TO SHIP TRAP DOOR
(Posted
October 12, 2010 -- 12:30PM)
Benchmark is set to
spring its newest prize game Trap
Door on operators. The game was previewed this summer at the
AAMA Distributor Gala in Chicago. Players will skillfully stop
the spinning light to crank the trap door open and release a valuable
plush prize. The real catch is building anticipation and anxiety while
the audience cheers on the player to make the playfield trap door open.
Large-format 16” quality plush product falls down the chute to the
player’s delight.
Reloading of the prize is also part of the show of the game. A
claw automatically seeks out and grabs another plush toy, dropping it
on the trap door for the next play. The player watches the trap door
open little by little, the prize getting ever so close to dropping.
This, of course, encourages repeat play to win the prize and maybe
event the full jackpot, which springs the trap immediately.
“We’ve created a most entertaining and player involved game in bringing
a new product to our industry,” said Benchmark’s Al Kress. “Trap Door offers a low-maintenance,
high-revenue merchandiser game with LED lighting for long lasting
service. The innovative Trap Door and mousetrap snap-claw, with patents
pending, come with the capability of swipe card and operator-adjustable
pricing.”
Benchmark also announced several special deals in conjunction with
sales of the new game. MEI will include with every Trap Door a coupon worth $25 toward
the purchase of a new dollar bill MEI validator. Additionally, BMI
Merchandise will include free freight on the first purchase of a two
full Trap Door kits
comprising large plush toys to help get the operator stocked and ready.
Special finance and lease options are available. To learn more, call
Benchmark at 561/588-5200.
Early adopters of the newest Golden Tee LIVE game have been
selected as winners of a special factory drawing. Awesome Draw 2011
rewarded operators who updated all of the Golden Tees on their
route. “We created Awesome Draw 2011 to thank our operators
who believe in the power of Golden
Tee,” said Don Pesceone, senior VP of sales at I.T. “Not only do
they benefit by having the new courses as early as possible for their
players, they also get in early on our no-money-down, 12-month payment
plan.”
The winner of the new Golden Tee
LIVE 2011 showpiece and stand was Tony Stern of Legacy
Amusements in Chicago. Tony has 12 Golden
Tees on his route. “Every year, I look forward to the release of
the new courses,” he said. “During the next month or so, the
boost in earnings will pay for all my updates, and the payment plan
really helps my cash flow. Winning the drawing is a huge bonus!”
Other winners were Ron and Alan Adams of Metro Games in Irving, TX, who
received a GT LIVE transfer
cabinet and stand; Steve Gamble of American Amusement in Rossville,
Ga., – a GT LIVE full kit; and Norm Farber of BFC Enterprises in
Brentwood, Mo. - $500 in I.T. Bucks. Six more operators were awarded
$100 in I.T. Bucks.
TOUCHTUNES TAPS DAVID
LANE AS VP
(Posted October 4, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
TouchTunes
Interactive
Networks
has
appointed
David
Lane
as
VP
of
Business
Development.
Lane
will
report
directly
to
TouchTunes
CEO
Charles
Goldstuck
and
will
be
based
in the company’s New York City
headquarters. Lane will be responsible for expanding the
TouchTunes brand and presence in top advertising markets around the
country.
“David has an extensive background
in digital media and out-of-home networks and I’m confident he will
help bring TouchTunes to new heights,” Goldstuck said. “He is the
perfect fit to develop TouchTunes’ expanding platforms across different
types of media in an age of ever-changing technology.”
Prior to joining TouchTunes, Lane
was VP of Digital Media for CBS Outdoor, where he was responsible for
all digital media strategies in North America including launching and
implementing the company’s first mobile platform and high definition 3D
outdoor advertising campaign. He also previously served at CEO of The
Rail Network, the world’s first wireless television and radio network
for mass transit subway and rail systems, and CEO of TSI Broadband. His
extensive background in technology and media includes work at The
Elevating Network and Telnet Global Communications. Lane is a graduate
of the Pennsylvania State University.
STATE ASSOCIATION MEETING HEADING TO TAMPA
(Posted October 4, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
The Amusement & Music Operators
Association will conduct its annual Council of Affiliated States
meeting on Feb. 10-12, at the Westin Tampa Bay. Each year, AMOA
sponsors the gathering of state association leaders and paid staff,
where they network and compare strategies for organizing and
representing the trade as a whole.
AMOA has secured a very favorable,
low rate at the headquarters hotel: $129 for single/double rooms, plus
taxes. The Westin offers complimentary shuttle bus service to and from
the Tampa International Airport and will also provide the group with
complimentary wireless Internet access in the guest rooms. For more
details, please contact AMOA deputy director Lori Schneider at llschneider@prodigy.net or
800/937-2662.
LAI
GAMES OFFERS 0% FINANCING ON “MINI” GAMES
(Posted October 4, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
LAI Games is offering new financing
program through Firestone Financial. The program applies to LAI’s Mini
game lineup, including the popular Snapshot photobooth, Mini Little
Masterpiece touchscreen coloring game and Mini Stacker, the compact
version of the successful Stacker prize merchandiser. A free box of
photo paper will also be included with the purchase of a Snapshot or
Mini Little Masterpiece during the promotion.
The program provides 0% APR
financing for 12 months, 5.99% APR financing for 24 months or 7.99% APR
financing for 36 months, with no money down. A minimum purchase of two
units is required. The offer, good for U.S. customers only, is
available through December 31, and all deals must be funded by January
31, 2011. Prepaid freight, filing fee and applicable taxes apply. Offer
valid to qualified buyers, subject to credit approval through Firestone.
NEVERLAND
FEC
GOES
WITH
COIN
TECH
(Posted October 4, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
Neverland FEC, a high-profile
entertainment chain in Argentina, recently equipped its newest location
at the Cordoba Shopping Center Mall with Coin Tech Xperience
touchscreen and color LED debit card readers. The system is both
attractive to patrons and offers many marketing and promotional
opportunities.
The new Neverland location in
Cordoba lets guests use magnetic cards to play games, access
attractions and rides, buy souvenirs and obtain prizes through
promotions. Neverland is not only able to control all these areas but
also track and monitor every transaction with customizable reports. The
FEC is also equipped with Coin Tech’s POS and redemption system.
(Posted
October 1, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
NEVADA DEALER SHUTS
DOWN
(Posted September 27, 2010 -- 3:30PM)
Reno
Game
Sales,
the
front
line
music
and
games
distributorship
founded
by
East
Coast
trade
vet
Marty
Shumsky
in
1984,
closed
it
doors
on
Friday,
Sept.
24th.
Shumsky
died
Aug.
14th but his manager Cindy Bozeman
indicated at the time that the business might be continued. Such was
not to be, however, and while the phones will be working until the end
of the month, everything else has been “unplugged.” That included
inventory: Bozman advised RePlay
that every machine has been sold or returned (besides Cindy, five
others lost their jobs in the shutdown).
If anybody needs to contact
Paula or any of the other Shumsky family members, use e-mail martyrgs@yahoo.com. Cindy herself
may be contacted at cindyrgs@yahoo.com.
“I’d
like
to
take
this
opportunity
to
say
thanks
to
all
the
customers,
suppliers
and
other
friends
this
company
and
myself
personally
made
over
the
24
years
I’ve
worked
with Marty,” she advised. “This last day
is as sad as the day Marty died, but I hope my path crosses with
industry friends somewhere or somehow in the times to come,” she added.
(Back
To September 2010 Menu)
AMOA SIGNS ON TO
SUPREME
COURT BRIEF
(Posted September 27, 2010 -- 3:30PM)
The Amusement & Music Operators
Association says it has signed on to an amicus curiae (friend of the
court) brief asking the Supreme Court to uphold an appeals court's
decision that ruled California's ban on the sale of violent videogames
to children unconstitutional. AMOA is joining several states, media
groups and entertainment organizations in the brief.
"The road to unconstitutional and
unwise over-regulation is paved with good intentions," the brief
states. "Though it fixes nothing, it raises the specter of censorship
for any media that finds itself at the center of a politically-charged
societal debate. This Court has consistently recognized that the
Constitution blocks entry to this slippery slope."
The case, Schwarzenegger v.
Entertainment Merchants Association & Entertainment Software
Association, involves a 2005 California law that requires violent
videogames to be labeled with an "18," prohibits the sale or rental of
such games to minors and called for fines of up to $1,000 for each
violation. The two consumer videogame groups responding to the current
Supreme Court case successfully challenged in the 9th Circuit Court of
Appeals. For much more on this case, check out the upcoming October
issue of RePlay Magazine. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
AMOA-NDA ANNOUNCES
SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
(Posted September 27, 2010 -- 3:30PM)
The AMOA-National Dart
Association (AMOA-NDA) has awarded Traci Noteboom of Sioux Falls, S.D.
the Amusement and Music Operators Association – Notre Dame Management
Development Program Scholarship for Class XV. The scholarship is funded
by the AMOA-NDA.
Noteboom was selected based on her
accomplishments within the industry and her dedication to future
service. She has served as the dart league coordinator for Rushmore
Amusement in Rapid City, S.D., for 13 years. Noteboom played an
instrumental role in starting the Black Hills Fall Classic Dart
Tournament, which is now in its tenth year. She has organized multiple
local league shoot-off events while at Rushmore Amusement and has been
an active volunteer at the South Dakota State Dart Tournament and Team
Dart.
“I am looking forward to attending
the AMOA Notre Dame Management Development Program," said Noteboom.
“The opportunity to continue my education and further professional
development is invaluable, and I would like to thank the NDA for
granting me this scholarship.”
The AMOA-Notre Dame Management
Development Program is modeled after the University of Notre Dame’s
executive MBA program with courses designed specifically for those in
the coin-op industry. Notre Dame faculty teaches courses in economics,
communication, financial planning and business law among other relevant
topics. Individuals learn firsthand successful business strategies
directly related to the industry and upon completion will receive a
Certified Business Executive certificate.
The AMOA-NDA scholarship opportunity
is offered every two years and only available to NDA charter holders
and their company representatives. The scholarship is a way to promote
leadership and professionalism in the coin-op industry. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
SURESHOT REDEMPTION
READY TO
RING IN HOLIDAYS
(Posted September 27, 2010 -- 3:30PM)
Sureshot Redemption is ready for the
holidays with prize gifts and crane kits. Choose from a large selection
of toy sets and games, ranging from train sets to holiday plush.
New to the supplier is an oversized
43-piece deluxe tool set, 23” x 27”, plus the CAT construction express
train set, 2’ in length. Also choose from different sizes of art sets
that include a variety of crayons, markers, colored pencils, water
paint and more. Customers can also play a game of air soccer or pool
with the deluxe pool and snooker set, easy for transporting
anywhere.
Finally, Christmas crane kits are
available and include a mix of 25% licensed plush. Select from
36-piece jumbo and 72-piece single Christmas crane kits. Contact Sureshot at 888/887-8738 or sales@sureshot-redemption.com.
