AVS Companies recently launched a revamped website designed to optimize the user experience. It features “streamlined menu navigation, refined search functionality, enhanced product pages and a faster, more intuitive online experience for customers.” “We are excited to reveal the first complete revamp of our site in years,” said Jeff Yoder, the company’s CEO. “We firmly believe the ease of use coupled with improved search capabilities and performance will make this site an important tool and asset for our customers.” Added Tony Shamma, the company’s executive vice president: “Our new website makes it easier for our customers to explore the latest…
Author: Matt Harding
Free Play Pinball Arcade recently opened in Livonia, Michigan, with nearly 100 arcade games and pinball machines, many from the 1980s and ’90s. MLive reported that Galaga, Donkey Kong, Joust, Moon Patrol, Ms. Pac-Man, Centipede, Space Invaders and NBA Jam are among the mix. This location, at 19170 Farmington Rd., is the company’s second location in Metro Detroit. The other is in Fraser. You can visit their website, www.freeplaypinballarcade.com, to see the full list of games and other details.
The recently rebranded EAG360 event is gearing up for their Jan. 12-14 expo in London by appointing Steve James to its sales and marketing team. James brings 45 years of commercial experience, navigating through print, digital, sponsorship and exhibition stand sales over his career. “He joins EAG360 with a track record for working in pressured environments and delivering across multiple channels and event,” said EAG360 director Nicola Lazenby. “He has shown that he can build and maintain long-term business relationships based on understanding client needs and delivering ROI. He will be a key member of the team as we continue…
Innovative Concepts in Entertainment will soon start producing their new ICEBALL X, a spin on the classic alley roller. With classic gameplay at its core, ICEBALL X adds a “Complete the X” challenge to unlock bonus opportunities. Players must hit all five illuminated X pockets while chasing big scores in the traditional pockets as well. “For those who love a little competition, the new multiplayer Great Race mode lets 2-4 players battle it out simultaneously in a fast-paced race to the top score,” the company added. “Live player tracking, exciting animations and winner celebrations make it just as much fun…
The AMOA Regional Tech School kicked off its 2026 training season with a record-setting turnout, the association reported, welcoming 45 attendees to their fifth annual tech-focused event in Chicago. The two-day program featured seven specialized technical training tracks designed to help operators and technicians build “practical, hands-on skills across a wide range of equipment.” Training sessions covered jukeboxes (both AMI and TouchTunes), dart boards, cranes, pinball, payment systems, ATMs and a new course on Valley pool table recovering. “The AMOA Tech School invited subject matter experts in the amusement industry to teach technicians and business owners about a wide variety…
Darin Harper, the chief financial officer at Dave & Buster’s since June 2024, was appointed as the company’s new CEO following the retirement of Tarun Lal. D&B said Lal will work closely with Harper on the transition and continue to serve as an advisor to the company through at least the end of fiscal year 2027. The new CEO has nearly 30 years of relevant experience at various entertainment and restaurant companies, including Main Event Entertainment prior to its acquisition by D&B. “Tarun has played a key role in advancing the ompany’s strategic priorities and positioning Dave & Buster’s for the…
Pixel Plush & Prizes recently named industry veteran Dave Schwartz as their director of sales. The company has been celebrating its first anniversary and is working hard to expand within the amusement industry. Most recently, Schwartz served as vice president of sales for the licensed amusement plush supplier Good Stuff and previously had leadership positions at BMI Merchandise and National Entertainment Network. He started his career at Hasbro. “I am thrilled to add Dave to our team at Pixel Plush,” said the director of merchandise and programs, Paula Rinker. “His deep knowledge of redemption and plush products, combined with his…
A new family entertainment center in Springfield, Illinois, is set to open today, Aug. 7. The Springfield Business Journal reported that Legends Entertainment is a 46,000-sq.-ft. venue that features a 12-lane bowling alley, more than 100 arcade games, a patio with outdoor seating and yard games, and a food court featuring five local restaurants and three bars. Three party rooms are available for group events. Construction began in June 2025; plans for the opening were delayed following unseasonably cold temperatures and heavy snow over the winter. Learn more about the FEC, which boasts having Springfield’s largest arcade, at www.legends-springfield.com.
A “major new evolution” of their popular motorcycle racing game, LAI Games will bring Asphalt Moto Blitz DX Plus to market this fall, the company announced. “Moto Blitz DX Plus represents a substantial step forward for the Moto Blitz franchise,” said Allison Timberlake, the marketing director for LAI Games. “It delivers the scale, spectacle and premium presentation operators expect from a centerpiece racing attraction, while giving players an exciting motorcycle experience with exceptional variety and replayability.” Designed as a premium standalone attraction, the cabinet features an 85” display, immersive motion technology, licensed motorcycles and a selection of 23 tracks. Up…
As the association continues to evolve, AAMA says it has a new volunteer engagement structure designed to create more opportunities for members to get involved, contribute their expertise and move their strategic priorities forward. From now on, committee membership is appointed and made up of designated board members and the chairs of the teams that fall within each committee. They will provide “strategic oversight, coordination and accountability across their respective focus areas.” “Teams,” meanwhile, are “where the work happens.” The association said those will focus on “advancing specific initiatives, developing ideas and accomplishing objectives established by their committee. AAMA members…