NickelWorld Illinois Arcade Offers Nostalgic Games & Prizes for Just 5-Cents a Play By Zachary Carella Have you ever longed to play a classic redemption game, whether it’s a quick-coin, rolldown or ball-toss, but couldn’t find it in any traditional arcade? Well, look no further because NickelWorld in Rockford, Illinois, has got you covered! They still operate scores of nostalgic games with classic titles like Wacky Gator, Slam A Winner and Big Haul, as well as some more obscure games like Simple Simon, Clown Rolldown and their more recent acquisition, Steer Crazy ll. I first played there in 2013 and…
Author: RePlay Editor
Triotech’s SuperBlaster Factory Says it Brings Attendant-Free Dark Ride Experience to “Any Venue” Triotech’s SuperBlaster, their latest in attendant-free coin-op interactive simulators, is now shipping globally, says the maker. The company launched the cabinet at IAAPA Expo 2023 and showed it at several events this year as well. “We’re thrilled to introduce SuperBlaster – a visually stunning, high-end ride that reflects our dedication to innovation,” said CEO and founder Ernest Yale. “Through collaboration with customers, distributors and operators, we’ve crafted a fun multiplayer game that will attract players through its open concept. Best of all, it’s attendant-free, which makes it…
2024: A Year of Transitions? Cost of Goods Is as Important as Picking the Best Prizes! by Howard McAuliffe, Partner, Pinnacle Entertainment Group Prizes drive the modern redemption arcade revenues and profits. Typically, 75% or more of arcade revenues come from games that require a prize, including: games where the guests win tickets, cranes, and merchandisers. The prizes that drive this play are very important and as a result, most operators focus on finding the best ones for their locations. Many also understand the importance of keeping redemption rooms, cranes and merchandisers full, organized and looking like a retail display.…
A Funny Year for Game Buying Amusement Expo is More Important than Ever By George McAuliffe, President, Pinnacle Entertainment Group If it’s March it must be time for Amusement Expo International (AEI)! The show, in Las Vegas, kicks off with two days of seminars – March 18 and 19 – with the trade show on the 20th and 21st. Learn more by visiting the event website at www.amusementexpo.org. (Full disclosure, my son and partner, Howard McAuliffe serves on AAMA’s AEI board and also cochairs the show’s education committee with Beth Standlee of Trainertainment.) A Little History What we know of…
EAG 2024 London’s Premier Amusement Event Showcases Latest Games by Kevin Williams, International Immersive Technology Special Correspondent The London-based Entertainment, Amusement and Gaming Expo (EAG) holds a special place in the amusement trade calendar, being one of the first events of the year and a chance for many in the scene to evaluate the new trends that will shape the season. As you’d expect, full order books being a mark of the success of the United Kingdom gathering. This year marked a special point for the U.K. trade as the show, supported by the venerable Bacta trade association supporting amusement…
What Are Interactive Gaming Rooms? by Bob Cooney There’s a new trend that seems to be catching fire. And while it’s not virtual reality, it is a form of immersive entertainment and uses some of the core technology from the VR industry. Interactive Gaming Rooms are compact, multiplayer, enclosed spaces with interactive video on the walls and/or floor. They use camera systems and sensors found in free roam VR technology to track player movements and interactions with the environment. While the technology applied might differ, the experiences all offer active shoulder-to-shoulder multiplayer games people seem to love. Immersive Gamebox Immersive…
Taking it to the Next Level The Latest in Fun from Benchmark and Elaut Is Ready for Market! The team at the Elaut Group is excited about the coming Amusement Expo and taking a look at their new game lineup, it’s easy to see why. First, their Benchmark Games International (BGI) brand is leading with Superman: Worlds United, an “Xtreme”-sized amusement pusher that wows with its colorful cabinet, comic-book feel and gameplay themed on the Man of Steel. Then, there’s a new line of street games from BGI (games, by the way, that will be equally at home on the…
A Time for Amusement, Amusement Expo, That Is! by Adam Pratt, Arcade Galactic & ArcadeHeroes.com It seems like it was just yesterday that we were celebrating the new year but we’re already getting ready for Amusement Expo! As I usually do, I’ll run down some of the new equipment you can expect to see in Las Vegas. (Also as usual, since some announcements are forth-coming, I’ll also make some educated guesses.) Let’s start with the easy stuff: games that have been put into production since IAAPA 2023. Not counting game releases at that show (such as King Kong II by…
Making Memorable Experiences by Jack Guarnieri, Jersey Jack Pinball & PinballSales.com Have you heard the term “revenge travel”? This travel is to sort of “get even” with the restrictions imposed on us because of Covid. Most of us could not travel, whether that was to the other side of the world or just a short trip across town. During that time, the smallest freedom was something we did not have. It seems like that was such a long time ago. I’m sure there must have been “revenge dining,” “revenge shopping” and so on, but it’s the travel part that intrigues…
Arcade Adventures Exploring the Entertainment Extravaganza at GameTime & In The Game by Barry Zelickson Arcade centers have become vibrant hubs of entertainment, and two companies leading the way in redefining arcade experiences are GameTime and In The Game. Join us on a journey through their immersive locations for an unforgettable blend of gaming, dining, and more. GameTime – Kissimmee, FL www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJfJSUJeNu8 General Manager Dustin Gatward, introduced GameTime in Kissimmee, Florida, as an entertainment venue that goes beyond the traditional arcade. With over 100 exciting games, a scratch kitchen and a full-service restaurant, GameTime transforms arcade entertainment into a complete…