(Back
To
September
2010
Menu)
REDEMPTION PLUS BUYS
EMERALD TOY
(Posted September 22, 2010 -- 8:30PM)
Amusement
industry
prize
supplier
Redemption
Plus
has
acquired
Emerald
Toy
Company.
Emerald
Toy
is
a
wholesale
plush
toy
manufacturer
and
distributor
specializing
in
quality
soft-stuffed
toys
for
major
amusement
companies
located
throughout
North America and Europe. Since
2005, the company has built strong manufacturing partnerships
throughout China with an office based in Hong Kong.
"As a direct import company without
a distribution infrastructure, we always knew there would be
limitations on our growth," said John Sawyer, VP of Emerald Toy.
"Being part of Redemption Plus is a great opportunity for Emerald Toy
to continue growing."
"Emerald Toy allows Redemption Plus
immediate entrance into the wholesale plush market with a proven
brand," said Ron Hill, president of Redemption Plus. "This is a natural
extension of our direct import and manufacturing program. Our customers
have a growing need for innovative plush toys and this helps complement
our existing product lines."
Over the last five years, Redemption
Plus has experienced 18% average annual sales growth with total sales
increasing 130% during that same time period. The acquisition of
Emerald Toy allows the company an even broader portfolio, including:
·
Flexible container programs for customers interested in volume quantity
savings.
· U.S.
warehousing operations allowing quick distribution for North American
customers who prefer to purchase goods domestically.
·
Custom items that are manufactured for specific sizes, price points,
colors and materials.
Emerald Toy will showcase some of
the 2011 line of plush toys and novelties at various upcoming
tradeshows. Visit the company website at www.emerald toy.com. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
NIGHTCLUB
&
BAR
SHOW
BACK
TO
VEGAS
(Posted September 22, 2010 -- 8:30PM)
The Nightclub & Bar
Convention and Trade Show (www.ncbshow.com)
will
return
to
Las
Vegas
next
year,
March
7-9,
2011.
Show
additions
include
an
expanded
conference
program,
the
debut
of
the
Hospitality
Sports
Marketing
Conference
and
a
new
exhibit
floor
layout, along with
the welcome return of industry favorites, including the Shake It Up!
mixology competition, memorable nightlife parties and networking
events.
"We are heading for a great 2011
Nightclub & Bar Show with more suppliers, more products and more
energy on the show floor this year," said Jon Taffer, president,
Nightclub & Bar Media Group. "The NCB Show grew 15% in 2010 and is
on pace to surpass that growth in 2011 with advanced orders in exhibit
space 25% ahead of last year at this time. We are particularly pleased
by the amount of returning exhibitors and the increased activity from
new and emerging brands."
The NCB Show 2011 will offer a show
floor layout aimed to better serve suppliers and attending bar and
nightclub owner and managers. In addition to the aisles of leading and
emerging beverage and bar product suppliers, there will be new
pavilions showcasing boutique brands, craft brews, coin-op and
amusement products, and lighting and sound. The show floor's main stage
will feature the Shake It Up! competition, one of the largest mixology
competitions in America sponsored by Southern Wine & Spirits, and
many additional entertainment acts.
Every year, the nightlife activities
help define the Nightclub & Bar Show experience for attendees and
exhibitors. This year promises to exceed expectations with parties
happening every show night at the hottest venues in Vegas, say show
organizers. Equally important is the NCB Show conference program. Last
year's attendance to the conference program nearly doubled from the
previous year. In 2011, the popular programs are back with new sessions
filling the seven conference tracks, including marketing/promotion,
mixology/spirits, beer/wine, operations/management, customer experience
(music, entertainment, etc.), responsibility/liability and food.
The NCB Show will also host a
Hospitality Sports Marketing Conference, which will take place for the
first time on March 7-8. The new conference will help operators,
beverage suppliers, sports leagues, associations and industry partners
improve their revenue from sports-based activities. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
PRIMARY LEISURE FINDS
FAVOR IN U.S.
(Posted September 22, 2010 -- 8:30PM)
ILLINOIS EXPECTS VIDEO
GAMING NEXT SUMMER
(Posted September 20, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
Video poker machines are not
likely to hit the streets in the Land of Lincoln until next summer,
according to several news sources. The licensing process is just
getting underway for operators and locations, and the state is in the
process of re-bidding the contract for the central system. Scientific
Games initially won the contract, but that deal was voided by the state
after it determined there were miscalculations in the way the price was
bid. State officials were overseeing a second bidding process for the
contract at press time.
The retirement announcement of
longtime Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley also raises questions about
whether the state’s largest city will accept gaming machines. City
officials are not slated to debate or approve the machines until after
the February 22, 2011, elections. With Daley not in the race,
candidates for the office will surely be called on to stake their
positions on gaming well before then. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
EMBED INSTALLS AT SECOND
BIG AL'S LOCATION
(Posted September 20, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
Debit
card
provider
Embed
System
recently
installed
its
technology
at
Big
Al’s
in
Beaverton,
Ore.
This
is
the
second
Embed
System
in
use
by
Big
Al’s
as
the
company’s
first
location
in
Vancouver, Wash., opened with
Embed in 2006.
Big Al’s Beaverton delivers a
first-class bowling experience coupled with a full-service sports bar
and grill, and a 7,000-sq.-ft. arcade with 180 player positions. Big
Al’s utilizes the Embed System to manage the cashless operation of
their games, as well as their extensive redemption store.
The installation is highlighted by
Embed’s newest Color-Glo HD Swipers, which feature a full-color
display, enhanced Color-Glo style effects, and full
wireless-at-the-game network connectivity. Big Al’s Fun Cards can be
purchased and reloaded at any number of POS stations and self-service
kiosks throughout the location. For additional information on Big Al’s
two locations, you can visit them on the web at www.ilovebigals.com. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
ECAST PROMOTES RYAN
SMITH TO DIRECTOR OF
SALES
(Posted September 20, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
Ecast has promoted Atlanta-based
Ryan Smith to the position of director, network sales. For the past
three years, Smith served as East Coast regional sales manager for
Ecast, shepherding special sales efforts, particularly for the EQ,
managing teams of sales people and overseeing sales training.
Smith began his nine-year tenure
with Ecast as national sales trainer, bringing clients up to speed on
broadband delivery, then was made southeast and southwest regional
account manager, a spot he held until becoming east coast regional
sales manager. Prior to Ecast, Smith served as senior business
development analyst at DotPlanet.com in Atlanta.
“Ryan is a perfect fit for the
director of network sales spot,” said Scott Walker, VP of network
sales. “He knows the Ecast network from the inside out, has developed
strong relationships with our clients by understanding their needs and
how their business works, and has brought in significant new business,
especially new EQ business. He’s quite an asset to Ecast.”
As director, network sales, Smith
will head up the entire U.S. network sales force, manage sales efforts
on a day-to-day basis, develop growth within the existing account base
and foster new business. Smith holds a Bachelor of Business
Administration from Valdosta State University in Georgia. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
TOUCHTUNES
TEAMS
WITH
SONY
TO
PROMO NEW SANTANA ALBUM
(Posted September 20, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
TouchTunes Interactive Networks and
Sony Music Entertainment launched a national promotion of Carlos
Santana’s new album, Guitar Heaven: Greatest Guitar Classics of All
Time, last month on TouchTunes Digital Jukeboxes and BarflyTV screens.
The promotion began September 21, coinciding with the album debut, and
was slated to run for two weeks.
Continuing their successful
partnership, Santana and Clive Davis, COO of Sony Music Entertainment,
collaborated on the brand new concept album from Arista Records. The
album consists of a range of songs with guitar-centric titles and an
impressive array of guest vocalists on each track including:
“TouchTunes has always celebrated
great music,” said Vicki Saunders, TouchTunes VP of digital media and
music marketing. “With such legendary talent like Santana and the range
of contributing artists on the album, we couldn’t think of a better fit
for our audience.”
TouchTunes also collaborated with
Sony Music Entertainment to host three pre-release listening parties in
New York, Chicago and Los Angeles on September 16. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
EXPO FEC EDUCATION
PLANNING GETS UNDERWAY
(Posted September 13, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
Reps from AMOA, AAMA and
IAAPA convened on September 8 to initially organize the educational
program being developed by the latter for staging at the 2011 AAMA/AMOA
Amusement Expo next March in Las Vegas, the AMOA announced last week.
In attendance at IAAPA headquarters in Alexandria, Va., were incoming
chairman Bob Rippy, president Charlie Bray, executive VP Susan Mosedale
and membership/marketing services VP Ana Elisa Benavent, along with
AAMA president John Schultz and AMOA executive VP Jack Kelleher.
The instructional lineup will be focused squarely at the family
entertainment center community for professional development and based
on curriculum being generated by the IAAPA FEC Committee, a 12-person
committee of experienced industry executives. The schedule, format,
topics and speakers should be finalized as soon as early October, noted
the association.
“Concurrently, the Education Committee of the Amusement Expo is working
on a separate series of educational offerings, directed at the core
music and games ‘street’ segment of the trade,” according to the AMOA.
“As well, with the debut collocation of the National Bulk Vending
Association event with the Amusement Expo next spring, there will be
seminars developed for that part of the business.” The expo’s
website for all details is at
www.amusementexpo.org. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
I.T. APPOINTS GAMING
SALES PERSONNEL
(Posted September 13, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
Incredible
Technologies has appointed James Esposito and David Stone, two veteran
amusement salesmen, to head its Illinois video gaming sales. In
addition to their responsibilities on the amusement side -- selling
Golden Tee showpiece units, kits and updates, plus other product -- the
duo will be informing amusement operators from Cairo to Crystal Lake
about the manufacturer’s video gaming line of products.
Esposito was named Illinois video
gaming sales manager by Don Pesceone, the company’s senior VP of sales.
“I want all my Illinois customers to know that I'll be calling on them
for both amusement and gaming,” Esposito said. “Just think of I.T. as a
one-stop shop for all your needs.” Stone, who has headed I.T.’s
international amusement sales for the past three years, will further
address amusement operators’ needs as they transition into video
gaming. “Our Magic Touch
collection of video slot, poker and keno games, especially our new
Golden Tee slots, will be red hot in Illinois.”
According to Pesceone, I.T.’s Magic Touch games are projected
to be available when the Illinois Video Gaming System goes live. I.T.
is a licensed supplier pursuant to the Riverboat Gambling Act and has
applied for licensure as both a manufacturer and distributor pursuant
to the Video Gaming Act.
Esposito and Stone can be reached at
the company’s headquarters at 847/870-7027. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
AMI PRE-RELEASES NEW
WEEZER ALBUM
(Posted September 13, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
AMI has been ramping up for
the release of Weezer’s newest album, Hurley,
bringing fans all over the country the full album before its
official release date tomorrow, September 14.
Hurley is the popular L.A.
rock band’s eighth album and can still be heard first on AMI jukeboxes.
Fans were able pick up free Weezer merchandise through giveaways,
courtesy of Epitaph and AMI Entertainment Network, at AMI listening
parties on September 9-10. Visit AMI Entertainment online at www.amientertainment.com. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
VIDEO GAME BIZ RALLYING
AG SUPPORT
(Posted September 9, 2010 -- 11AM)
The
consumer
videogame
industry
is
reaching
out
to
state
attorneys
general
across
the
U.S.
to
support
the
industry
in
its
Supreme
Court
challenge
to
a
California
law
restricting
the
sale
of
violent
videogames,
reports
The National Law Journal. The
case will be heard by the nation's high court on Nov. 2, 2010.
"Representatives of the videogame
industry, with $10 billion in annual sales nationwide, have been in
contact with state AGs to persuade them to support the industry by
filing a brief in the case," reported Law
Journal authors Tony Mauro and Carrie Levin. "One sign that the
industry is making inroads is that only 11 states signed onto an amicus
curiae or friend-of-the-court brief supporting the California law filed
on July 19, an unusually low number in a case involving a law aimed at
protecting children. In a typical state-law enforcement case, 40 states
or more may join briefs supporting their counterparts before the
Supreme Court. The justices often cite state amicus briefs, so having
states on the industry's side could be an important tactic in
countering California's defense of the law."
One game industry exec told the Journal that he expected the game
industry to generate the support of at least as many states as
California. The case, Schwarzenegger v. Entertainment Merchants
Association and Entertainment Software Association, will focus on
whether videogames are protected free speech as a series of federal
appeals courts have held over the past decade. The first of those
rulings came in the 2001 case AAMA v. Kendrick, in which the coin-op
amusement industry challenged a law restricting arcade shooting games. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
TOUCHTUNES
NAMES
BRECHNER
COO
&
PROMOS
NEW
REHAB
ALBUM
ON
JUKES
(Posted September 9, 2010 -- 11AM)
TouchTunes
Interactive
Networks
has
named
Steven
Brecher
as
its
new
chief
operating
officer.
Brecher
will
report
directly
to
Charles
Goldstuck,
president
and
CEO,
and
will
be
based
in
the
company's
New
York
City
headquarters.
Brecher
will direct daily operations and be responsible
for expanding TouchTunes' growing portfolio.
"Steve brings years of experience in
brand strategy and commercial development to TouchTunes," Goldstuck
said. "He is the perfect addition to our team to help continue to grow
our company as the leading in-venue entertainment network in the
industry."
Brecher has over a decade of
experience as a senior-level executive in the global
spirits industry. Prior to joining TouchTunes, Brecher was senior
VP for strategy with Diageo, where he was responsible for developing
and implementing strategy for Africa. Brecher and his team successfully
completed several large transactions, including a $550
million joint venture with Heineken and Namibian Breweries for South
Africa. Previously, he served as senior VP and GM of the Northeast U.S.
for Diageo PLC and in senior marketing roles across the portfolio.
His extensive background in business management also includes work at
Unilever. Brecher received his MBA from Columbia University's
Graduate School of Business with a concentration in management and
finance, and is a graduate of Duke University.
"TouchTunes' growing portfolio is an
exciting platform to work with and help expand," Brecher said. "I am
thrilled to join Charles and the rest of the TouchTunes team to
continue to grow the company as the pre-eminent out-of-home digital
entertainment network in North America."
TouchTunes also recently completed a
preview promotion of Rehab's fifth studio album, offering on-location
patrons a chance to play the music days before it was released to
retail customers.
Rehab's new album, Welcome Home, is
being promoted across TouchTunes networks, including digital jukeboxes,
BarflyTV screens and on myTouchTunes.com nationwide. Fans will also be
able to receive a free download of Welcome
Home by entering their email address on jukebox screens or
online at www.rehabmusic.com/touchtuneswelcomehome.
The
download
expires
on
September
30.
"TouchTunes brought Rehab from obscurity and into the public eye," said
Danny Boone, lead singer of Rehab. "In such a tough music market and
landscape to stay relevant as an artist, TouchTunes continues to be an
invaluable resource for us to connect with our fans."
"We are continually amazed at the band's success on TouchTunes," said
Vicki Saunders, VP of digital media and music marketing at TouchTunes.
"It has been great watching Rehab dominate our charts, and we're
looking forward to seeing Welcome
Home do the same." The
band is set to make a special appearance on September 13 at the
TouchTunes Partners Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
WSJ FLIPS FOR PINBALL
REPAIR BIZ
(Posted September 9, 2010 -- 11AM)
AMI DEBUTS MEGATOUCH
2011 UPDATE
(Posted September 7, 2010 -- 4PM)
AMI
Entertainment
is
debuting
its
Megatouch
2011 domestic software release for the Ion and Force game platforms. The latest
update includes 9 new titles for all Ions,
two
widescreen-exclusive
games,
a
suite
of
Penthouse
games
with
all-new
photos,
fresh
content
for
favorites
like
Photo
Hunt and Trivia Whiz 2,
and
plenty
more.
"We're excited about this year's
release," said A.J. Russo, AMI's creative director. "We're bringing
some things out this time that are different from anything we've done
before, yet still holding true to classic games that our players love.
Each new software update is a chance to show our operators just how
much we want them to get the best value for their money, and I think
2011 accomplishes that."
For this update, AMI leveraged its
partnerships to bring Little Shop
Road Trip, the sequel to 2010's hit Little Shop of Treasures, and a
completely revitalized Penthouse suite of games, featuring the latest
photos of the hottest models, to the market.
"Little
Shop
of
Treasures amassed a huge group of loyal players," added
Russo. "We expect similar things from Little
Shop
Road
Trip."
AMI has packed 2011 with an array of
games that range from the ancient Japanese backdrop of Word Dojo 2 to the futuristic
fields of Space Farmer. Flick & Kick Football pits
players against an unpredictable goal post while Trix and Final Table Hold 'Em put their card
skills to the test. A reinvigorated Mystery
Phraze has players pondering word puzzles while Boxxi Blitz challenges them at
breakneck speed.
In addition to an all-new photo
library featuring the latest Penthouse models, 2011 marks the debut of
the first tournament-ready Megatouch
erotic games. Penthouse Panty Bandits
and Penthouse Super Boxxi are
strategy-based games that showcase models in a state of progressive
undress, giving players a little more to look at with each new level.
The 2011 Ion platform allows
the Penthouse suite to be viewed in three different ways with non-nude,
R-rated or X-rated photos.
Megatouch
2011 also marks the final software update for all Force systems, but it's not going
to go out quietly. The last Force
package features Little Shop of
Treasures, its cousin Little
Shop Road Trip, Boxxi Blitz
and the all-new Penthouse photo library, including the hot titles Penthouse Panty Bandits and Penthouse Super Boxxi. This
software is only available for a limited time and could increase a Force's game library by up to 52
games, depending on when the operator last updated.
"The great new titles and upgrades
to proven favorites showcase the creative power behind our software,"
said AMI CEO Mike Maas. "With the ever-changing nature of the coin-op
industry, that creativity is key to making Megatouch the best it can be
for both our operators and our players. We're confident that this is
our best release to date." (Back To September 2010
Menu)
CA
LAWMAKERS PASS SLOT BILL
(Posted September 7, 2010 -- 4PM)
California
lawmakers
in
both
the
state
assembly
and
senate
have
approved
a
bill
that
will
increase
penalties
for
the
illegal
operation
of
slot
machines.
When
it
was
first
introduced,
the
bill
caught
the
eye
of
the
amusement trade because one provision appeared to limit the value of
legitimate redemption prizes. However, that provision was dropped from
the proposed law.
According to the legislative
summary, the law, if signed by the governor, "amends existing law that
prohibits the possession and use of a slot machine or device and
certain other acts and transactions pertaining to slot machines or
devices. Increases the misdemeanor penalties for a first, second,
third, or subsequent offense. Provides an additional fine if the
violation involved more than one machine or more than one location." (Back To September 2010
Menu)
ANDAMIRO
DEBUTS
PUMP IT PRO 2
(Posted
September 7, 2010 -- 4PM)
Andamiro USA has released the latest software for its Pump It Up series. Pump It Up Pro 2 is the successor
of the original PIU Pro
platform that features improved options, revamped graphics and an
official leader website that promotes P2P rank systems. The game now
features a new two-player routine mode and challenging gauntlet mode
with more than 200 songs and over 1,600 improved step charts. Enhanced
player options enable players to personalize unique step charts that
can be shared and challenged to other players around the world.
Andamiro's new interface allows players to create unique step charts
and groove to their own syncopated dance steps. The factory has
eliminated the routine limitations and created a limitless opportunity
for all players. To learn more, call 310/767-5800, ext. 102, or email satinb@andamirousa.com. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
GT PLAYERS
RAISE $75K FOR CHARITY
(Posted September 7, 2010 -- 4PM)
The
recent
Golden Tee Players
Charity Championship raised $75,110 for Salute Inc., the Chicago-area
organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families. This
year's event drew 72 players to the Splinter's Sports Pub (Palatine,
Ill.) from August 27-29.
"Incredible Technologies was looking
for the right opportunity to celebrate our 25th anniversary," said Gary
Colabuono, I.T.'s marketing director. "When the Golden Tee players approached us
with the idea of a conducting a third player's charity championship, we
knew we had the perfect venue. It couldn't have gone better, and the
players busted their butts raising money for Salute."
Besides the main tournament with its
$25,000 purse, events during the weekend included a closest-to-the-pin
contest sponsored by the World Championship of Fantasy Football, a
Legends of the Game senior tournament, a real golf outing and a
one-hour set by Ira Dean, the Nashville rocker who penned the It's Golden Tee anthem.
"What a weekend!" exclaimed Steve
Churak, co-tournament director. "Everyone had a great time, and
it's hard to imagine a more generous group of guys. Salute will put the
money we raised to good use helping our veterans. It was one of those
'feel good' experiences that are so rare these days. We want to thank
everyone who helped make this possible." Jeff Lannen of Ladd, Ill., was
the winner of the $3,000 top prize. For more information go to the
official recap page at www.goldentee.com.
(Back
To September 2010 Menu)
BRIAN
SMITH
JOINS
BSR
(Posted September 2, 2010 -- 12:30PM)
Brian Smith is the newest
member of the Bob’s Space Racers sales and consulting team. Brian
brings with him over 19 years of industry experience, where his career
began on the operations side at Six Flags Great Adventure. He
later became the Games, Arcades and Attractions Manager there and then
teamed with the consulting services of Bob's Space Racers in 2001 to
take the Six Flags flagship park in New Jersey back to gaming
prominence. For the last five years, Brian has been the
international sales manager for Skee-Ball.
"I am extremely honored and excited
to become part of the Bob's Space Racers family,” said Smith. “It is
great to be a part of an organization with such history, integrity and
character. I am looking forward to the challenge of representing
such a diverse product line.” Brian may be contacted directly at
732-597-3171 or you can email him at Bsmith@bsrgames.com. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
OPERATOR JOSEPH
ZUCKERMAN PASSES AWAY
(Posted September 2, 2010 -- 12:30PM)
Joseph Ben Zuckerman of Fountain
City, Indiana, 44, died August 22, 2010 from a sudden heart attack.
Joey ran his father's (retired veteran operator Jack Zuckerman)
business, Games People Play of Saratoga Springs, NY. He also
worked as an area manager for American Coin Merchandising.
Survived by parents, Nuala Zuckerman and Jack (Monna) Zuckerman; wife,
Michele; children, Daniel, Dara, Hannah and Noah. Donations can
be made to Joseph B. Zuckerman Children's Educational Fund, Saratoga
National Bank, 171 So. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
PENTAVISION MERGES
WITH PIPELINE GAMES
(Posted September 2, 2010 -- 12:30PM)
Pentavision
Entertainment has
completed a merger with U.S.-based Pipeline Games. The combined
properties of the newly merged company, Pentavision Global, will offer
in-house product development and strategic licensing of coin operated
amusement games.
James Ko, previously CEO and founder
of Pipeline, will serve as president. Dave Peckels will continue to
serve as the company’s VP of Sales. The new company headquarters will
be in Gardena, Calif. (Los Angeles) and will also have R&D,
assembly lines, and other operations in S. Korea.
“This alliance is a major strategic
step for both parties and is another illustration of our drive to
extend our presence in the amusement games and entertainment sector,”
Ko. “The two firms are hoping that their different strengths will
combine to form a business which is powerful on every gaming platform
and in every territory.”
Pentavision Entertainment is a
developer and publisher behind such titles as S4 League, DJ MAX and
Dual League. It is a division of Neowiz (KOSDAQ: 042420) an Internet
and online game service company in South Korea. Pipeline Games is a
marketer and developer of coin-op amusement and video equipment based
out of Gardena, California. It is a privately owned corporation and is
the developer behind such titles as Grip
Strength and the soon to be released redemption crane Mr. Vacuum. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
TRAINERTAINMENT
CO-SPONSORS CLINIC, NAMES FALL WEBINARS
(Posted
September 1, 2010 -- 10:00AM)
Traintertainment and U-Profit
will co-sponsor a Sales Training Clinic November 11-12 in the
Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Beth Standlee, RePlay's
Party
Professor,
and
staffer
Pam
Weatherford
of
Trainertainment
will
team
up
with
Bill
Carlson
of
U-Profit
to
present
a
series
on
sales,
motivation
and
group
promotion
techniques.
Pre-registration is $199 for the
first attendee from an FEC, $149 for each additional same-center guest.
Onsite registration is $249 and $199, respectively.
Moreover, Trainertainment has
announced its webinar lineup for the remainder of the year. These free,
online, real-time events are conducted by Standlee and Weatherford.
Xpress Training members have access to all archived webinars, if one is
missed.
Tuesday,
September
14,
11:30
CDT: Want to Know More?
Attend this webinar and win free
TrainerTainment product. The company will debut in this session a new
party playbook, a complete guide to building and selling event products.
Thursday,
October
14,
11:30
CDT: Make the Most of Your Holiday Season
From parties to stocking stuffers,
the holidays give you a way to bring new business into your center all
season long. Attend to learn the top 10 ways to get people to spend
more money at your FEC.
Tuesday,
October
9,
11:30
a.m.
CDT: Strategically Plan Products for 2011
Standlee will help you review what
your center sold in 2010 and ask you to look at your most and least
sold products. A plan will be developed for products in 2011 that
customers will find irresistible.
Tuesday,
November
23,
11:30
a.m.
CDT: Strategic People Planning for 2011
This follow-up session will help you
strategically plan to put the right people in the right spot so that
you can succeed with more sales in the new year.
Thursday,
December
9,
11:30
CDT: Strategically Plan Promotions for 2011
In this session by Pam Weatherford,
learn how to take a year-long look at promotional planning.
Thursday,
December
23,
11:30
CDT: Strategically Plan Your Goals for 2011
Prepare for this webinar by taking a
look at group sales and birthday party revenues for 2010 and 2009.
Standlee will discuss benchmarks, supply worksheets and help you set
systems in place so for a 2011 business plan to share with your team. For more information on the Sales
Training Clinic or webinar, visit www.trainertainment.net. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
NDA APPOINTS DIRECTORS,
PLANS SCHOLARSHIP
(Posted
September
1,
2010
--
10:00AM)
During its annual meeting at
League
SMART last month in Indianapolis, the AMOA-National Dart Association
elected a trio of new board members, the AMOA reported in its Off The
Top newsletter last week. Those updates to the board include Maggie
Jones, dart league coordinator with Blackhawk Music in Sterling, Ill.;
Patty Salisbury, dart league coordinator, Williams Enterprises/J&J
Ventures, Carmi, Ill.; and Chris Warren, manager, Century Gaming,
Helena, Mont.
Furthermore, the NDA will be offering an AMOA-Notre Dame Management
Program scholarship for Class XV, commencing Oct. 22. One deserving
recipient will be admitted to the program and upon completion receive a
Certified Business Executive certificate. The scholarship opportunity
is only available to NDA charter holders and company representatives.
All materials are due to the NDA office by September 10.
The program is modeled after Notre Dame University's executive MBA
program with courses designed specifically for those in the coin-op
industry. Notre Dame faculty teach courses in economics, communication,
financial planning and business law, among other relevant topics, so
individuals learn a range of successful business strategies directly
related to the industry.
Applicants should contact Alyssa Pfennig, NDA director of membership,
at 800/808-9884 for an application or visit www.ndadarts.com. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
BSR OFFERING UPDATED WHAC-A-MOLE
(Posted
September 1, 2010 -- 10:00AM)
Bob's
Space
Racers
is
releasing
a
new
version
of
its
classic
game,
Whac-A-Mole. The new game has
updated graphics as seen already on the
Mattel home game version of the same title.
"Characters and other
art between the arcade and home versions have
been unified. This will promote quick recognition with a whole new
generation of young players," said Glenda Cook, CEO of BSR.
The new piece also
offers more operator programming features and even
enhanced although familiar play dynamics. As the player skill
improves the difficulty increases automatically during play, keeping
the player engaged and ready to buy-in for more fun. The game is
available in commercial and home versions. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
Party Center Software has
been named a finalist for the "Innovation of the Year" award presented
by the Play Providers Association (PPA), an influential U.K.
association.
"It was great to
see our
PartyCenterSoftware.com program be recognized for the contributions it
is making to help the fun industry," said Scott Drummond of Agile
Software, which operates Party Center Software. "As a previous operator
I understand the struggles that our customers go through and we have
found a solution to help make both their lives and their profit better."
Drummond will be
exhibiting at the
Leisure International Week in Birmingham, UK in late September and
along with nine other finalist will display his PartyCenterSoftware.com
product to be voted on by members of the PPA. He hopes to bring
home top prize for his newly released version of his online party
booking and facility management software.
"This will be
our first year
exhibiting at LIW so I am very excited to meet many of our customers in
person and if we can bring home the award it will make for one great
trip," said Drummond. (Back To September 2010
Menu)
COMFY NAMES
ALPHA-OMEGA AS
DISTRIBUTOR
(Posted
August 26, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
Alpha-Omega Sales has forged a
partnership with Comfy Ware Ltd. to be the exclusive distributor of the
Comfyland Experience in the United States. The Comfyland Experience, winner of the
IAAPA 2007 Best New Product Award and IAAPA 2007 Impact Award, is a
unique educational oriented play area for young children, exposing them
to age-appropriate activities in a dynamic and safe surrounding.
Activities include experimenting with music and sounds, opening doors
to reveal hidden surprises, matching well-known Comfy characters to
their shadows and exploring their stimulating and colorful
surroundings, Comfy’s fun-educational play center appeals to the
child’s natural curiosity through stimulating challenges, thereby
increasing his or her confidence and self-esteem.
The Comfyland Experience is
transmitted to kid through Comfy Easy PC. Toddlers will be able to play
with the Comfy Easy PC system on different stations throughout the play
area. There are no rules or instructions on how to play; each child
finds his own path and interest, and with the Easy PC keyboard, they
can play in any of 20 languages available, including English and
Spanish.
“I have always been closely related
to early childhood development,” said Frank Seninsky, president and CEO
of Alpha-Omega, “as evidenced in helping to design games and
attractions that are safe, fun and educational. Our long-standing
partnership with New Horizon Kids Quest, one of the largest childcare
companies in the U.S., has positioned the Alpha Team at the forefront
of this industry sector. Being formally associated with Comfyland is
like a dream come true. We now can focus on making sure that toddlers
and young children will have a special area that provides the right
balance between fun and interactive activities so they can play and
learn through the senses and interact with mom and dad.” (Back
to
August
2010
Menu)
VALLEY DYNAMO PARTS
STORE ONLINE
(Posted
August 26, 2010 -- 2:30PM)
Valley-Dynamo’s brand new parts webstore
is live and taking orders. In combination with the factory’s new
Tech Support database, cutomer service questions and needs will be
addressed online. “Our new Panther Cushion Rails are being
made available on the webstore,” the factory noted. “These rails are
designed for the new Valley Panther’s
5-bolt
rail
system,
but
will
mount
to
existing
tables
built
after
1970.
We
have
replaced
the
t-nuts
with
threaded inserts, bringing
death to the dead spot in the rubber behind each bolt hole.” Coming soon, the firm noted, will be
Championship’s new League Leader worsted felt – the type preferred by
tournament players. Check out the new online store at www.valley-dynamoparts.com. (Back
to
August
2010
Menu)
(Posted
August 24, 2010 -- 11:30AM)
Sega
Amusements USA has named Peter Gustafson as its new general manager.
Gustafson is a 30-year veteran of the coin-op amusement industry with
roots going back to Bally Pinball. Through the years, he’s
taken on roles of greater and greater responsibility, the latest with
LAI Games as GM. In that role, he oversaw all facets of LAI Games’ US
coin-op business.
Gustafson’s primary responsibilities
will include leading internal and external develop teams to create
market-appropriate product and heading up the company’s North and South
American sales and marketing activities. He will be part of the
senior management team with an emphasis of growing Sega’s presence in
these markets.
“We’re delighted to have Pete on
board,” said Sega president and COO Paul Williams. “He brings a
well earned reputation of strong leadership, enthusiasm, and integrity.
He’ll play an integral role in executing our aggressive plans for
expansion into the North and South American markets.”
“I’m excited to be back at Sega,”
said Gustafson. “Sega’s brand is universally recognized and
respected. Sega’s a market leader that delivers breakthrough
technologies, innovative designs, and exemplary product
executions. They’ve shown an aggressive commitment to expanding
their business throughout North and South America and I feel incredibly
lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of this growth” Gustafson can be reached at 847/364-9787.
(Back
to
August
2010
Menu)
MEI HAS FOUR MILLION
REASONS TO
CELEBRATE
(Posted
August 24, 2010 -- 11:30AM)
MEI recently celebrated
record-setting events with their two leading product lines. The
company manufactured its three millionth Series 2000 VN/AE bill
validator and its one millionth Cashflow 7000 coin manager in its
state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Queretaro, Mexico.
Both product lines are targeted for the vending and amusement
industries.
Since 1994, MEI has evolved its
VN/AE bill validator series’s core technology to retain the performance
and reliability demanded from the marketplace. MEI’s Cashflow 7000, launched in 2003,
created the coin manager category and was quickly adopted by vending
operators looking for the highest level of reliability, cash management
and performance. Originally designed to support the U.S. and Euro
currencies, this product is now used in over 52 countries.
“We reached these milestones because
we have earned the confidence of our customers through, quality,
innovation and an unrelenting focus on reliability,” said Jeff Jordan,
EVP of MEI. “We thank all our loyal customers for trusting MEI to
help improve their profitability, and we recognize that today’s success
came from finding ways to improve an operator’s bottom line.” (Back
to
August
2010
Menu)
AMI AND UNIVERSAL MUSIC
CONCLUDE GODSMACK CONTEST
(Posted
August 24, 2010 -- 11:30AM)
AMI Entertainment Network,
partnering with Universal Music Group, concluded a month-long jukebox
promotion featuring The Oracle,
the
latest
album
from
rockers
Godsmack.
From
July
6-August
3,
patrons
nationwide
were
given
the
chance
to
enter
to
win a signed
guitar through short video clips with “Touch to Win” messages.
The lucky winner, located in Grand Island, Nebraska, was one of 3,300
fans who entered to win the Gibson Les Paul guitar signed by the
members of the band. To enter, patrons accessed a sign-up screen
through which they submitted contact information.
AMI
music promotions similar to this one have retained over 9,000
submissions and have been proven to increase the music play on the
album being promoted, even in weeks after the sweepstakes has ended.
These sweepstakes increase album awareness, drive patrons to the juke,
and increase coin drop for all AMI jukeboxes. (Back
to
August
2010
Menu)
COIN-OP
CARES TO AID SECOND HARVEST
(Posted
August 24, 2010 -- 11:30AM)
AMOA’s Coin-Op Cares Education &
Charitable Foundation has approved a donation and special fundraiser in
support of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, the
association reported last week. This spring, devastating floods that
occurred in downtown Nashville, Tenn. Second Harvest Food Bank has been
deluged with requests for assistance and their resources have been
stretched by the magnitude of the disaster.
Coin-Op Cares will spearhead a
special fundraiser among association leaders during the upcoming AMOA
Mid-Year Board meeting in Nashville next weekend and will make a
matching contribution of up to $2,500, in the hopes of making a $5,000
donation to this charitable group. Coin-Op Cares has supported disaster
relief efforts and made donations in the wake of Hurricane Katrina five
years ago this month, and to the Haiti earthquake recovery campaign in
January of this year. (Back
to
August
2010
Menu)
VNEA AND NDA JOIN FORCES
(Posted
August 22, 2010 -- 8PM)
Two of the industry’s
promotion-focused associations, NDA and VNEA, recently hosted a joint
event called the 2010 League SMART Educational Conference at the Hyatt
Regency in downtown Indianapolis, Ind.
Attendees were treated to a weekend
full of invaluable industry knowledge and fun-filled and entertaining
group outings. Over 100 conference attendees, representing 46 charter
holders (operator members) and seven manufacturer members were on hand.
The agenda included pool and dart
referee certification seminars, a first-time attendees session,
specific league-focused seminars on a variety of real-world topics, a
welcome reception and cocktail party, special speakers and a
manufacturers showcase for their latest products. Participants in
the showcase included Arachnid, Cyberdine, Gaelco Darts, Medalist
Corporation, Shelti and Valley-Dynamo.
Marketing maven and RePlay columnist Brad Circone
(president of Circone & Associates, Columbus, Ohio) was the event
keynote speaker. His presentation was titled “Court, Cultivate and
Capture the Three Invisible P’s of Profit in Today’s Coin-Op Industry:
Partnerships, Promotions & Participation.”
Of course, participants also took
part in an intensely competitive pool and dart tournament. Attendees,
speakers and manufacturers gathered to make up 25 two-player teams for
three-ball pool and 501 in darts (double elimination) to determine the
conference champion. In the end, it was Don Ernst from Star Amusement
in Indiana and Patty Salisbury from Williams Enterprises in Illinois
who took home the coveted title.
League SMART concluded with general
sessions for both VNEA and NDA and a group outing to the Indiana Live
Casino. Look for more on this meeting in an upcoming issue of RePlay Magazine. (Back
to
August
2010
Menu)
WELL-LIKED N.J.
REGULATOR PASSES
(Posted
August 22, 2010 -- 8PM)
Jersey Shore
operators are mourning the passing of retired Games of Chance
commissioner Bill York, who died Aug. 17. “Bill was known by many
arcade people as a fair man when he’d pass muster on new cranes and
redemption pieces,” advised veteran Bruce Kawut. “If he didn’t like
some feature, he’d ask you to change it. He was an honest and
accessible government guy and easy to work with,” he added. New Jersey
has a unique law governing what can operate and in what locale with
respect to amusements that offer prizes. (Back
to
August
2010
Menu)
MARTY SHUMSKY PASSES AWAY
(Posted
August 18, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
Marty Shumsky, president/founder
of Reno Game Sales, 72, died Saturday, Aug. 14 of liver cancer. He'd
only been diagnosed in July, so his period of suffering was relatively
brief. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 22 at Reno's
Atlantis Casino, starting at 12 noon in Ballrooms 5-7. In lieu of
flowers, contributions can be made to Memorial for Marty Shumsky,
Chronic Disease Fund, 6900 N. Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX 75024,
attention Ashley Allen.
Marty started his distributorship from scratch back around 1984 near
the end of the videogame boom. Prior to that, he spent many years as
general manager of U.B.I. (the former United Billiards) in Union, N.J.
He was genuinely liked and respected by numerous trade people who
considered him a friend as well as a supplier. The company continues up
and running, advised his "right hand gal" Cindy Bozman; she can be
reached at the office number 775/829-2080 or by email: cindyrgs@yahoo.com. (Back
to
August
2010
Menu)
SPECIALTY COIN HOSTING NW
EXPO
(Posted
August 18, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
Specialty Coin Products, the
Northwest distributor headed up by trade veteran Mike McWilliams, has
announced plans to host the Amusement Expo Northwest on October 9 at
the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia, Washington.
"The goal of this show is to reach both street operators and family
entertainment owners and managers," said McWilliams in making the
announcement. "The expo will allow manufacturers to not only show
products but to also spend more direct time with prospective buyers.
Since there is not a show in Las Vegas this fall, we are anticipating a
great turnout. Customers who would normally attend a show in Las Vegas
and those that would not go will all be willing to travel this short
distance to see what is new, as well as spend time learning the latest
in the industry."
The expo will include both informative seminars and first-hand product
presentations from all the suppliers who bring equipment to the event.
In addition, there will be a door prize drawing, as well as
refreshments. There will be no entry fee charged to the attendees.
Specialty Coin has established a special room rate of $99.95 for all
attendees. Each guest must refer to Amusement Expo Northwest to receive
this discounted rate. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, September
8 to qualify for the special rate. Rooms are limited. Please contact
Red Lion Central Reservations at 800/733-5466 or Red Lion Hotel
Olympia, 360/943-4000.
Show coordinators are Chelann and Faye. To learn more about this event
or to register, contact Specialty Coin's Portland office at
503/786-9200, ext. 7 for Faye or ext. 8 for Chelann. (Back
to
August
2010
Menu)
GUSTAFSON EXITS LAI GAMES
(Posted
August 18, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
After three years at the helm of LAI Games' Dallas branch office, Peter
Gustafson has decided to make a move back to his hometown of Chicago
where most of his family and children live. Commenting on Pete's
decision, Alan Freimuth CEO of LAI Games said: "Pete was a valuable
employee who contributed greatly to our success in the U.S. market. We
are all sorry to see him go, but we can fully understand his desire to
be with loved ones again. Pete has already secured employment in
Illinois with another major company but will remain with LAI Games till
mid September to ensure a smooth handover." (Back
to
August
2010
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TOUCHTUNES LAUNCHES
NEW ONLINE SOCIAL
NETWORKING PLATFORM
(Posted
August 16, 2010 -- 5:30PM)
TouchTunes
Interactive Networks today announced the launch of their myTouchTunes
program, a nightlife music experience with an integrated platform that
combines location-based, social networking with the digital jukebox.
The new networking platform enables members to create, share and
control “the soundtrack to their night” by creating music playlists,
sharing them with friends, checking-in at local bars and updating what
they’re listening to and where they are, in real time, through Facebook
and Twitter. The new digital platform also comes with a new
myTouchTunes rewards program, allowing users to earn free credits every
time they play music while logged into myTouchTunes on the jukebox.
“With the world of consumer
entertainment options changing fast, we are exploring new and effective
ways to provide consumers with access to the great nightlife experience
they’ve come to expect from TouchTunes,” said Charles Goldstuck, CEO of
TouchTunes. “myTouchTunes will be a truly unique, integrated digital
media experience for our operators, bar owners, staff and for our
valued patrons.”
The newly expanded myTouchTunes is
the only in-venue and online destination that allows users to create a
more personalized music experience at bars and restaurants, the company
boasted. Tapping into the popularity of creating personal playlists for
evenings out, TouchTunes has made it easier than ever to create
playlists and send updates on what they’re playing and where to friends
on Facebook and Twitter. In addition to sharing music with
myTouchTunes users, playlists can be featured across the entire
TouchTunes network and accessed and played directly from the TouchTunes
jukebox in the location. The online platform also gives users the
ability to search for and find myTouchTunes-activated jukeboxes at
nearby bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs.
TouchTunes will also soon launch
their myTouchTunes mobile application to bring an easy-to-use, fun
version of the complete myTouchTunes experience to iPhone users. To
learn more about myTouchTunes, visit www.mytouchtunes.com. (Back
to
August
2010
Menu)
NAMCO FOUNDER
HONORED BY VIDEO
GAME HALL OF FAME
PELICAN TAPS SPEEDY'S ONE STOP
(Posted
August 16, 2010 -- 5:30PM)
Speedy’s One Stop Repair Service has
been selected by The Pelican Group to provide support service for all
Pelican amusement partners.
Pelican executives Richard Scherer (president/CEO), Sean Hanna (EVP
operations) and Steve Walton (VP business development) visited Speedy’s
recently to seal the deal.
Said Walton, “As operators, we posed
many unique situations and hard to resolve problems. Speedy’s was able
to resolve them all. We were amazed at the test fixtures and
workstations that repair everything from gun harnesses to sophisticated
board systems that many of the factories tell you cannot be repaired or
will have to be sent out of the country. In addition, many of the parts
SOS uses come directly from the part manufacturers or
are reproduced in house.”
“Like anyone evaluating a new
provider, they wanted to see our abilities and the resources we have to
offer. We are excited by this opportunity and look forward to
supporting their operators,” said David Bishop, senior VP of Namco
Cybertainment, Speedy’s parent company. Speedy’s provides service for the entire
amusement industry and welcomes all inquiries. To learn more, log on to
www.sosrepairservice.com.
(Back
to
August
2010
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MOULI COHEN ARRESTED
ON FRAUD
CHARGES
(Posted
August 11, 2010 -- 3PM)
A federal grand jury
in San Francisco has indicted Samuel “Mouli” Cohen on 19 counts of wire
fraud and 13 counts of money laundering, United States Attorney Joseph
P. Russoniello announced yesterday. According to
court documents, Cohen is accused of defrauding more than 55 victims
out of more than $30 million as a result of his scheme. Cohen founded
digital music provider Ecast, but has since left the company; he was
also involved in the now defunct online game effort, Aristo.
A Georgia law that increases skill and
redemption game fees for operators and locations based on a new
classification, while revising previously ambiguous definitions, went
into effect July 1. Though not entirely ideal for small businesses, the
Georgia Amusement and Music Operators Association, which has lobbied
for reform since the early 2000s, is hailing the bill's amendments to
existing law as a far-reaching measure to protect legitimate coin-op
amusement business practices.
"As I understand it, this is one of
the most comprehensive pieces of legislation in the country for games,"
Paradise Amusement's Butch Foshee, GAMOA president, told RePlay. "Other
states have said they wished they had what we now have. It's by no
means perfect, but it has gone a long way in clarifying certain legal
issues that were out there."
The new law clearly defines what
constitutes a single play, successful player and slot machine, making a
distinction between what's lawful and illegal activity for enforcement
authorities and thereby protecting non-cash redemption equipment on
location, according to Les Schneider, GAMOA counsel from the office of
Wimberly, Lawson, Steckel, Schneider & Stine.
"We know that redemption is key to
the survival of our business," Schneider said. "Operators with non-cash
redemption and merchandising have been very successful in both kiddie
and adult locations, and are not looking to compete with the state
lottery."
The bill further set standards on
the maximum income derived from machines on location versus other goods
sold and put forth penalties for violations of the law. Schneider
declared, "We were there to toughen any penalties for those operating
incorrectly so that those who are doing it legally can do so on a level
playing field and not be hassled."
The bill's passage of equipment and
location license fee hikes based on an erroneous categorization of
games - an issue of consternation among some of the state's operators -
actually nullified a more punitive piece of legislation, House Bill
1055. That measure would have financially devastated more amusement
companies and locations in the state's aggressive reach for more
revenues, noted Schneider and Foshee. GAMOA plans to address the unfair
classification for fees in the next legislative calendar year; they
will work with lawmakers who are aware of the problem posed by lumping
together kiddie and adult redemption games. Look for much more on this
story in the September issue of RePlay.
(Back
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August
2010
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VINZ HANDLING SALES AT
FUN
COMPANY
(Posted August 9, 2010 -- 10PM)
Mike Vinz hMike Vinzas been given
expanded sales duties at cabinet and game supplier Fun Co., which is
based in New Lisbon, Wis. Mike started at Fun Co. in January of 2010 as
an inside sales executive. Now he will also be traveling to customers
and tradeshows.
"Mike has been working directly with
the route operators and distributors selling our proprietary products,
and he enjoys the laid back and fun attitude of this industry," noted
Fun Co.'s Don Teske. "Mike is a great addition to our sales team with a
can-do attitude. He is very willing to do what it takes for the
customers."
Since starting at Fun Co., Vinz has
been busy learning the industry, attending Amusement Expo, WAMO's 2010
conference and tradeshow, and the M-PACT 2010 show in Indiana. He can
be reached at 800/808-5554 or at MVinz@funcomfg.com.
(Back
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2010
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COLABUONO TEES IT UP FOR
VETERANS
(Posted August 9, 2010 -- 10PM)
Incredible Technologies has already
announced its support for the upcoming Golden Tee Players Charity
Championship, August 27-29 at Splinter's Sports Pub in Palatine, Ill.
The event is supporting Salute, a charitable organization that helps
veterans and their families in times of need. I.T. has also made a
charitable donation to the group of $25,000.
However, in a show of his own
personal support for the cause, the factory's top promotions man, Gary
Colabuono, will be competing in the tournament, and he is looking for
the support of his industry friends.
"Everyone getting this email that
owes me dough or hasn't returned a favor, it's time to step up now and
help our veterans and their families," noted Colabuono in a recent
correspondence to this reporter. "No amount is too small. It would be
great if I could reach my goal of $1,000." To donate to Gary's cause,
log on to http://pcc2.donorpages.com/PCC3/GaryColabuono.
(Back
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I.T. SET TO RELEASE GT LIVE 2011
(Posted August 9, 2010 -- 10PM)
Incredible Technologies is
almost ready to start shipping Golden
Tee
LIVE
2011, a new courses update for the popular game platform.
The game
will be available at the end of next month. This latest version of
Golden Tee Live includes five new courses, as well as more ways to make
money, specifically offering special golden tees for sale (they enhance
shot making), YouTube uploads of any shot for a nominal fee and a wider
array of virtual merchandise, including clubs and balls for sale.
“This is a very cost-effective, simple, easy way to get that necessary
boost in earnings,” said senior VP of sales Don Pesceone. “We see it
every year with our updates. The last version of Golden Tee held strong
longer than any of the other versions we’ve had. Golden Tee players are
loyal and passionate. Operators can count on an immediate uptick in
game play as soon as the courses are installed.”
The return on investment is all the more attractive, added Pescone,
because operators can pay for the software over the course of 12 months
directly out of the cashbox. This lets the operator share the cost of
the software update with the location at whatever level they can work
out with those customers.
I.T. is also offering operators who haven’t updated their games in
recent years a chance to catch up on those updates at a low price of
$100 per previous update when they purchase the 2011 version at their
current tiered pricing.
Additionally, in the run-up to this new game release, I.T. implemented
a number of new policy changes and technology upgrades to limit the
domination of its ongoing live events by top players. For instance,
they have limited the number of games that can be played by any one
competitor on a daily basis to 30 games. Revenues immediately
increased, they say, as more players perceived a chance to win prizes
in the ongoing contests. “It re-energized the player base,” said
Pesceone. Look for the full story on this Golden Tee Live 2011 update in the
September issue of RePlay Magazine.
(Back
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NY TIMES
FOCUSES ON PERFORMING
RIGHTS
(Posted August 9, 2010 -- 10PM)
The New York Times previewed today
an extensive story that will appear
in its Sunday Magazine edition tracking the trials and tribulations of
music licensing enforcers who work for the performing rights
organizations. Many locations resist the entreaties of representatives
for ASCAP, BMI and SESAC, the story notes.
“There was, for example, the
gentleman at a Kentucky RV resort who told
(BMI’s Devon Baker) on the phone that he was going to come into her
office and ‘spray her down’ with a machine gun,” author John Bowe
describes. “Then there was the female punk-rock-club owner in Colorado
who ripped up Baker’s licensing agreement, ordered her out of the club,
followed her out the door, spit a huge goober on the paperwork and
stuck it to Baker’s windshield.”
Although the jukebox industry has a
long and storied history working
with the PROs, in recent years through the Jukebox Licensing Office,
the focus of the Times piece
is on efforts to license locations
directly for music they play in their establishments. The story can be
found at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/magazine/08music-t.html.
(Back
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ECAST PROMOS BLACK
CROWES, BUCKCHERRY
(Posted August 9, 2010 -- 10PM)
Ecast is currently
showcasing the release of the Black Crowes’
twentieth anniversary acoustic album, Croweology, on its broadband
jukebox network, through Aug. 17. The double CD package includes over 20
songs from their 20-year history
for which the band arranged acoustic versions. According to an article
in Billboard, Black Crowe singer Chris Robinson said that “it would be
nice to do something different for the 20th anniversary … it’ll be cool
for the fans; it’s celebrating that these people have been coming to
see us for so long.” And fans will have that opportunity to see
them again when their tour Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys begins on
August 13. After that, the band is taking a hiatus for an unspecified
time.
“We’re thrilled that the Black
Crowe’s distributor Sony Red recognizes
Ecast’s unique position in entertainment venues,” said Scott Walker,
VP, network operations. “It illustrates the power of Ecast’s network to
attract distribution of works by top artists. What’s more, we’re
delighted to bring this two-week promotion to the Black Crowe fans on
the Ecast network who are going to love being among the first to engage
with this album. It’s certain to generate the high volume of song plays
typical of Black Crowe songs, which generate tens of thousands of plays
across the Ecast network.”
Another Ecast promotion is running
in the same August 3-17 timeframe:
Buckcherry is debuting All Night Long, the group’s fifth studio album.
In their more than decade-long career, the album’s first single, All
Night Long, was released as a free download to fans on May 24.
Buckcherry has established itself as a good times rock band with
previous hits such as “Lit Up,” “Crazy Bitch” and “Sorry.” The Ecast promo includes banners and
towers for both bands. (Back
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2010
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LAI Games, has teamed up with the digital
imaging experts at Imaging Spectrum to offer low-cost paper to the
operators of their line of photo booths.
Imaging Spectrum created
www.SnapshotPaper.com, an e-commerce webpage where operators can
purchase paper for their photo booths for $95 per 600 vend roll and
have it shipped free of charge to anywhere in the continental US. That
works out to less than $0.16 per print.
“We want to support our
operators any way we can,” said LAI’s GM Pete Gustafson. “We sought out
a partner in the imaging industry who could supply our photo booth
operators with high quality paper at an affordable price, and that led
us to Imaging Spectrum. They worked with us to achieve a very low cost
per print, and our customers appreciate the service and value Imaging
Spectrum provides.”
The media pack available at
www.SnapshotPaper.com contains 600 sheets of 4” x 6” glossy photo
paper. It is compatible with LAI’s complete photo booth line, including
the compact Snapshot and Mini Star Blitz, and the full-size Star Blitz Deluxe. LAI’s award
winning Mini Little Masterpiece children’s
touchscreen
coloring
game
also
uses
this
paper.
(Back
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August
2010
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AAMA, AMOA EXTEND W.T. GLASGOW
CONTRACT FOR AMUSEMENT EXPO
(Posted August 2, 2010 -- 6PM)
AAMA
and AMOA have reportedly signed a two-year contract with the show
management firm of William T. Glasgow to continue overseeing and
staging the spring Amusement Expo. The decision was made last week when
members from both organizations met for a planning and brainstorming
session about the upcoming show. Glasgow has a long and productive
history with both organizations, managing their respective shows.
Glasgow also managed this spring's first consolidated spring Amusement
Expo. Glasgow hosts a range of trade shows for various
industries. (Back
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2010
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TOUCHTUNES TAPS
BARRY AS VP, CFO
(Posted August 2, 2010 -- 6PM)
TouchTunes
Interactive
Networks
has
appointed
Patrick
Barry
as
senior
VP
and
chief
financial
officer
of
the
company.
Barry
will
report
directly
to
Charles
Goldstuck,
president
and
CEO
of
TouchTunes.
Barry
will be responsible
for spearheading new initiatives and continuing the company's influence
in top markets across the country.
"Patrick is joining our company at a
time when we are seeing unprecedented growth and opportunity in the
markets in which we are active," Goldstuck said. "He brings years
of experience at leading digital companies and is the perfect executive
for what we need to harness this growth."
Barry has over 25 years of
experience with leading companies in the digital media, online retail,
publishing and restaurant industries. Prior to joining TouchTunes,
Barry was CFO of Oberon Media.com, a casual games solutions company,
and DSR Holdings, a restaurant holdings company. Barry was one of the
founding members at Bluefly.com, where he spent 10 years growing the
business to $95 million in revenues. He also served as CFO and
COO of Audible Inc. and CFO of Warner Music Enterprises. His extensive
background in finance included work at Book-of-the-Month Club, Time
Warner and Arthur Andersen LLP. He is a graduate of the University of
Pennsylvania's Wharton School and received his M.B.A from Columbia
University's Graduate School of Business with a concentration in
finance. (Back
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2010
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AMI
ANNOUNCES WINNER IN PAPER TONGUES CONTEST
(Posted August 2, 2010 -- 6PM)
A
Dallas native is the lucky winner of a recent jukebox contest offered
by AMI Entertainment Network, in partnership with Universal Music
Group, in promotion of the self-titled debut album from rockers Paper
Tongues. More than 4,000 fans entered to win a one-of-a-kind,
band-signed Ride snowboard.
The contest was offered nationwide
via broadband-connected AMI jukeboxes, which displayed short video
clips that, when touched, took fans to a sign-up screen to enter their
contact information.
Discovered and managed by legendary
producer Randy Jackson, Paper Tongues' self-titled debut was released
on March 30, 2010 to positive reviews. Ride to California, the
first single off the album, has become a club hit, showcasing the bands
signature mix of hip-hop beats, funk and energetic electronica. (Back
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2010
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BIG BUCK
CHAMPIONSHIP HEADED TO CUBBY BEAR IN CHICAGO
(Posted August 2, 2010 -- 6PM)
AAMA DEBUTS CLOSE TO
30 NEW
GAMES AT GALA
(Posted July 30, 2010 -- 3PM)
The American
Amusement Machine Association’s Annual Distributor Gala, held last
night following the group’s membership and board meetings, played host
to nearly 30 new games. This year’s gala also saw its best attendance
yet, according to one association board member. AAMA hosts the event as
a member benefit, offering its suppliers a valuable opportunity to show
new and often yet-to-be-released product to distributors and other
national buyers.
New to the schedule this year were five educational sessions aimed at
providing additional value to association members in attendance. Topics
included legislative affairs, a potential new member benefit for
employees who own homes or are considering buying a new home, a
presentation on the bowling biz by Bowling Center Management Magazine,
a fascinating look at the current state of the economy by the trade
group’s financial advisor and a final session on using the email
marketing software Constant Contact to help spur new business.
AAMA handed out its annual awards during the course of the gala,
presenting MEI’s Chris Felix with the President’s Award, chosen by
association staff. In a unique twist, current AAMA chairman David Cohen
was honored with the group’s most prestigious accolade, the Joe Robbins
Award. Like many winners of the same award, Cohen was left nearly
surprised and speechless, visibly showing emotion as he accepted. AAMA
also announced at the gala that its charitable arm, the American
Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation, would make donations of $5,000
each to the Children’s Miracle Network and Kids Enjoy Exercise Now,
both children’s outreach organizations long supported by the amusement
trade.
Game debuts ran the gamut including new videos from Global VR, Namco,
Raw Thrills and Sega, redemption and merchandise titles from the likes
of Adrenaline Amusements, Andamiro, Bay Tek, Benchmark, Coast to Coast,
Family Fun Companies, PlayMechanix and Pipeline Games.
The tavern game category included a new version of Arachnid’s video
shuffle alley now called Super
Shuffle with two bowling-themed games, an online, head-to-head
dartboard from Shelti and the Pooltronic
electronic scoring pool table from a new start-up developer called
Markay Adventures. AMI Entertainment debuted a brand new category of
skill-for-cash prize game called
Prize Farm, which will soon be available in select markets; the
firm also unveiled new game software for its family of touchscreen
games and unveiled the official production model of its Firefly handheld touchscreen. JVL
presented a sleeker cabinet version of its Encore game platform. Stern
Pinball debuted its new Avatar
pinball with a special 3D backglass. Finally, the gala saw the
introduction of a handful of novelty attractions from the likes of
Kalkomat and LAI Games.
IAAPA
EXPO TO FEATURE ROOKIES AND NEWCOMERS PROGRAM
(Posted July 28, 2010 -- 12PM)
The International
Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) will debut
Rookies and Newcomers as part of its comprehensive education program,
which takes place during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2010 in Orlando, Nov.
15-19. The day-and-a-half seminar, which was traditionally held in
conjunction with the defunct Fun Expo, begins Sunday, Nov. 14, at the
Orange County Convention Center. The program is designed to provide new
FEC owners and operators the skills and know-how to run a successful
business. More experienced FEC professionals will also benefit from the
broad review of best industry practices offered in the comprehensive
program.
Rookies and Newcomers will cover
numerous topics, including how to open an FEC, how to market and manage
an FEC, and ways to maintain a successful operation. Led by industry
experts, the program will provide the information, tools and skill set
needed to turn a fun concept into a business reality. The November
session will be co-moderated by Dorothy Lewis, president of Maxx Fun
Entertainment and chairwoman of the IAAPA Family Entertainment Center
Committee, and Richard Sanfilippo, president of Sam’s Fun City.
“I’m thrilled IAAPA is adding this
valuable workshop to its program this fall. From finances to marketing
to everyday operations, the Rookies and Newcomers program will provide
the know-how to run a successful family entertainment center. The
information discussed will benefit those considering opening a family
entertainment center, as well as those who have been in business
awhile,” said Dorothy Lewis. “Combined with the excellent educational
and networking opportunities available throughout the Expo, it will
provide a solid foundation for program attendees.”
Registration is required for Rookies
and Newcomers. The cost is $325 for IAAPA members and $429 for
non-members and includes IAAPA Attractions Expo registration, course
tuition and materials, lunch Sunday and Monday, and a reception Sunday
evening. Registration information and details about the program are
available at www.iaapa.org/iaapaattractionsexpo.
(Back
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ASIAN
ATTRACTIONS EXPO 2010 SETS
RECORDS
(Posted July 28, 2010 -- 12PM)
Asian Attractions Expo
2010, a four-day conference and tradeshow, broke records for the total
number of participants and buyers, the size of the trade show floor and
the attendance at the conference programs. Asian Attractions Expo 2010
took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia, July
13-16.
Preliminary estimates indicate a
record 4,750 people, including 3,250 buyers from 40 countries,
participated in Asian Attractions Expo 2010. This figure represents a
34% increase in the total number of buying companies and an 11%
increase in total number of buyers when compared to Asian Attractions
Expo 2009. The number of senior-level directors, vice presidents, and
owners increased 64%; the number of buyers from theme parks,
waterparks, family entertainment centers, resorts and investors
increased significantly as well.
The number of companies exhibiting
at Asian Attractions Expo 2010 increased almost 50% over 2009. A record
212 companies from 30 countries promoted a variety of products and
services on 4,081 net square meters of space on the tradeshow floor. (Back
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2010
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SMART OFFERS
FINANCING ON EASY TOUCHDOWN
(Posted July 28, 2010 -- 12PM)
Des Moines-based game factory
Smart Industries is now working with Firestone Financial on financing
opportunities for its new merchandiser Easy Touchdown, which was awarded
the AMOA Innovator Award at this spring’s Amusement Expo in Las Vegas.
Operators can access 0% financing for 12 months or 5.99% financing for
24 months. To learn more about the game or financing options, log on to
Smart’s website at www.smartind.com.
(Back
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CABRERA
JOINS
VGT
(Posted July 28, 2010 -- 12PM)
Vanessa
Cabrera, AAMA’s longtime marketing and promotions specialist, has
accepted the sales and marketing coordinator position with Video Gaming
Technologies for the emerging Illinois video gaming marketplace. “Having worked within the association for
over 10 years has afforded me to meet and work with many incredible
people, and I hope to somehow continue our working relationship,”
Cabrera noted. She can be contacted by calling 847/253-2380. (Back
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2010
Menu)
INCREDIBLE
TECHNOLOGIES
NAMED BEST AND BRIGHTEST
(Posted July 28, 2010 -- 12PM)
For the
third consecutive year, game creator Incredible Technologies was named
one of Chicago’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the
National Association for Business Resources (NABR).
I.T. earned the award based on a
range of criteria that includes diversity, work-life balance,
compensation and benefits, employee education, retention and community
initiative. Best and Brightest winners are selected by an independent
market research company and an independent panel of judges.
I.T. is the maker of Golden Tee Golf, one of the most
successful coin-operated videogame in entertainment history. Recently,
I.T. has diversified into the development of mobile entertainment such
as iPhone apps, home videogames for the Wii console system and casino
gaming, namely its new line of Magic
Touch video slot, poker and Keno games.
Incredible Technologies employs 140
people. According to Cory Christensen, I.T.’s director of human
resources, winning the award for three years straight reflects the
company’s core philosophy: namely, that an employee-friendly atmosphere
fosters success in every facet of business. “A productive, satisfied,
invested employee is the best kind to have,” she said. “Our three-peat
indicates that our owners have been successful in making sure every
employee knows the value that both their job and person bring to our
company.”
I.T.
recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala party held at
Arlington International Racecourse. The employees surprised owners
Elaine Hodgson and Richard Ditton with individual mementoes, as well as
a 25th anniversary poster signed by all the employees. After receiving
their gifts, Elaine and Richard thanked their employees for their hard
work, creativity and dedication. (Back
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2010
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REPLAY FACEBOOK
GROUP MIGRATES
TO PAGE
(Posted July 28, 2010 -- 12PM)
RePlay
has transitioned its Facebook presence from a group to a page. The page
design offers more ability to strategically deliver instant news,
images and discussions to the amusement industry community. For a more
direct and interactive experience staying up to date and connecting
with colleagues, go to our page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/RePlay-Magazine/129146740457318?ref=ts)
and
click
the
like
button.
Find a discussion on the dynamics of
distributor relationships. Comment on the value that middle tier
uniquely plays for operators making purchase decisions, seeking
technical support and staying up to speed on city, state and regional
happenings. Furthermore, if
you’re on Twitter, become a follower of replaymag (http://twitter.com/replaymag)
for even more news and views. (Back
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2010
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N.C.
GOVERNOR
OPEN
TO
GAMING
(Posted July 27, 2010 -- 1:30PM)
On the heels of signing a law
banning video sweepstakes machines, North Carolina governor Bev Perdue
said she is open to state regulated video gaming, according to a report
by NewsOberver.com, which
serves the research triangle area of the state.
"I think if you have video
sweepstakes, whether it is video poker or video machines in general, we
really do need to have some kind of concerted, organized, unified
system of regulation where they are under a standard set of rules and
regulations where we can be sure that nobody is profiteering from it,"
Perdue was quoted as saying.
A spokesperson for the governor
later said she wasn’t planning to actively push for such a measure.
Proponents of video gaming in North Carolina say it could generate $500
million a year in tax revenue. Bills have been introduced in the state
legislature, but they have not received a final vote. (Back
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2010
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GAMING
REVENUE
ON
THE
DOWNSWING
RePlay's August 2010 issue
will soon be making its way to your business' mailbox. Headlining the
magazine is analysis of Bowl Expo and that industry drawn from our
first-hand coverage, as well as of the factors precipitating the 2011
co-location of Amusement Expo with the NBVA show.
Profiles of The Game Grid, Tri Valley Amusement, Palmentere Coin-Op and
more firms create a 360-degree view of the amusement industry, each
revealing a distinct entrepreneurial force driving on-location
entertainment's appeal and profitability. Moreover, find out from
operators around the country about the livelihood of their league
program, plus reports on open houses, new product and so much more,
only in the pages of RePlay. (Back
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2010
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STERN TO RELEASE AVATAR
PINBALL
(Posted July 22, 2010 -- 11:00PM)
Stern Pinball revealed this week that Avatar,
their next pinball based on last fall’s mega blockbuster, will
start production in mid-August. To kindle the movie’s excitement, the
backglass will be 3D, and speech and sound effects will be supplied by
actor Stephen Lang who played Colonel Quaritch.
The first production runs will be
dedicated to overseas markets to coincide with their buying season with
domestic shipments to follow in early September.
Look for further details in a future
issue of RePlay. (Back
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July
2010
Menu)
MUSICATI ATTRACTS NEW
TALENT TO AMI CATALOG
(Posted July 22, 2010 -- 11:00PM)
AMI Entertainment Network has partnered with Circone + Associates to
launch Musicati, the world's first do-it-yourself jukebox promotional
program. Musicati was created to assist unsigned independent artists in
their quest to be heard. Bands can come to the website to build a
profile, upload their music and utilize promotional tools to enhance
their presence to fans and to the music industry.
"AMI and Circone + Associates'
Musicati partnership strengthens the AMI music catalog, brings new
bands to the network and attracts new fans to the jukebox to seek out
and listen to the music they love," AMI noted in its announcement.
Check it out at www.musicati.com. (Back
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2010
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I.T. TO SPONSOR
CHARITY CHAMPIONSHIP
(Posted July 21, 2010 -- 11:00PM)
In conjunction with I.T.'s 25th anniversary, the game manufacturer will
conduct its third Golden Tee Players Charity Championship in
conjunction with Video Golfers for Underdogs, August 27-29, at
Splinter's Sports Pub in Palatine, Ill.
The invitational tournament will
feature top Golden Tee players whose skills are surpassed only by their
generosity, noted I.T., which is making a $25,000 contribution.
Proceeds will benefit Salute, a charitable organization in Palantine
specializing in aiding American veterans and their families in times of
need. The event's goal is to raise $100,000.
The trade may contribute by backing
marketing director Gary Colabuono, who has a personal $1,000 goal, in
the competition. Make a donation at Gary's donor page at http://pcc2.donorpages.com/PCC3/GaryColabuono.
In addition to the charity
competition, the weekend at Splinter's will also feature singer Ira
Dean, former Chicago Bear and Palantine mayor Jim Schwantz and other
local celebrities, Salute founders Will and Mary Beth Beiersdorf, a
raffle and more. Find out more at www.goldentee.com/pcc
and www.saluteinc.org. (Back
to
July
2010
Menu)
NJAA TO LOBBY AGAINST
GAMES OF
CHANCE BILL
(Posted July 21, 2010 -- 12:30PM)
The New Jersey Amusement Association will meet next week with state
legislators regarding a bill that would blend statues regarding bingos,
raffles and amusement games.
Currently assigned to the Senate
State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation
Committee, the legislation is the result of changes recommended by the
New Jersey Law Revision Commission after studying games of chance laws.
In a letter to association members, Edward McGlynn explained that the
NJAA aims to have removed all references to amusement games.
"We are scheduled to meet with
Senator Whalen to discuss major changes which would remove any
reference to the Amusement Games Law," McGlynn wrote. "I am
hopeful we will be successful in the senate, and if not will attempt to
get Governor Christie to veto."
Similar pieces of legislation were
assigned to committee in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008, all of which were
successfully stopped, noted McGlynn. (Back
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2010
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ALLIANCE
STRUCK
FOR
SALE
&
SERVICE
OF
VGTs
(Posted July 21, 2010 -- 12:30PM)
Video Gaming Technologies’s subsidiary, VGT Manufacturing, and Grand
Products have reached a preliminary, non-exclusive agreement to
distribute VGT’s gaming terminals to Illinois operators for placement
at licensed bars, taverns, restaurants, truck stops and other licensed
venues that allow alcohol consumption. Grand Products will also provide
warehousing and service facilities, including a showroom that will
allow prospective customers to familiarize themselves with VGT’s
machines.
Jon Yarbrough, CEO for VGT, said, “This agreement with Grand Products
supports our commitment by forging an alliance with a successful
Illinois-based company that brings decades of experience serving
both the amusement gaming and regulated gaming markets.”
“This opportunity to further VGT’s successful entry into the Illinois
video gaming market through the sale, distribution and service of their
industry leading video gaming terminals is an exciting opportunity for
Grand Products to strengthen its business in its home market of
Illinois,” said David Marofske, Jr., president of Grand Products.
In related news, VGT announced the opening of its Illinois office in
Rolling Meadows, as well as the hiring of James Macahon as sales
account manager along with Vanessa Cabrera as executive assistant. For
more information, visit www.vgt.net
or www.grandproductsinc.com. (Back
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TANK! TANK! TANK!
UPDATE IS
NOW AVAILABLE
(Posted July 21, 2010 -- 12:30PM)
Namco America has released a Tank!
Tank! Tank! software upgrade to provide players with new
enemies to battle, more “NamCam” photo frames for additional
customization and increased audio and visual instructions for better
game play.
“With enemies that alternate every
month, players will benefit from having a completely new experience
when they play the cooperative game mode,” said Sam Ven, product
coordinator of Namco America.
Additional “NamCam” picture frames
give players more options when customizing their player photos. A
cowboy hat, black samurai helmet, prisoner uniform and a tiger mask are
the newest frames. Meanwhile, the default game mode has been changed to
free-for-all in the game selection screen.
New shipments of Tank! Tank! Tank! will have the
latest software. Customers can receive this free upgrade through
Namco’s advance replacement program by calling 847/264-5612 or emailing
parts@namcoamerica.com.
(Back
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PARKWAY
TOYS
IS
NOW
ONLINE
(Posted July 21, 2010 -- 12:30PM)
A&A Global’s newest division for plush toys and merchandise can now
be found online at www.parkwaytoys.com. The interactive and inviting
site is designed to be an operator’s one-stop source for
plush-pre-packs and other toys for cranes.
From the homepage, navigation is easy. Beanie, small, medium, jumbo and
seasonal plush categories are all represented and up-to-date. The
website also includes an about page, contact information, free freight
program, order and pricing, and FAQs that address most questions,
according to the company.
As the division continues to develop so will the site with more
pre-packs and toys, video tutorials, fun animations and more.
Parkway Toys is based in Whittier, Calif., with 375,000 sq. ft. of
space and two shipping facilities. Call 800/638-6000 for more info. (Back
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AMOA NAMES TAMPA FOR
COUNCIL
MEETING
(Posted July 19, 2010 -- 2PM)
The Amusement & Music Operators Association will hold its 2011
Council of Affiliated States meeting in Tampa on Feb. 10-12, 2011, at
the Westin Tampa Bay. The annual meeting serves as a forum for state
associations to compare notes on initiatives to lobby for promoting and
defending coin-op amusement and small business interests.
“Considering the popular Sunbelt city destination that time of year,
AMOA has secured a very favorable, low rate at the headquarters hotel:
$129 for single/double rooms, plus taxes,” the association reported its
Off The Top e-newsletter. A
complimentary shuttle from the Tampa International Airport and the
Westin will provide transport.
For more details, contact AMOA deputy director Lori Schneider at llschneider@prodigy.net or at
800/937-2662. (Back
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IAAPA ASIAN EXPO SET
FOR SINGAPORE
(Posted July 19, 2010 -- 2PM)
IAAPA’s Asian
Attraction Expo 2011 will take place at Singapore’s new destination
resort, Resorts World Sentosa, June 21-24, the association revealed
last week.
Asian Attractions Expo is the
leading event for the multibillion-dollar leisure and attractions
industry in Asia. Organizers anticipate more than 3,000 professionals
from 40 countries will participate in the event. Owners and managers
representing amusement and theme parks, including FECs and
location-based entertainment facilities and attractions, will develop
and purchase new attractions and products for their facilities, see
what’s new, learn about best practices and network with colleagues.
More than 200 exhibitors from 25
countries will showcase innovative products and services in nearly 100
product categories, including amusement and skill games and prizes. The
four-day event will also feature educational programs, keynote speeches
by industry leaders and networking events. Find out more at www.iaapa.org. (Back
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FEC PROMOTIONS
WEBINAR TO BE HELD JULY 22
(Posted July 19, 2010 -- 2PM)
In TrainerTainment's upcoming webinar,
"Promotions Made Easy," learn how to implement a 30/60/90-day model
that makes planning and implementing promotions fun and easy. Be
prepared for back-to-school and Halloween promotions while still in the
middle of summer.
The online event will take place on
Thursday, July 22, from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. CDT. There is no charge to
attend. Sign up at www.trainertainment.net. Subscribers to TrainerTainment's
training portal, Xpress Training, have access to all webinars to use in
team meetings and training sessions at any time. (Back
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ELAUT
OFFERS
BIG ONE BUY BACK
(Posted July 19, 2010 -- 2PM)